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XXII. The Story of the Holy Swan - SE Quadrant, Upper Register, Reliefs 77 - 80 |
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THE JATAKAMALA The
Tigress |
Adapted from the 19th century translation by J. S Speyer "Virtues
are
visited even by such bliss The virtuous, even when in distress, behave in such a manner as cannot be imitated by the impious; how much less are the latter able to follow up the conduct of the virtuous when favored by fortune! This will be taught as follows. One time, it is told, the Bodhisattva was a king of a large tribe of swans, numbering many hundred thousands, who lived in Lake Manasa. His name was Dhritarashtra. The commander of the swan lord's army, who was called Sumukha, was skilled in the management of affairs, knowing the right and the wrong policy very well. His keen intellect encompassed the objects and events over a large extent of space and time. Born of an illustrious family, he embellished the nobility of his extraction by his talent, his courtesy, his modesty. He was endowed with the virtues of constancy, honesty, courage, and distinguished by the purity of his conduct, mode of life, and behavior. Moreover he was capable of enduring fatigue, vigilant and clever in military marches as well as in battles, and bore a great affection to his master. In consequence of their mutual love, the grandeur of their qualities shone the more. Two two were in the habit of instructing that flock of swans, as a teacher and his foremost disciple would instruct all the other pupils, or as a father in the company of his eldest son would instruct his other sons. Inculcating upon their mind a peaceable behavior towards others, and instructing in such other matters as lead to the benefit of the creatures, the spectacle of their good actions attracted the great admiration of all the Devas, snakes, Yakshas, Vidyadharas, and holy ascetics who witnessed them. Just as both wings of the bird that soars in the sky are incessantly occupied in holding up the aviator's body, so these two also knew no other business than that of supporting the body of Salvation for their flock of swans. Being thus favored by them, that tribe of swans attained a state of great plenty through the extension of righteousness and material prosperity. Adorned by that tribe of swans, who by their sound would call to mind the soft and lovely noise of the anklets of women, that lake was a most splendid abode. |
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When massed together, those swans resembled a moving grove of lotuses. When dispersed or divided into separate groups of unequal size, the lake surpass even the beauty of a sky embellished with scattered banks of clouds. This exceedingly enchanting splendor was the effect of the virtue of that lord of swans intent on the good of all creatures, and of Sumukha, his commander-in chief. It is therefore no wonder that crowds of Siddhas, Rishis, Vidyadharas, and deities often delighted in conversing on the glory of those two in so many places: "Their magnificent figures resemble the luster of pure gold, their voices utter articulate speech, and righteousness rules their modest behavior and policies. Whosoever they may be, they bear but the shape of swans." The reports of these super-beings spread the fame of those two throughout the world, where it became a topic of conversation in the councils of kings. Reports celebrating their virtues and freedom from jealousy circulated as if they were presents. Now at that time one Brahmadatta was the king in Benares. Having often heard his trustworthy officials and the foremost among the Brahmans highly extol the extraordinary qualities of the lord of swans and his commander-in-chief, the king became more and more affected with curiosity to see them. As the king's ministers were very clever, having studied many branches of science, the monarch ordered them to devise some means by which he might obtain at least the sight those swans. Allowing their thoughts to range over the road of political wisdom, and having discovered by thinking the requiring means for completing the task at hand, the ministered said to the king: "The prospect of happiness allures the creatures to withdraw from any place, Your Majesty. For this reason the rumor of the existence of some extremely good qualities conducive to their happiness may bring them hither. Therefore, let Your Majesty deign to order a beautiful lake to be constructed here in one of your forests that is similar to the one where those lovely-shaped swans are reported to live, but one that surpasses it in brilliancy. After doing so, you must make known by a proclamation that must be repeated every day that you have decided to grant safety to all birds. Perhaps the rumor of the surpassing excellence of Your Majesty's lake, so conducive to their happiness, will excite their curiosity and draw them hither. "Do but consider the following, Your Majesty. As a rule, happiness once obtained loses its charm and ceases to be taken into account. But such happiness as rests upon hearsay seems lovely and ever fascinates the mind because it is remote from the eyes."
