Page:The Indian Antiquary, Vol. 4-1875.djvu/110

 AraiL, 1- BUDDHIST WOEKS IN CHINESE. 5. I shall now proceed to tunica fa a short Sutra called "Buddha's dying instruction" {JPo-Wi '*{/)■ The interest of this work is derived from the fact that it is generally bound np in China with the Sutra of I the first Buddhist work translated into Chinese. It will be seen that it is of a primitive type, and deals entirely with moral questions. It also speaks of the F. t as that wars is known to us, but as certain rules of a simple prohibitive character, affecting the life of the disciple. It would appear from this that the balky work now known as the PrafimoJai r is a Liter compilation, drawn np in fact after the introduction of conventual life among the fol- lowers of Buddha. u The Sutra of Buddha's dying instruction," translated by Royal Command, by Ktunara- jiva, a Doctor of the Three Pilakas, in the reign of Yaou (King), Prince of T'sin* [397 to 415 A.i.]. "Siikyamnni Buddha, when he first began to preach, converted AjnataKaun- dinya (0. so. mi the occasion of his last discourse, he converted Subhadra. Having thus done all that was appointed him to do, he reclined betv 9&a trees, about to enter n Irvdna. It was now in the middle of the night, perfectly quiet and still: on this or. for the sa£e of Ids i. Hvered a brief summary of his law. "Bhikshns, after my death, regard, I you, with much reverence, the book of the ha ae a light darkness, or a pre rl found by a poor man. Let this book bo your teacher and guide, even as I should be, if I remained in I ho world. Keep the pure rules of discipline, viz. these— not to enter on nenta, whether or exchanging; to avoid nil purchase of land or houses ; all rearing of i ding in m or any living thing ray all money, proper jewels — us a man wooJd avoid a burning pit. down or destroy : to cultivate land, or dig the earth; not to engage in the mH lo practise divine ig lucky or unlucky not to study ot to pre plenty i on calcnlatipns of any sort; all these things are forbidden. Keep the body temperate in all things, and the vital functions in quiet subjection. Have notliir. do with worldly -engagements, cither in seel places of authority, or pronon; or courting the rich, or planning for the welfare of your worldly relat iv es. Bu t, by self- co n t r. < 1 and right modes of thought, aim at emancipa- tion ; conceal none of your faults, but confess them before the congregation ; be moderate and contented with the food, clothing, medicines, and d yon [Jul. I. 152], and be cautions against hoarding up that which is allowed. These are the rules of discipline, the observance of which ia the true source of emancipation, and hence fchej are called 'The Rules of the Pratimoksha.' Keep then these precepts in their purity, O Bhikshns f Let there lie no careless negligence in this matter j the man who carefully o 1 ' oem shall Lave power to fulfil all the duties of religion: the man who disregards them shall experience none of the rewards which a virtuous ble to afford. And lor this I is I bid remember that the knov. ad practice, ot these rules is the first and chief necessity for attai- merit and final peace. Bhikshns, ye have attended to this point, and have observed the precepts reli- giously, then proceed to keep the five organs ot* in due check, not permitting them a loose rein, or to engage in the pursuit of pleasure (the five pleasures) ; just as a shepherd with bis Crook prevents the cattle from straying hit neighbouring pastures. But if you restrain not your senses, bnt permit them the indulgence of lite live pleasures, and put ni ipon ( hem, then, as a vicious horse unchecked by the bridle hurries on and throws its rider into the ditch, so shall it be wit li you ; your sens g I he sally hnrry you on to the place of torm en t, where you shall endure untold misery for the period of an without any mode of escape or deliverance. The wise man. has senses and perm i nee indulgence— he and doing so ; ^heir power to hurt ly destroyed. Tin is lord of these sens rn, therefore, your heart weu ; h well the heart, for it ifl Eke a DOxJoUB 7Vi», a Mai Hate oc- ***** Beafcrtt**
 * hem I ackasrbbb held in bonds,