The Life or Legend of Gaudama, the Buddha of the Burmese (Volume II)Bigandet, Paul Ambroise
Religion
The Life or Legend of Gaudama, the Buddha of the Burmese (Volume II)
Bigandet, Paul Ambroise
Buddhism -- Burma; Burma -- Religion; Gautama Buddha
During the 7000 years that he reigned over Mitila with the queen
Thiwalee, he faithfully practised the observances of the law, governed
justly, fed the Rahans and Pitzega-buddhas, and gave abundant alms to the
poor.
On the 10th month Thiwalee was delivered of a son, whom they called
Digaout. On a certain day, the king, having received from his gardener
some mangoes full of flavour and beauty, wished to go to the garden to
see the tree that yielded such delicious fruits. When he arrived at the
place, he saw two mango-trees, one with a luxuriant foliage, but without
fruits, the other loaded with fruits. The monarch approached the tree,
riding his elephant, and plucked some mangoes, which he ate and found
delicious. Thence he proceeded further to inspect the other parts of the
extensive garden. The courtiers and the people that followed plucked
fruits from the same tree, and did it with such eagerness that they left
neither fruits nor leaves on the tree.
On his return the king was surprised to see the fruitful tree destitute
of both leaves and fruits, whilst the barren one had a beautiful
appearance. The monarch, after a lengthened dialogue with his courtiers,
concluded as follows: “The riches of this world are never without
enemies; he who possesses them resembles the fruitful mango-tree. We
must look out for goods that excite neither envy, jealousy, nor other
passions. The Rahans and Pitzega-buddhas alone possess such riches. I
will take a lesson from the barren mango-tree. That I may cut off and
eradicate the troubles, vexations, and anxieties of life, I will renounce
everything and embrace the profession of Rahan.”
With this idea strongly impressed on his mind, Dzanecka came back to his
palace. He forthwith sent for the general of his troops, and directed
him to place a strong guard in front of his apartment, and allow no one
for four consecutive months to come into his presence, not even the
queen, but only him who would bring his daily meal. He gave orders to
his ministers to judge with impartiality, agreeably to the law. Having
thus arranged everything, he withdrew alone to the upper apartment of his
palace. Here follows a stanza in praise of the prince, who had separated
from his queen, concubines, and all the pleasures and honours attending
royalty.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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