Accepting their proposal, the king ordered the construction of great lake, which by the splendor of its magnificence rivaled with Lake Manasa. It was constructed in short order at a place that was not too near the park which skirted his capital. This most charming basin of pure water, which was very rich in water-plants, embraced various kinds of lotuses and water lilies, including padma, utpala, kumuda, puarika, saugandhika, tamarasa, and kahlara. Flowery trees that were bright with quivering twigs surrounded its shore, as if they had taken possession of that place in order to contemplate the lake's surface. The laughing lotuses that gently rocked on the lake's trembling surface attracted swarms of bees who ever roamed and hovering over its surface. The lake's beauty was also enhanced by water lilies. At night when moonbeams gently stroked these water lillies, patches of moonshine would pierce through the foliage. Moreover, the lake's finger-like waves caused the pollen of the lotuses and water lilies to move along the shore as if they were ornaments made of gold wire. And in those places where the lake was covered with the lovely petals and filaments of lotuses and waterlilies, it seemed as if the widespread splendor of the waters bore a gift of homage. Due to the limpidity and calmness of its waters, that lake was so transparent as to show the sharp contours and the fair hues of crowds of fishes. They were no less conspicuous while swimming beneath the surface than they had been moving across the sky. At those places where the elephants dipped their trunks, they blew forth cascading spray that glittered like strings of loosened pearls. Moreover, it seemed as if the lake bore waves that had been ground to dust after being driven upon rocks and then scattered in the air. Here and there that lake was perfumed, so to speak, with the fragrances of the ointments used by bathing Vidyadhara women, from the streams of juice of elephants in rut and from the dust of its own flowers. Being so brilliant, that lake was also a mirror for the stars that serve as the wives of the Lord of the Moon. Gay birds abounded and their warbling resounded in it. Such, then, was the lake that the king had ordered to be constructed, and which he gave to the whole nation of birds to have for their unobstructed use and enjoyment. Accordingly, in order to inspire all birds with confidence, the king ordered a proclamation by which he granted them security. Repeated day after day, it ran in these terms: "The king is glad to give this lake--inclusive of the groups of lotuses and waterlilies covering its waters--to the birds, and grants safety to them." Having drawn away the dark cloud curtain of the rainy season, the Autumn dispensed its beautiful gifts and enlarged the clear and pure horizon. All the lakes became lovely to behold, their limpid water and the full brilliancy of their lotus clusters now disclosed. For this is the season during which the increasing power of the Moon's rays, as it were, reach their highest pitch of loveliness and youthfulness, when the Earth, adorned with the harvest-bliss of manifold crops offers a fair aspect, as well as when the younger among the swans begin to show themselves. A couple of swans who belonged to that very tribe of the Bodhisattva, flew up from Lake Manasa, and passing over different regions overspread with autumn's mildness, at last came to the realm of the king of Benares. There they saw the wonderful beauty of the lake with expanded lotus flowers that glowed like flames and unclosed waterlilies that seemed to be laughing. They also heard the echoes of the confused sounds of crowds of birds as well as the humming of bees busily roaming over the lake's many flowers. In addition, they inhaled the scent of the dust of the lake's lotuses and waterlilies, which was scattered about by gentle, cool, and soft breezes that seemed to glide over the wreaths of the waves. When people obtain some pleasure that is within the reach of everybody, they generally will remember the friends that they love. Though accustomed to Lake Manasa, those two visiting swans were touched by the surpassing loveliness and splendor of that other lake, which caused the following thought to immediately enter their minds: "Oh! Our whole tribe must come here!" Diverting themselves as they best liked, the visiting swan couple remained until the next rainy season, which is ever announced by the appearance of cloud masses. Like a host of Daityas advancing, the rain clouds cause a darkness to descend that is interrupted by glittering flashes of lightning as if they were brandished weapons. This is the time of year when gay troops of peacocks perform their dances and display the beauty of their wide-opened