The Gospel of Buddha Part 12

"And whatever men do, whether they remain in the world as artisans, merchants, and officers of the king, or retire from the world and devote themselves to a life of religious meditation, let them put their whole heart into their task; let them be diligent and energetic, and, if they are like the lotus, which, although it grows in the water, yet remains untouched by the water, if they struggle in life without cheris.h.i.+ng envy or hatred, if they live in the world not a life of self but a life of truth, then surely joy, peace, and bliss will dwell in their minds." 19

XXIV.

THE SERMON ON CHARITY.

Anathapindika rejoiced at the words of the Blessed One and said: "I dwell at Savatthi, the capital of Kosala, a land rich in produce and enjoying peace. Pasenadi is the king of the country, and his name is renowned among our own people and our neighbors.

Now I wish to found there a vihara which shall be a place of religious devotion for your brotherhood, and I pray you kindly to accept it." 1

The Buddha saw into the heart of the supporter of orphans; and knowing that unselfish charity was the moving cause of his offer, in acceptance of the gift, the Blessed One said: 2

"The charitable man is loved by all; his friends.h.i.+p is prized highly; in death his heart is at rest and full of joy, for he suffers not from repentance; he receives the opening flower of his reward and the fruit that ripens from it. 3

"Hard it is to understand: By giving away our food, we get more strength, by bestowing clothing on others, we gain more beauty; by donating abodes of purity and truth, we acquire great treasures. 4

"There is a proper time and a proper m ode in charity just as the vigorous warrior goes to battle, so is the man; who is able to give. He is like an able warrior, a champion strong and wise in action. 5

"Loving and compa.s.sionate he gives with reverence and banishes all hatred, envy, and anger. 6

"The charitable man has found the path of salvation. He is like the man who plants a sapling, securing thereby the shade, the flowers, and the fruit in future years. Even so is the result of charity, even so is the joy of him who helps those that are in need of a.s.sistance; even so is the great Nirvana. 7

"We reach the immortal path only by continuous acts of kindliness and we perfect our souls by compa.s.sion and charity." 8

Anathapindika invited Sariputta to accompany him on his return to Kosala and help him in selecting a pleasant site for the vihara. 9

XXV.

JETAVANA.

Anathapindika, the friend of the dest.i.tute and the supporter of orphans, having returned home, saw the garden of the heir-apparent, Jeta, with its green groves and limpid rivulets, and thought: "This is the place which will be most suitable as a vihara for the brotherhood of the Blessed One." And he went to the prince and asked leave to buy the ground. 1

The prince was not inclined to sell the garden, for he valued it highly. He at first refused but said at last, "If thou canst cover it with gold, then, and for no other price, shalt thou have it." 2

Anathapindika rejoiced and began to spread his gold; but Jeta said: "Spare thyself the trouble, for I will not sell." But Anathapindika insisted. Thus they contended until they resorted to the magistrate. 3

Meanwhile the people began to talk of the unwonted proceeding, and the prince, hearing more of the details and knowing that Anathapindika was not only very wealthy but also straightforward and sincere, inquired into his plans. On hearing the name of the Buddha, the prince became anxious to share in the foundation and he accepted only one-half of the gold, saying: "Yours is the land, but mine are the trees. I will give the trees as my share of this offering to the Buddha." 4

Then Anathapindika took the land and Jeta the trees, and they placed them in trust of Sariputta for the Buddha. 5

After the foundations were laid, they began to build the hall which rose loftily in due proportions according to the directions which the Buddha had suggested; and it was beautifully decorated with appropriate carvings. 6

This vihara was called Jetavana, and the friend of the orphans invited the Lord to come to Savatthi and receive the donation.

And the Blessed One left Kapilavatthu and came to Savatthi. 7

While the Blessed One was entering Jetavana, Anathapindika scattered flowers and burned incense, and as a sign of the gift he poured water from a golden dragon decanter, saying, "This Jetavana vihara I give for the use of the brotherhood throughout the world." 8

The Blessed One received the gift and replied: "May all evil influences be overcome; may the offering promote the kingdom of righteousness and be a permanent blessing to mankind in general, to the land of Kosala, and especially also to the giver." 9

Then the king Pasenadi, hearing that the Lord had come, went in his royal equipage to the Jetavana vihara and saluted the Blessed One with clasped hands, saying: 10

"Blessed is my unworthy and obscure kingdom that it has met with so great a fortune. For how can calamities and dangers befall it in the presence of the Lord of the world, the Dharmaraja, the King of Truth. 11

"Now that I have seen thy sacred countenance, let me partake of the refres.h.i.+ng waters of thy teachings. 12

"Worldly profit is fleeting and perishable, but religious profit is eternal and inexhaustible. A worldly man, though a king, is full of trouble, but even a common man who is holy has peace of mind." 13

Knowing the tendency of the king's heart, weighed down by avarice and love of pleasure, the Buddha seized the opportunity and said: 14

"Even those who, by their evil karma, have been born in low degree, when they see a virtuous man, feel reverence for him. How much more must an independent king, on account of merits acquired in previous existences, when meeting a Buddha, conceive reverence for him. 15

"And now as I briefly expound the law, let the Maharaja listen and weigh my words, and hold fast that which I deliver! 16

"Our good or evil deeds follow us continually like shadows. 17

"That which is most needed is a loving heart! 18

"Regard thy people as men do an only son. Do not oppress them, do not destroy them; keep in due check every member of thy body, forsake unrighteous doctrine and walk in the straight path. Exalt not thyself by trampling down others, but comfort and befriend the suffering. 19

"Neither ponder on kingly dignity, nor listen to the smooth words of flatterers. 20

"There is no profit in vexing oneself by austerities, but meditate on the Buddha and weigh his righteous law. 21

"We are encompa.s.sed on all sides by the rocks of birth, old age, disease, and death, and only by considering and practising the true law can we escape from this sorrow-piled mountain. 22

"What profit, then, in practising iniquity? 23

"All who are wise spurn the pleasures of the body. They loathe l.u.s.t and seek to promote their spiritual existence. 24

"When a tree is burning with fierce flames, how can the birds congregate therein? Truth cannot dwell where pa.s.sion lives. He who does not know this, though he be a learned man and be praised by others as a sage, is beclouded with ignorance. 25

"To him who has this knowledge true wisdom dawns, and he will beware of hankering after pleasure. To acquire this state of mind, wisdom is the one thing needful. To neglect wisdom will lead to failure in life. 26

"The teachings of all religions should center here, for without wisdom there is no reason. 27

"This truth is not for the hermit alone; it concerns every human being, priest and layman alike. There is no distinction between the monk who has taken the vows, and the man of the world living with his family. There are hermits who fall into perdition, and there are humble householders who mount to the rank of ris.h.i.+s. 28

"Hankering after pleasure is a danger common to all; it carries away the world. He who is involved in its eddies finds no escape.

But wisdom is the handy boat, reflection is the rudder. The slogan of religion calls you to overcome the a.s.saults of Mara, the enemy. 29

"Since it is impossible to escape the result of our deeds, let us practise good works. 30

"Let us guard our thoughts that we do no evil, for as we sow so shall we reap.; 31