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Difference between revisions of "The Gospel of Buddha:Chapter 51: Simha's Question Concerning Annihilation"

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(Created page with "{{DisplayImages|1157|292|684|866|812|918|2052|1729|100|68|847|1750|2008|28|134|352|1547|1160|889}} At that time many distinguished citizens were sitting together assembled in ...")
 
 
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{{DisplayImages|1157|292|684|866|812|918|2052|1729|100|68|847|1750|2008|28|134|352|1547|1160|889}}
−
At that time many distinguished citizens were sitting together assembled in the town-hall<br/>
+
At that [[time]] many distinguished citizens were sitting together assembled in the town-hall<br/>
−
and spoke in many ways in praise of the Buddha, of the Dharma, and of the Sangha.<br/>
+
and spoke in many ways in praise of the [[Buddha]], of the [[Dharma]], and of the [[Sangha]].<br/>
−
Simha, the general-in-chief, a disciple of the Niggantha sect, was sitting among them.<br/>
+
[[Simha]], the general-in-chief, a [[disciple]] of the Niggantha sect, was sitting among them.<br/>
−
And Simha thought: "Truly, the Blessed One must be the Buddha, the Holy One.<br/>
+
And [[Simha]] [[thought]]: "Truly, the [[Blessed One]] must be the [[Buddha]], the [[Holy One]].<br/>
 
I will go and visit him." [1]<br/>
 
I will go and visit him." [1]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
Then Simha, the general, went to the place<br/>
+
Then [[Simha]], the general, went to the place<br/>
 
where the Niggantha chief, Nataputta, was;<br/>
 
where the Niggantha chief, Nataputta, was;<br/>
 
and having approached him, he said:<br/>
 
and having approached him, he said:<br/>
−
"I wish, Lord, to visit the samana Gotama." [2]<br/>
+
"I wish, [[Lord]], to visit the [[samana]] [[Gotama]]." [2]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
 
Nataputta said:<br/>
 
Nataputta said:<br/>
−
"Why should you, Simha,<br/>
+
"Why should you, [[Simha]],<br/>
−
who believe in the result of actions according to their moral merit,<br/>
+
who believe in the result of [[actions]] according to their [[moral]] [[merit]],<br/>
−
go to visit the samana Gotama, who denies the result of actions;<br/>
+
go to visit the [[samana]] [[Gotama]], who denies the result of [[actions]];<br/>
−
he teaches the doctrine of non-action;<br/>
+
he teaches the [[doctrine]] of non-action;<br/>
−
and in this doctrine he trains his disciples." [3]<br/>
+
and in this [[doctrine]] he trains his [[disciples]]." [3]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
Then the desire to go and visit the Blessed One,<br/>
+
Then the [[desire]] to go and visit the [[Blessed One]],<br/>
−
which had arisen in Simha, the general, abated. [4]<br/>
+
which had arisen in [[Simha]], the general, abated. [4]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
Hearing again the praise of the Buddha, of the Dharma, and of the Sangha,<br/>
+
Hearing again the praise of the [[Buddha]], of the [[Dharma]], and of the [[Sangha]],<br/>
−
Simha asked the Niggantha chief a second time;<br/>
+
[[Simha]] asked the Niggantha chief a second [[time]];<br/>
 
and again Nataputta persuaded him not to go. [5]<br/>
 
and again Nataputta persuaded him not to go. [5]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
When a third time the general heard some men of distinction<br/>
+
When a third [[time]] the general heard some men of distinction<br/>
−
extol the merits of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha,<br/>
+
extol the [[merits]] of the [[Buddha]], the [[Dharma]], and the [[Sangha]],<br/>
−
the general thought:<br/>
+
the general [[thought]]:<br/>
−
"Truly the samana Gotama must be the Holy Buddha.<br/>
+
"Truly the [[samana]] [[Gotama]] must be the {{Wiki|Holy}} [[Buddha]].<br/>
 
What are the Nigganthas to me,<br/>
 
What are the Nigganthas to me,<br/>
 
whether they give their consent or not?<br/>
 
whether they give their consent or not?<br/>
 
I shall go without asking their permission<br/>
 
I shall go without asking their permission<br/>
−
to visit him, the Blessed One, the Holy Buddha." [6]<br/>
+
to visit him, the [[Blessed One]], the {{Wiki|Holy}} [[Buddha]]." [6]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
And Simha, the general, said to the Blessed One:<br/>
+
And [[Simha]], the general, said to the [[Blessed One]]:<br/>
−
"I have heard, Lord,<br/>
+
"I have heard, [[Lord]],<br/>
−
that the samana Gotama denies the result of actions;<br/>
+
that the [[samana]] [[Gotama]] denies the result of [[actions]];<br/>
−
he teaches the doctrine of non-action,<br/>
+
he teaches the [[doctrine]] of non-action,<br/>
−
saying that the action of sentient beings do not receive their reward,<br/>
+
saying that the [[action]] of [[sentient beings]] do not receive their reward,<br/>
−
for he teaches annihilation and the contemptibleness of all things;<br/>
+
for he teaches {{Wiki|annihilation}} and the contemptibleness of all things;<br/>
−
and in this doctrine he trains his disciples.<br/>
+
and in this [[doctrine]] he trains his [[disciples]].<br/>
−
Teachest thou the dong away of the soul<br/>
+
Teachest thou the dong away of the [[soul]]<br/>
 