feather-tails. While uttering loud and continual cries, they appear to exult at the triumph of the clouds. Even the smaller birds become loquacious when the rainy season arrives on the wings of brisk winds fragrant with the flower-dust of forest trees that produce a welcome coolness as if they were the very breath of the forest itself. Showing themselves in the sky, flocks of young cranes appear in stark contrast with the dark background of the clouds, resembling rows of teeth, so to speak. This is the season when the tribes of swans become anxious to leave and give vent to their longing by making soft and gentle cries. And so the swan couple that had lingered at the lake of the king of Benares said goodbye and returned to Lake Manasa. After paying their respects to their lord, they told him of the regions where they had visited, ending their account with a description of the surpassing advantages of that lake whence they had just returned: "Your Majesty, south of Mount Himavat there lives at Benares a king of men, named Brahmadatta, who has delivered to the birds a large lake of marvelous beauty, possessing delights of indescribable loveliness. All birds may enjoy it at their free will and wish, and safety is warranted to them by a royal decree made known every day by proclamation. The birds divert themselves there as unrestrained and fearless as if they had stayed in their homes. When the rains are over, Your Majesty ought to go there." |
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Upon hearing this news, the whole tribe of swans were affected with a strong desire to see that lake. The Bodhisattva, then, fixing his eyes with an inquisitive expression upon the face of Sumukha, his commander-in-chief, said: "What do you think about this?" After bowing his head, Sumukha answered: "I deem it unfit for Your Majesty to go there. Why? Those delights of charming loveliness are, after all, but a kind of allurement, and here we are in want of nothing. Generally speaking, the hearts of men are false, their tender compassion is deceitful, and under the guise of delusive sweet words and kind attentions they conceal a cruel and wicked nature. "May Your Highness also deign to consider this. Quadrupeds and birds are wont to express their true feelings by the import of their cries. But men are the only animals skilled in producing a sound the meaning of which is contrary to their intentions. Their language, of course, is sweet, well-intentioned, and wholesome. "Merchants make expenses in the hope of obtaining gain, Your Majesty. It is unfit at any time to put confidence in them because of something as trifling as their words. A line of conduct which is dangerous and wrong, cannot be but unsuccessful, even if followed in pursuit of some object. Should, however, the excursion to that lake be indispensable, it is not suitable for us to stay there for a long time or to make up our minds to resolve to take up our residence there. We have only to go and, after enjoying its magnificent beauties, return shortly. Such is my advice." Now, as the tribe of swans, whose curiosity to see the Benares lake was ever increasing, did not cease to request the Bodhisattva again and again to set out for that place. And so on a bright autumn night adorned with the pure luster of the moon, the asterisms, and the stars, he complied with their wishes. Accompanied by Sumukha and a crowd of swans, he set out in the direction of that lake in a flock that was illuminated by the Moon Lord and his attendants in the form of a band of white autumn clouds. As soon as the swans beheld the charming splendor of that lake, surprise mingled with gladness overwhelmed their minds. When they alighted and took possession of the lake, adding to its brilliancy through the appearance of their gay shapes and the lovely groups they formed. Owing to the manifold varieties of its sites, through which it surpassed even Lake Manasa, the swans were delighted, and in time their attachment to this new abode erased Manasa from their hearts. After hearing the king's proclamation of safety and perceiving the freedom of movement of the birds that resided there, they were gladdened by the display of the lake's beauty. Their delight rose to the highest degree when they wandered over its waters, enjoying the normal pleasure of one who makes an excursion in a park. The guardians of that lake reported the arrival of those swans to the king, saying: "Your Majesty, two excellent swans bearing the very same shape and qualities as those famous ones are said to possess have arrived at Your Majesty's lake as if to enhance its beauty. Their beautiful wings shine like gold, their beaks and feet have a luster which even surpasses that of gold, their