[AZ] From _The Gospel of Buddha, according to Old Records_, told by Paul Carus. I. Why thus so long by Karma tied? O Bhikshus, listen! You and I The four great truths have set aside, Not understanding--that is why! II. Through rock and plant and breathing things Migrate[BA] the wandering souls of each, Till they, beyond imaginings, The perfect light of Buddha reach. [BA] Although the expression "migrate" does not accurately represent the process of transition in a Buddhistic sense, it is retained here for want of a better. III. Karma inexorable reigns! E'en though you fly from star to star, The Past on you imprest remains, And what you were is what you are! IV. To new births onwards you must press Before the hill of light you see Where shines the beacon Righteousness From transmigration's bondage free. V. The higher birth I've reached, O friends; I've found the truth, rebirth's surcease; I've taught the noble path that wends To kingdoms of eternal peace. VI. I've showed to you Ambrosia's lake, Which all your sins will wash away; The sight of truth your thirst will slake, And Lust's destroying strife allay. VII. He who has crossed through Passion's fire, And climbed Nirvana's radiant shore, _His_ bliss the envious gods desire, _His_ heart defiled by sin no more. VIII. As lotus leaves upon the lake The pearly drops do not retain, So they the noble path who take, Though in the world, the world disdain. IX. A mother will her life bestow To safely guard an only son, But they unmeasured mercy show, And give their lives for anyone. X. Steadfast in mind let man remain, Whether he stand or walk or rest; Living or dying, sick or sane, Of all, this state of heart is best. XI. If truth's bedimmed by lust of sense, Reborn, man must again o'erpass The desert tracks of Ignorance, Illusion's mirage, Sin's morass. XII. But, when Truth holds entire sway, With it migration's cause departs; All selfish cravings melt away, And Truth its saving cure imparts. XIII. O Bhikshus, true deliverance this-- The only heaven to which we soar. This is salvation's endless bliss! Here, within sight, Nirvana's shore! BUDDHA AND THE HERDSMAN. (_Rhymed version of stanzas translated by Professor Rhys Davids._) I. Hot steams my food: all milked the cows-- The Herdsman Dhaniya said-- Hard by there stands where Māhi flows New thatched my lowly shed: My friends are near, my hearth burns bright, Then let the rain pour down to-night! II. Cool is my mind: no "fallow"[BB] there-- The Holy Buddha said-- One night for Māhi's banks I spare, And all unthatched my shed. Lo! now extinguished is the fire; The lamps of Lust have lost their light. "Dulness"[BC] and Evil both expire-- So let the rain pour down to-night!