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
At that time the Nats, from their seats, looked down on the scene of the
combat, suspended between hope and fear. Phralaong at that moment said
to Manh: "How do you dare to pretend to the possession of this throne?
Could you ever prove, by indisputable evidence, that you have ever made
offerings enough to be deserving of this throne?" Manh, turning to his
followers, answered: "Here are my witnesses; they will all bear evidence
in my favour." At the same moment they all shouted aloud, to testify
their approval of Mania's words. "As to you, Prince Theiddat, where are
the witnesses that will bear evidence in your favour and prove the
justness of your claim to the possession of this throne?" Phralaong
replied: "My witnesses are not like yours, men or any living beings.[5]
The earth itself will give testimony to me. For, without alluding even
to those offerings I have made during several previous existences, I
will but mention the forty-seven great ones I made whilst I lived as
Prince Wethandra." Stretching out his right hand, which he had kept
hitherto under the folds of his garments, and pointing to the earth, he
said with a firm voice: "Earth, is it not true that at the time I was
Prince Wethandra I made forty great offerings?" The earth replied with a
deep and loud roaring, resounding in the midst of Manh's legions, like
the sound of countless voices, threatening to spread death and
destruction in their ranks. The famous charger of Manh bent his knees,
and paid homage to Phralaong. Manh himself, disheartened and
discomfited, fled to the country of Wathawatti. His followers were so
overpowered by fear that they flung away all that could impede their
retreat, and ran away in every direction. Such was the confusion and
disorder that prevailed that two warriors could not be seen following
the same course in their flight.
Looking from their seats on the defeat of Manh and the glorious victory
of Phralaong, the Nats[6] rent the air with shouts of exultation. The
Brahmas, Nagas, and Galongs joined the Nats in celebrating his triumph
over his enemies. They all hastened from more than ten thousand worlds
to pay their respects and offer their felicitations, presenting him with
flowers and perfumes, saying: "Victory and glory to Phralaong! Shame and
defeat to the infamous Manh!"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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