size exceeds the average, and they have well-shaped bodies. Moreover, the two are accompanied by a retinue consisting of several hundred-thousand swans." Having been thus informed, the king selected among his fowlers one who was renowned and recognized for his skill in the art of bird-catching and charged that fowler with the task of catching those two famous swans. After carefully watching the places where those two swans were in the habit of frequenting, the fowler laid down strong snares at different spots that were well concealed. While the swans were wandering far and wide over the lake, with minds cheerful and rejoiced and without suspecting any mischief, trusting the grant of safety, their lord got one foot entangled in a snare. Trustfulness, however, is pernicious. Aroused by the subtle contrivances of those who inspire confidence, it first obliterates the suspicion of danger, then displays carelessness and want of policy. Lest a similar misfortune should befall also anybody else of his tribe, the Bodhisattva announced by means of a special cry that the lake had become dangerous. Alarmed at the capture of their lord, all the swans uttered confused and dissonant cries of fear and flew up to the sky, like soldiers whose chief warrior has been killed in battle. However, the commander-in-chief Sumukha did not withdraw from the side of his lord for a heart bound by affection does not mind imminent peril. Worse than death to such a one is the sorrow which the miserable distress of a friend inflicts on it. To him the Bodhisattva said: "Go, Sumukha, go! It is not wise to linger here. What opportunity could you have to help one who is in such a state?" Sumukha spoke: "No final death can I incur, if I stay here, nor shall I, if I go, be freed from old age and death. I always attended on your during times of prosperity. How, master, should I be capable of leaving you in throes of calamity? If I were to leave you, O prince of birds, on account of such a trifle as the thread of my own life, where could I find a shield against the rain-shower of blame? It is not right, my liege, that I should leave you in distress. Whatever fate may be yours, I am pleased with it, 0 lord of birds." The Bodhisattva spoke: "What other may be the fate of an ensnared bird than the kitchen? How can that prospect please you who are in the free possession of your own mind and limbs? Or what profit do you see for me or yourself or the whole of our kindred in the death of both of us? And what profit may you explain to be in giving up your own life on an occurrence, when that profit is as little to be seen as level and unleveled in the dark?" Sumukha spoke: "How is it, O most excellent of birds, that you do not perceive the profit in following the path of Righteousness? Honoring the Law of Righteousness in the right manner produces the highest profit. For this reason I, knowing the precepts of Righteousness and the profit arising therefrom, also moved by attachment to my liege do not cling to life." The Bodhisattva spoke: "Verily, this is the law for the virtuous, that a friend, minding his duty, shall not abandon his friend in distress, even at the cost of his own life. Now, you did observe the Law of Righteousness, you did show me your devoted affection. Grant me then, I pray, this last request. Fly away for I give you leave to do so. Moreover, the affair having taken this turn, it is your task, O wise-minded one, to fill up the gap caused to our friends by the loss of me." While they were thus conversing, vying with each other in mutual affection, lo, the fowler appeared, rushing upon them like the God of Death. As soon as they became aware of his approach, the two excellent birds became silent. The fowler, seeing that the tribe of swans had flown away, was persuaded certainly, some one of them has been caught. And going round the different places where his snares had been laid down, he discovered those two foremost swans. Surprised at their beauty and thinking both of them to be ensnared, he shook the snares placed in their neighborhood. But when he perceived that one was caught but the other was loose and free, his astonishment increased. Drawing near to Sumukha, he spoke to him: "This bird, being caught in a strong snare, loses his freedom of movement. For this reason he cannot mount to the sky, although I approach. But you who are not fastened, who are free and strong and have a winged carriage at your disposal, why do you not hastily fly up to the sky at my arrival?" On hearing this, Sumukha addressed him with human language in a voice which distinctly articulated syllables and words, and by its sonorousness manifested the firmness of mind of the speaker, being employed to show his virtuous nature.
