Texts from the Buddhist canon : commonly known as Dhammapada

THE WISE MAN. 8i
tlie circumstances of the case, transported himself to the
village, and, resplendent with glory, lit up the place and
all the surrounding country with the brightness of his
presence. On this the villagers, and especially the parents
of the children, came near to worship him. On seeing the
parents, and hearing their account of the children, Buddha
smiled, and from his mouth proceeded the five-coloured
rays that shone through heaven and earth, and then he
related the history of the twins, how that they had heen
disciples of K^^yapa Buddha, and were in a fair way to
arrive at perfect deliverance, when by mutual conversation
on heretical doctrines they had hindered their escape, and
had continued to be born, at one time in high degree, at
another time in poverty, and at last as the twins of the
poor people before him; and then the World-honoured
recited these gS,thas
:
"The great man is entirely free from covetous
desire—he dwells in a place of light himself enlight-
ened. Although perchance he meet with sorrow,
he rejoices ;^ without ostentation, he exhibits his
wisdom. The wise man (bhadra) concerns himself
with no worldly business ; he desires neither wealth,
children, or possessions (land), always carefully
observing the precepts, and walking in the way of
supreme wisdom, he hankers not after strange doctrine
(or wealth or honour). The wise man, knowing
the character of instability,^ as a tree in the midst
of sand (uses every effort) to change his friend
whose mind is unfixed, and to bring him back from
impurity to virtue (purity)."
On heading these lines, the children were able to enter
as Samaneras into the assembly, and the parents and other
villagers entered the paths.
^ Or, although perchance he has sorrow or joy.
' Or, knowing one of unstable character.