Texts from the Buddhist canon : commonly known as Dhammapada

THE THOUSANDS. S9
clotMng and othep necessaries for tliis same pur-
pose, his iperit, like tlie waters of the five rivers
which enter the ocean, is immeasurable, his reward
returns into his own bosom many fold, as the re-
turn of the seed sown by the husbandman in land
prepared for it."
Yamata and the rest having heard theee words, were
filled with joy, whilst the Devas and Spirits were enabled
to enter on the first path. Five thousand Brahniach§,rins
became disciples, whilst Yamata and the other house-
holders accepted the five rules, and the King, ministers,
and others, sought refuge in the three defences, and became
lay disciples, and obtained the eyes of the Law
(religious insight).
3. There was in old time a certain disorderly person liv-
ing in ESjagriha, who neither reverenced his parents or paid
respect to his superiors, but always had resort to sacrifice
and worship of the sun and moon and fire when he went
wrong, hoping thereby to get merit, and feel happy in
himself; but notwithstanding all his bodily exercises, in
worship and offerings, he found no peace, even after three
years' incessant perseverance. He at length resolved to
go to Sr^vastl to inquire of Buddha. Arrived there, and
seeing the glory of his person, he fell down at his feet, and
said how he was placed. Then Buddha explained the
foUy of animal sacrifice, and the uselessness of all such
exercises where the heart was untouched, and there was
no filial reverence or dutiful behaviour to those to whom
it belonged; and in conclusion recited these G§,th§,s :—
" To sacrifice to Spirits in order to find peace
(merit), or, after this life expecting reward, his hap-
piness is not one quarter of that man's who pays
homage to the good. He who is ever intent on good
conduct and due reverence to others, who always