Upon this the Nishada, affected with high admiration and almost in ecstasy, once more asked Sumukha: "Being afraid of me, the other swans left him and flew up to the sky. But you have not left him behind. Say, what is this bird to you?" Sumukha spoke: "My king he is, my friend he is, whom I love no less than life, my benefactor he is, and he is in distress. On this account I may never desert him, not even in order to save my own life." And observing the feelings of growing tenderness and admiration which appeared on the face of the fowler, he continued: "Oh! If our conversation might lead to a happy end, my friend! If you were to obtain the glory of a virtuous action by setting us free now !" The fowler spoke: "I do not wish you harm, and it is not you I have caught. Why then, go free and join thy relations who will be glad at the sight of thee!" Sumukha spoke: "If you do not wish my sorrow, then you must grant my request. If you are content with one, well, leave him and take me. Our bodies have an equal size and compass, and our age is the same I tell thee. So, taking me as a ransom for him, you not lose your profit. "Why, sir, do consider it well. May you be greedy to possess me! You may tie me first and afterwards release the king of birds. Thus doing, you would enjoy the same amount of gain, you would have granted my request, you would cause gladness to the tribe of swans, and obtain their friendship as well. "Now then, gladden the host of swans by setting their lord at liberty, that they may see him again in his resplendent beauty in the clear sky, resembling the Moon released from the Lord of Daityas Rahu." |
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The fowler, though accustomed to a cruel trade and hard-hearted by practice, was much touched by these words uttered in a firm yet soft tone and imposing by their import. For they magnified the attachment to one's master without minding one's own life, and were a strong manifestation of the virtue of gratitude. Overpowered by admiration and respect, he folded his hands, and lifting them up to Sumukha, said: "Well said, well said, noble being. If met with among men or deities, such self-denial would pass for a miracle, as is practiced by thee claiming it thy duty to give up thy life for the sake of thy master. I will pay thee my homage, therefore, and set free thy king. Who, indeed, may be capable of doing evil to him who is dearer to thee than life?" With these words the fowler, without caring for the mandate of his king, listening to the voice of his compassion, paid honor to the king of swans, and released him from the snare. And Sumukha, the commander-in-chief, greatly rejoiced at the rescue of his king, fixed a glad and kind look on the Nishada and spoke: "As you have rejoiced me now by the release of the king of swans, 0 you source of gladness to your friends, mayst you in the same way be rejoiced with your own friends and kinsmen for many thousands of years! So that your labor may not be fruitless, well, take me and also this king of swans, and carrying us on thy shoulder-pole, free and unbound, show us to your king in his zenana. Beholding the king of swans with his minister, this ruler, no doubt, will show thee his gladness by a gift of riches larger than that thou didst dream of, a source to thee of great rejoicing." The fowler acceded to his request, thinking, the king must see at all events this marvelous couple of swans, and placing them in baskets on his pole unhurt and unbound, showed those excellent swans to the king. "Deign to see," quoth he, "the wonderful present I offer you, my lord. Here is that famous king of swans, together with his commander-in-chief!" On beholding those two foremost of swans, who by the glittering splendor of their lovely figures resembled two solid pieces of gold, the king filled with amazement and exulting with gladness said to the Nishada: "How did you obtain possession of those two who remain in thy hands, unhurt and unbound, though able to fly away from one who is on foot? Tell it me at length." Being thus addressed, the Nishada bowing to the king, answered: "I had laid down many snares, 0 so cruel causes of pain, in pools and ponds, the places of recreation of the birds. Then this foremost of swans, moving unsuspectingly, owing to his trustfulness, got his foot entangled in a hidden snare. The other, though free, was keeping him company, and entreated me to take him in redemption for the life of his king, uttering in a human voice articulate and sweet-sounding language. His ardent request derived its power from his readiness to sacrifice his own life. "So great was the effect of his soft words and his strong deeds in behalf of his master, that I was converted to tenderness, and dismissed his lord together with my own cruel temper. After which, rejoiced at the release of the king of birds, he returned many thanks and blessings to me, and instructed me to go up in this manner to you, that my labor, so he said, should not have been a burden by lack of reward. "And so it is out of gratitude for the deliverance