Texts from the Buddhist canon : commonly known as Dhammapada

i66 DHAMMAPADA.
the rules of reverence due to father and mother arid other »
relations, and dutifully provide for their wants, so long,
&c. (6.) So long as the Yue-chi religiously observe the
ceremonies of the four seasons, in doing homage to heaven
and earth, so long, &c. (7.) So long as the Tue-chi pay
respect to aU their religious teachers (Shamans), and espe-
cially those who have come to them from far (travellers
or religious guests), and provide them with the usual neces-
saries, such as food, bedding, medicine, &c., so long, &c.
These are 'the seven rules, if the Yue-chi observe only
one of them, it would be difficult to overpower them, how
much more if they regard the seven, and then the Worldhonoured
added these words :
—
" Rely not too entirely on the advantage of
victory (conquest), for though you may prevail in
battle, yet there is still sorrow in store; rather
should a man seek the rules of self-conquest,
having conquered himself, then there will be no
further ground for birth (or, continued life)."
The minister having heard these words, was imme-
diately Qonvinced (obtained the rudiments of truth
(wisdom or B'Sdhi)), and those in the assembly who had
not yet entered the Paths, were enabled to do so. The
minister then rising from his seat, begged permission to
depart, and on being so permitted by Buddha, he went
back to the King and told him what the master had said.
On this the King gave up all his intentions to go to war,
and in consequence the Yue-chi returned to their obedi-
ence and submitted to the King.