Page:Henry Mulford Tichenor - The Buddhist Philosophy of Life.djvu/8

 6 through the shady walks, until she came to the great tree Sala, standing in the midst of the grove. Here she felt that her hour had come, and called to her attendants, who hung a curtain from the branches about her.

When the babe was born four angels of Heaven held a golden net to receive it, saying, "Rejoice, O Queen, a mighty son has been born unto thee." An aged woman standing by her side prayed that Heaven should bless the child.

At the birth of the babe all worlds were flooded with light. The blind received their sight at the coming glory of the Lord; the deaf and dumb spoke at the birth of the coming Buddha; the crippled became straight, the lame walked, the prisoners were set free.

The polluted streams became clear, celestial music filled the air, and the spirits of Heaven rejoiced with gladness.

The cries of beasts were hushed; all creatures were touched with love; peace on earth was proclaimed.

Only Mara, the Evil One, refused to rejoice.

The Naga kings came to greet the Buddha, bringing mandara flowers.

Suddhodana pondered over these signs, now filled with joy, now sorely distressed. Maha Maya, beholding her child, became heavy of heart.

In a grove near Lumbini, there dwelt a rishi, leading the life of a hermit, a Brahmin, famed for his wisdom, who came to see the child; and when he saw the babe he wept.