Page:Gospel of Buddha.djvu/106

 and dangers befall it in the presence of the Lord of the world, the Dharmarāja, the King of Truth. "Now that I have seen thy sacred countenance, let me partake of the refreshing waters of thy teachings. "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."

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

"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.

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

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

"That which is most needed is a loving heart!

"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.

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

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

"We are encompassed 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. 78