Texts from the Buddhist canon : commonly known as Dhammapada
Texts from the Buddhist canon : commonly known as Dhammapada
Texts from the Buddhist canon : commonly known as Dhammapada
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( i65)<br />
SECTION XXXVI.<br />
nievAna..!<br />
In days of old when Buddha w<strong>as</strong> residing in <strong>the</strong> Gridhra-<br />
kiita Mountain, near ESjagriha, with <strong>the</strong> whole <strong>as</strong>sembly<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Bhikshus, 1250 in numher, <strong>the</strong> King of Magadha,<br />
whose name w<strong>as</strong> Aj§,ta^atru, being <strong>the</strong>n ruler of 100 kingdoms,<br />
w<strong>as</strong> in perplexity <strong>as</strong> to one of <strong>the</strong>m called Yuechi<br />
(Getse ?), which refused to pay him tribute, although <strong>the</strong><br />
country abounded in wealth, and w<strong>as</strong> highly prosperous.<br />
On this <strong>the</strong> King sent his prime minister called Yu-she, to<br />
<strong>as</strong>k Buddha what he should do, and whe<strong>the</strong>r he would be<br />
successful in using force against <strong>the</strong> rebellious kiagdom.<br />
Having come into <strong>the</strong> presence of Buddha and put- <strong>the</strong><br />
question, <strong>the</strong> World-honoured replied : " So long <strong>as</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Kins of <strong>the</strong> Yue-chi observes <strong>the</strong> seven rules, he will<br />
not be e<strong>as</strong>ily overcome." On this <strong>the</strong> minister inquired <strong>as</strong><br />
to <strong>the</strong> character of <strong>the</strong>se seven rules, to which <strong>the</strong> m<strong>as</strong>ter<br />
answered: (i.) "So long <strong>as</strong> <strong>the</strong> people of -<strong>the</strong> Yue-chi<br />
observe right rules in self-government, in <strong>the</strong>ir several<br />
villages and communities, so long <strong>the</strong>y will be able to<br />
protect <strong>the</strong>mselves. (2.) So long <strong>as</strong> <strong>the</strong> ministers and<br />
xulers hold toge<strong>the</strong>r, and agree, and govern justly, so<br />
long, &c. (3.) So long <strong>as</strong> <strong>the</strong>y hi a national view, obey<br />
<strong>the</strong> laws, and submit to <strong>the</strong>ir direction without partiality<br />
or favoui:, so long <strong>the</strong>y will be unconquerable. (4.) So<br />
long <strong>as</strong> <strong>the</strong> Yue-chi observe <strong>the</strong> rules of decorum between<br />
man and woman, and depart not <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong>se rules of pro-<br />
priety, so long, &c. (5.) So long <strong>as</strong> <strong>the</strong> Yue-chi observe<br />
1 The chapters which follow are not found in <strong>the</strong> P&li.