and the burning away of man's being?<br/>
 
and the burning away of man's being?<br/>
−
Pray tell me, Lord, do those who speak thus say the truth,<br/>
+
Pray tell me, [[Lord]], do those who speak thus say the [[truth]],<br/>
−
or do they bear false witness against the Blessed One,<br/>
+
or do they bear false {{Wiki|witness}} against the [[Blessed One]],<br/>
−
passing off a spurious Dharma as thy Dharma?" [7]<br/>
+
passing off a spurious [[Dharma]] as thy [[Dharma]]?" [7]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
The Blessed One said: [8]<br/>
+
The [[Blessed One]] said: [8]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
"There is a way, Simha,<br/>
+
"There is a way, [[Simha]],<br/>
−
in which one who says so, is speaking truly of me,<br/>
+
in which one who says so, is {{Wiki|speaking}} truly of me,<br/>
−
on the other hand, Simha,<br/>
+
on the other hand, [[Simha]],<br/>
 
there is a way in which one who says the opposite<br/>
 
there is a way in which one who says the opposite<br/>
−
is speaking truly of me, too.<br/>
+
is {{Wiki|speaking}} truly of me, too.<br/>
 
Listen, and I will tell thee: [9]<br/>
 
Listen, and I will tell thee: [9]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
"I teach, simha,<br/>
+
"I teach, [[simha]],<br/>
−
the not-doing of such actions as are unrighteous,<br/>
+
the not-doing of such [[actions]] as are unrighteous,<br/>
−
either by deed, or by word, or by thought;<br/>
+
either by [[deed]], or by [[word]], or by [[thought]];<br/>
−
I teach the not-bringing about of all those conditions of heart which are evil and not good.<br/>
+
I teach the not-bringing about of all those [[conditions]] of [[heart]] which are [[evil]] and not good.<br/>
−
However, I teach, Simha,<br/>
+
However, I teach, [[Simha]],<br/>
−
the doing of such actions as are righteous,<br/>
+
the doing of such [[actions]] as are righteous,<br/>
−
by deed, by word, and by thought;<br/>
+
by [[deed]], by [[word]], and by [[thought]];<br/>
 
I teach the bringing about<br/>
 
I teach the bringing about<br/>
−
of all those conditions of heart<br/>
+
of all those [[conditions]] of [[heart]]<br/>
−
which are good and not evil. [10]<br/>
+
which are good and not [[evil]]. [10]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
"I teach, Simha,<br/>
+
"I teach, [[Simha]],<br/>
−
that all the conditions of heart which are evil and not good,<br/>
+
that all the [[conditions]] of [[heart]] which are [[evil]] and not good,<br/>
−
unrighteous actions by deed, by word, and by thought, must be burnt away.<br/>
+
unrighteous [[actions]] by [[deed]], by [[word]], and by [[thought]], must be burnt away.<br/>
−
He who has freed himself, Simha,<br/>
+
He who has freed himself, [[Simha]],<br/>
−
from all those conditions of heart<br/>
+
from all those [[conditions]] of [[heart]]<br/>
−
which are evil and not good,<br/>
+
which are [[evil]] and not good,<br/>
 
