Texts from the Buddhist canon : commonly known as Dhammapada

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THE DISCIPLE, OR " SRAvAKA." 45
may enter." On this the man thought, "Even if I leave
my weapons hehind me I shall he ahle to maul him with
my fists." On this he put down his how and sword,'
and asked agaia for admission. But the Shaman said,
"The gate cannot he opened, for the how and the sword
which you must lay aside are not those weapons you car-
ried in your hand, but the enmity and malice that fiJl your
heart ; lay these aside and you may enter." On this the
man, struck with the conviction of his sin, both he and his
wife repented of their evil designs and became disciples
on which occasion the enlightened follower of Buddha (man
of Bodhi, or religious man) added these words, and said
" The disciple (Sr^vaka) who is able to hold (the
precepts) firmly, like a wall, difficult to be over-
turned, surrounds himself with the protection of the
Law, and thus persevering perfects himself in saving
wisdom. The disciple, with his mind enlightened,
by this enlightenment adds yet to his store of wisdom,
and so obtains perfect insight into the mysteries
of Eeligion (Truth), and thus illumined, he practises
the duties of his calling in peace. The disciple, able
to cast away (the causes of) sorrow, in perfect rest
enjoys happiness, and hj virtuously preaching the
Law of Eternal Life, himself obtains Nirvana. By
hearing, he acquaints himself with the Eules of a
Holy Life ; he shakes ofi" doubt and becomes settled
in faith. By hearing, he is able to resist all that
is contrary to the Law (Trut)i, or Eeligion), and so
advancing, he arrives at the place where there is
no more Death."
On hearing these words the man and his wife, beholding
the wonderful signs of Buddha displayed in the person of
this disciple, smote on their breasts in penitence, and