of his king and in my behalf, that this most righteous being, whosoever he may be, who under the outward appearance of a bird roused in one moment tenderness of mind in the heart of a person like me, has arrived of his own accord together with his master at your zenana." The king was filled by these words with great joy and amazement. He assigned to the king of swans a golden throne with a footstool, a seat well becoming a king; for it had brilliant feet glittering with the luster of various jewels, was spread with a most costly and lovely cover, and provided with a soft cushion on its back. To Sumukha he offered a bamboo seat fit for a chief minister to sit upon. Then the Bodhisattva, considering that it was now the proper time to make a complimentary address, spoke to the king in a voice as soft as the sound of anklets. "Your body, adorned with luster and loveliness, is in good health, I hope, 0 health-deserving prince. And so, I hope, is also that other body of yours, which is made up of thy righteousness. Does it frequently emit, so to speak, its breath of pious discourses and gifts? You have dedicated thyself, have you not to the task of protecting your subjects, distributing reward or punishment in due time, so as to make both your illustrious glory and the people's affection, together with their welfare, always increase? Have you not the assistance of affectionate and honest ministers, averse to fraud and skilled in the management of affairs, with whom to consider the interest of your subjects ? Your mind is not indifferent to this important matter, I hope? "When the kings, thy vassals, after incurring abatement of their splendor by thy policy and vigor, entreat you to show them mercy, you will generously follow the impulse of pity, I hope, without, however, indulging in trustfulness, which is nothing but the sleep of carelessness? "Are your actions, tending to secure the unobstructed pursuit of dharma, artha, and kama, not applauded by the virtuous, 0 hero among men, and widespread in the world, so to say, by the effect of your renown? And your enemies have but sighs to hurt them, I hope?" |
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In reply to these questions the king, manifesting by his gladness the placidity of his senses, spoke to him: "Now my welfare is assured in every respect, 0 swan, for I have obtained the long wished-for happiness of meeting with your holy persons. This man, having captured thee in the snare, did not hurt you, I hope, in the exuberance of his joy with his pain-inflicting stick? So it happens, in fact, when there arises calamity to birds, that the mind of those knaves, soiled by exulting joy, impels them to sinful actions." The Bodhisattva spoke: "I did not suffer, great king, while in that most distressing condition, nor did this man behave towards me at all like an enemy. When he perceived Sumukha staying there, though uncaught, out of love for me, as if he, too, had been caught, he addressed him with great kindness, prompted by curiosity and astonishment. Afterwards, having been propitiated by the gentle words of Sumukha, he released me from the snare, and setting me free, showed respect and honor to me. It is for this reason that Sumukha, wishing this man's good, told him to bring us hither. May then our arrival cause happiness also to him!' The king said: "Having eagerly longed for your arrival, I bid welcome here to both of you. The sight of you is a feast to my eyes and causes me extreme gladness. As to that fowler, I will bestow a rich gift upon him presently. Having shown kindness to both of you, he deserves a high reward." Then the king honored the fowler by a munificent gift of great wealth. After which, he again addressed the king of swans: "You have come here to this residence, which is yours, indeed. Pray, set aside, then, cramping reserve with respect to me, and make known in what way and how I may serve your wants. For my riches are at your service. A friend expressing his wants in frank speech, causes a greater satisfaction to a wealthy man, than he could obtain from his riches. For this reason, un-reservedness among friends is a great benefit." Then, being also very curious to converse with Sumukha, the king casting his admiring looks on him, addressed him thus: "Surely, new acquaintances are not bold enough to speak frankly to the newly acquired friend, in whose mind they have not yet got footing. Still, they will use at least kind language, adorned by courteous terms. It is for this reason that I beg also Thy Honor to favor me with thy conversation. So thou wouldst realize my desire of acquiring thy friendship and increase the gladness of my heart." On these words, Sumukha, the commander-in-chief of swans, bowing respectfully to the king, spoke: "A conversation with one who is great Indra's equal is a kind of festival. Who, therefore, would not feel that this token of your friendly disposition surpassed his wishes? "But would it not have been an unbecoming act of insolence for an attendant to join in the conversation of the two monarchs, of