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> - 43<br />
52. And in his affection pondering on the condition <strong>of</strong> his son, never<br />
thinking <strong>of</strong> any ills that might come from his haste, he <strong>or</strong>dered the<br />
best singing-women to be in attendance, as well-skilled in all the s<strong>of</strong>t<br />
arts that can please.<br />
53. Then the royal road being specially ad<strong>or</strong>ned and guarded, the king<br />
once m<strong>or</strong>e made the prince go out, having <strong>or</strong>dered the charioteer and<br />
chariot to proceed in a contrary direction (to the previous one).<br />
54. But as the king’s son was thus going on his way, the very same<br />
deities created a dead man, and only the charioteer and the prince,<br />
and none else, beheld him as he was carried dead along the road.<br />
55. Then spoke the prince to the charioteer, ‘Who is this b<strong>or</strong>ne <strong>by</strong><br />
four men, followed <strong>by</strong> mournful companions, who is bewailed,<br />
ad<strong>or</strong>ned but no longer breathing?’<br />
56. Then the driver, – having his mind overpowered <strong>by</strong> the gods who<br />
possess pure minds and pure dwellings, – himself knowing the truth,<br />
uttered to his l<strong>or</strong>d this truth also which was not to be told:<br />
57. ‘This is some po<strong>or</strong> man who, bereft <strong>of</strong> his intellect, senses, vital<br />
airs and qualities, lying asleep and unconscious, like mere wood <strong>or</strong><br />
straw, is abandoned alike <strong>by</strong> friends and enemies after they have<br />
carefully swathed and guarded him.’
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