Page:Gospel of Buddha.djvu/104

 "Loving and compassionate he gives with reverence and banishes all hatred, envy, and anger.

"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 pf him who helps those that are in need of assistance; even so is the great Nirvāna.

"We reach the immortal path only by continuous acts of kindliness and we perfect our souls by compassion and charity."

Anāthapindika invited Sariputta to accompany him on his return to Kosala and help him in selecting a pleasant site for the vihāra.

XXV

JETAVANA.

Anāthapindika, the friend of the destitute 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 vihāra for the brotherhood of the Blessed One." And he went to the prince and asked leave to buy the ground.

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."

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

76