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Buddha-carita, or Life of Buddha by Ven. Aśvaghoṣa

An English translation of this famous life of the Buddha, one of the great pieces of Sanskrit literature, with additions to help complete the text.

An English translation of this famous life of the Buddha, one of the great pieces of Sanskrit literature, with additions to help complete the text.

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<strong>Buddha</strong>-<strong>carita</strong>, <strong>or</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Buddha</strong> - 185<br />

Book XV <strong>of</strong> The <strong>Buddha</strong>-<strong>carita</strong> continuation <strong>by</strong><br />

Am<br />

1. Daily praised <strong>by</strong> all the various heavenly beings, the perfectly Wise<br />

One thus passed that period <strong>of</strong> seven days which is designated ‘the<br />

aliment <strong>of</strong> joy.’<br />

2. He then passed the second week, while he was bathed with jars full<br />

<strong>of</strong> water <strong>by</strong> the heavenly beings, the Bodhisattvas and the rest.<br />

3. Then having bathed in the four oceans and being seated on his<br />

throne, he passed the third week restraining his eyes from seeing.<br />

4. In the fourth week, assuming many f<strong>or</strong>ms, he stood triumphant on<br />

his throne, having delivered a being who was ready to be converted.<br />

5. A god named Samantakusuma, bearing an <strong>of</strong>fering <strong>of</strong> flowers, thus<br />

addressed with folded hands the great <strong>Buddha</strong> who was seated there:<br />

6. ‘What is the name, O holy one, <strong>of</strong> this meditation, engaged in<br />

which thou hast thus passed four whole weeks with joy, deeply<br />

pondering?’<br />

7. ‘This is designated, O divine being, "the array <strong>of</strong> the aliment <strong>of</strong><br />

great joy," like an inaugurated king, who has overcome his enemies<br />

and enjoys prosperity.’

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