Texts from the Buddhist canon : commonly known as Dhammapada

THE PROFIT OF RELIGION. 173
thought produces self-destruction, and in the end
accomplishes no good."
The Bhikshu, having heard these words, was convinced
that he was wrong in giving loose to the thoughts he had,
and in deep penitence bowing at Buddha's feet, obtained
wisdom.
[The next story is that of Buddha, in a similar way to
the last, converting a Eaksha, who had attacked a city to
the south of ES,jagriha, and devoured many of its inhabi-
tants ;
on which occasion the Master recited these lines :
" One who is able to rely upon the saving power
of virtue (virtuous, or moral conduct), a happy
destiny ever follows that man, and by perception
of religious truth (the law) he becomes conspicuous
among his fellow-men. And thus he'finally escapes
the three evil modes of birth ;
by strict moral government, he also drives away
sorrow and fear ; he rises to be chief of the three
—
getting rid of anger
worlds (Buddha) ; then neither Nigas or demons, or
noxious, poisonous snakes, can hurt Mm,, the man
who disobeys not the laws of virtuous conduct."]
[The next story relates to Buddha when he was in a
former birth a chakravarttin (universal monarch), and
made a rule that he and his descendants should give up
their empire and become Shamans on the appearance of
the first white hair on their heads (a similar story is found
in the "previous history" of Buddha, in the "Eomantic
Legend," pp. 18, 19)].