Texts from the Buddhist canon : commonly known as Dhammapada

INCITING TO WISDOM. 43
at length to a pool of water and gat down, eagerly desiring
to slake their thirst. But they perceived that the water
was full of insects, and so hesitated to drink. At length
one said, " If I drink not I shall not be able to see Buddha,
the end justifies the means," and so he drank of the water.
The other, consideritig that the Law of Buddha was one
of universal love, which forbade the taking of Hfe, refused
to drink, and as the other went on his way alone, the latter
died and was born in Heaven. Then considering the cir-
cumstances of his former life, he quickly descended and
came to the place where Buddha was and saluted him.
In a short time the first also arrived at the place, and on
Buddha asking him whence he came and where his com-,
panion was, he related with tears aU the circumstances of
the case, on which the Teacher, pointing to the bright Deva
come down from Heaven, assured the other that this was
his former companion ; he had kept the Law and was born
in Heaven, and was the first to behold the form of Buddha;
but you " who say you see me, and yet have transgressed
my Law, are not seen by me, but are as though you were
distant ten thousand li, whereas this man who has kept
the Law, dwells ever in my sight," and the World-honoured
one added these lines, and said
" The obedient disciple who follows the pre-
cepts without fail, in either world (Heaven or earth)
exalted, he shall obtain his desire and aim (his
prayer). But, on the other hand, the disciple who
is stint in obedience, not keeping the precepts in
their strictness, in either world grievously afflicted,
mourns for his former vows (unaccomplished). Yet
both,^ if they persevere in their inquiries and search,
shall be saved from error, although with difficulty."
On hearing these words the disciple who had erred was
—
overjoyed, and arrived at enlightenment.
^ It is possible the expression may refer to the iemnd only.