The Life or Legend of Gaudama, the Buddha of the Burmese (Volume I)Bigandet, Paul Ambroise
Religion
The Life or Legend of Gaudama, the Buddha of the Burmese (Volume I)
Bigandet, Paul Ambroise
Buddhism -- Burma; Burma -- Religion; Gautama Buddha
[F] _Remarks of the Burmese Translator._--In former existences,
our Phralaong is said to have spoken a few words immediately
after his birth, viz., when he was Mahauthata and Wethandra. In
the first, he came into this world holding in his hands a small
plant, which a Nat had brought and placed in his tender hands at
that very moment. He showed it to his mother, who asked him
what it was. "This is a medicinal plant," replied he, to his
astonished mother. The plant was cast into a large jar full of
water, and the virtualised liquid ever retained the power of
curing every kind of bodily distemper. When he was born, or
rather began the existence in which he was called Wethandra, he
stretched out his hands asking something from his mother which
he might bestow on the needy. The mother put at his disposal one
thousand pieces of silver.
Thirty-two mighty wonders had proclaimed the incarnation of Phralaong in
his mother's womb, and the same number of wonders announced his birth to
the earth. Moreover, in that same moment were born the beautiful
Yathaudara, Ananda, the son of Amitaudana, the noblemen Tsanda and
Kaludari, and the horse Kantika. The great tree Bodi also sprung from
the ground, in the forest of Oorouwela, about two youdzanas distant from
the city of Radzagio, and in a north-easterly direction from that place,
and the four golden vases suddenly reappeared.
The inhabitants of Dewah, joining those of Kapilawot, set out for the
latter country with the newly-born infant, to whom they rendered the
greatest honours. The Nats of the seat of Tawadeintha, on hearing that a
son was born to King Thoodaudana, and that under the shade of the tree
Bodi[5] he would become a true Buddha with a perfect knowledge of the
four great truths, gave full vent to their boundless joy, hoisting
unfurled flags and banners in every direction, in token of their
indescribable rejoicings.
There was a celebrated Rathee, named Kaladewila, who had passed through
the eight degrees of contemplation, and who was in the habit of
resorting daily to the prince's palace for his food. On that very day,
having taken his meal as usual, he ascended to the seat of
Tawadeintha,[6] and found the fortunate inhabitants of that seat giving
themselves up to uncommon rejoicings. He asked them the reason of such
an unusual display of enrapturing transports of exultation. "It is,"
replied they to the inquiring Rathee, "because a son is born to King
Thoodaudana, who will soon become a true Buddha. Like all former
Buddhas, he will preach the law and exhibit in his person and throughout
his life the greatest wonders and a most accomplished pattern of the
highest virtues. We will hear the law from his very mouth."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account