Page:Henry Mulford Tichenor - The Buddhist Philosophy of Life.djvu/14

 12 "Happy are they that have found deliverance. Longing for peace, I shall seek the happiness of Nirvana."

And Kisa Gotami asked: "How is Nirvana attained?" And then she went on: "When the fire of lust is overcome, then Nirvana is gained; when the fires of hatred are gone out, then Nirvana is gained; when the troubles and fears of the mind, arising from ignorance and credulity, and evil thoughts have ceased, then Nirvana is gained."

Siddhattha, impressed with her words, gave her his pearl necklace that he was wearing; and when he returned to his home, he looked with disdain upon the treasures of the palace. To his wife he said: "I have seen the law of constant change. Men grow old, sicken and die. Therefore of what avail is pleasure?"

It was night. The prince found no rest. He arose and went into the garden of the palace. "Alas!" he said, "the world is full of darkness and suffering."

Seating himself beneath the great jambu-tree he pondered on life and death. He saw the misery and sorrow in the world; and profound compassion came to his heart. Concentrating his thoughts upon life, evil desires vanished away.