men and of birds, while they were exchanging lovely words of friendship? No, a well-educated person does not act in that way. How, then, could I, knowing this, follow that way ? On this account, great prince, I was silent, and if I need thy pardon, I deserve it." In reply to these words the king, expressing by his countenance his gladness and admiration, eulogized Sumukha: "Justly the world takes delight in hearing the fame of your virtues. Justly the king of swans made you his friend. Such modesty and accomplished demeanor is displayed by none but those who have subdued their inner self. Therefore I sincerely trust that these friendly relations, now commenced between us, will never be broken off. The meeting of pious persons, indeed, produces friendship." Then the Bodhisattva--understanding that the king was eagerly desirous of their friendship and inclined to show them his affection--addressed him in terms of praise: "Following the impulse of thy generous nature, you have acted towards us as one should act to one's best friend, although our acquaintance has only been made just now. Whose heart, then, would not be won, illustrious prince, by such honorable treatment as you have shown us? Whatever profit you expect from relations with me, 0 lord, or however important you may deem them, it is a matter of fact that you have displayed your hospitable disposition by practicing hospitality, 0 lover of virtues! "But this is no wonder in a self-subdued prince such as yourself, who bears thy royal duties for the interest of your subjects, intent on penance and profound contemplation, like a Muni. You, in truth, have but to follow the inclination of your excellent nature to become a storehouse of virtues. It is virtues that procure to their possessor the satisfaction of such praise, as I did celebrate of you. They afford happiness, but in the strongholds of vice there dwells no bliss. What conscious being, then, knowing this to be the constant law as to virtue and vice, would resort to the wrong way which diverges from his good? "Not by military prowess nor by the strength of his treasury nor by a successful policy will a prince reach that high rank, which he may obtain even without exertion and expense, if he but follow the right oath which consists in the cultivation of virtues. Virtues are visited even by such bliss as attends the Lord of the Devas. The virtuous alone attain humility; virtues alone are the sources of glory; and it is on them that the magnificence of sovereignty rests. "Virtues alone, possessing greater loveliness than moonshine, are able to appease enemies, be their mind never so ferocious by indulgence in jealous anger and pride, be their selfishness never so deep-rooted by a long continuance of hatred. For this reason, 0 sovereign, whose rule Earth obeys with its proud kings who bow to your luster, foster the love of virtues in your people, setting them an example by the undiminished splendor of your modesty and the rest of your virtues. "The good of his subjects is the first care of a king, and the way leading to it tends to his bliss both in this world and in the next. And this end will be attained, if the king loves righteousness for people like to follow the conduct of their ruler. "May you then rule your land with righteousness, and may the Lord of the Celestials have you in his guard! But though your presence purifies those who rest on you, yet must I take my leave now. The sorrow of my fellow-swans draws me to them, so to speak." The king and all those present approved of the words spoken by the Bodhisattva. Then he dismissed both excellent swans in the most honorable and kind terms. Adorned by the serene beauty of autumn, the sky was as dark-blue and as a spotless as a sword-blade. The Bodhisattva mounted upward to the sky followed by Sumukha, his commander-in-chief, as by his reflected image. When the lord rejoined his tribe of swans, the others were filled with the utmost gladness by the very sight of him. And after some time that swan, a passionate lover as he was of compassion for his neighbor, came back to the king with his swans and discoursed to him on the Law of Righteousness. And the king with respectfully bowed head in return honored him. In this way, then, the virtuous, even when in distress, behave in such manner as cannot be imitated by the impious; how much less are the latter able to follow up the conduct of the virtuous, when favored by fortune. This story is also to be adduced, when praising pious language, which conduces to the good of both speaker and listener. Likewise, when treating of pious friends: "In this manner they who possess a pious friend will be successful even in dangerous circumstances." |
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"How is it, you ask me, that I, being able to go,
do not go. Why, the cause thereof is this. This bird here suffers the
misfortune of beings ensnared. You now have power over he whose foot is
entangled in this strong snare, but he has power over me by still
stronger fetters, his virtues, by which he has fastened my heart."