he who has destroyed them as a palm-tree which is rooted out,<br/>
 
he who has destroyed them as a palm-tree which is rooted out,<br/>
 
so that they cannot grow up again,<br/>
 
so that they cannot grow up again,<br/>
−
such a man has accomplished the eradication of self. [11]<br/>
+
such a man has accomplished the eradication of [[self]]. [11]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
"I proclaim, Simha,<br/>
+
"I proclaim, [[Simha]],<br/>
−
the annihilation of egotism, of lust, of ill-will, of delusion.<br/>
+
the {{Wiki|annihilation}} of [[egotism]], of [[lust]], of [[ill-will]], of [[delusion]].<br/>
−
However, I do not proclaim the annihilation<br/>
+
However, I do not proclaim the {{Wiki|annihilation}}<br/>
−
of forbearance, of love, of charity, and of truth. [12]<br/>
+
of [[forbearance]], of [[love]], of [[charity]], and of [[truth]]. [12]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
"I deem, Simha, unrighteous actions contemptible,<br/>
+
"I deem, [[Simha]], unrighteous [[actions]] contemptible,<br/>
−
whether they be performed by deed, or by word, or by thought;<br/>
+
whether they be performed by [[deed]], or by [[word]], or by [[thought]];<br/>
−
but I deem virtue and righteousness praiseworthy." [13]<br/>
+
but I deem [[virtue]] and [[righteousness]] praiseworthy." [13]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
And Simha said:<br/>
+
And [[Simha]] said:<br/>
−
"One doubt still lurks in my mind<br/>
+
"One [[doubt]] still lurks in my [[mind]]<br/>
−
concerning the doctrine of the Blessed One.<br/>
+
concerning the [[doctrine]] of the [[Blessed One]].<br/>
−
Will the Blessed One consent to clear the cloud away<br/>
+
Will the [[Blessed One]] consent to clear the cloud away<br/>
−
so that I may understand the Dharma as the Blessed One teaches it?" [14]<br/>
+
so that I may understand the [[Dharma]] as the [[Blessed One]] teaches it?" [14]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
The Tathagata having given his consent, Simha continued:<br/>
+
The [[Tathagata]] having given his consent, [[Simha]] continued:<br/>
−
"I am a soldier, O Blessed One,<br/>
+
"I am a soldier, O [[Blessed One]],<br/>
−
and am appointed by the king<br/>
+
and am appointed by the [[king]]<br/>
 
to enforce his laws and to wage his wars.<br/>
 
to enforce his laws and to wage his wars.<br/>
−
Does the Tathagata who teaches kindness without end<br/>
+
Does the [[Tathagata]] who teaches [[kindness]] without end<br/>
−
and compassion with all sufferers,<br/>
+
and [[compassion]] with all sufferers,<br/>
−
permit the punishment of the criminal?<br/>
+
permit the {{Wiki|punishment}} of the criminal?<br/>
−
and further, does the Tathagata declare<br/>
+
and further, does the [[Tathagata]] declare<br/>
−
that it is wrong to go to war for the protection<br/>
+
that it is wrong to go to [[war]] for the [[protection]]<br/>
 
for our homes, our wives, our children, and our property?<br/>
 
for our homes, our wives, our children, and our property?<br/>
−
Does the Tathagata teach the doctrine of a complete self-surrender,<br/>
+
Does the [[Tathagata]] teach the [[doctrine]] of a complete self-surrender,<br/>
−
so that I should suffer the evil-doer to do what he pleases<br/>
+
so that I should [[suffer]] the evil-doer to do what he pleases<br/>
−
and yield submissively to him who threatens to take by violence what is my own?<br/>
+
and yield submissively to him who threatens to take by {{Wiki|violence}} what is my own?<br/>
−
Does the Tathagata maintain that all strife, including such warfare<br/>
+
Does the [[Tathagata]] maintain that all strife, including such warfare<br/>
−
as is waged for a righteous cause, should be forbidden?" [15]<br/>
+
as is waged for a righteous [[cause]], should be forbidden?" [15]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
The Buddha replied:<br/>
+
The [[Buddha]] replied:<br/>
−
"He who deserves punishment must be punished,<br/>
+
"He who deserves {{Wiki|punishment}} must be punished,<br/>
−
and he who is worthy of favour must be favoured.<br/>
+
and he who is [[worthy]] of favour must be favoured.<br/>
−
Yet at the same time he teaches to do no injury<br/>
+
Yet at the same [[time]] he teaches to do no injury<br/>
−
to any living being but to be full of love and kindness.<br/>
+
to any [[living being]] but to be full of [[love]] and [[kindness]].<br/>
 
These injuncions are not contradictory,<br/>
 
These injuncions are not contradictory,<br/>
 
for whosoever must be punished for the crimes which he has committed,<br/>
 
for whosoever must be punished for the crimes which he has committed,<br/>
−
suffers his injury not through the ill-will of the judge<br/>
+
[[suffers]] his injury not through the [[ill-will]] of the judge<br/>
 
but on account of his evil-doing.<br/>
 
but on account of his evil-doing.<br/>
 
His own acts have brought upon him the injury<br/>
 
His own acts have brought upon him the injury<br/>
 
that the executer of the law inflicts.<br/>
 
that the executer of the law inflicts.<br/>
−
When a magistrate punishes, let him not harbour hatred in his breast,<br/>
+
When a magistrate punishes, let him not harbour [[hatred]] in his breast,<br/>
−
yet a murderer, when put to death,<br/>
+
yet a murderer, when put to [[death]],<br/>
 
should consider that this is the fruit of his own act.<br/>
 
should consider that this is the fruit of his own act.<br/>
−
As soon as he will understand that the punishment will purify his soul,<br/>
+
As soon as he will understand that the {{Wiki|punishment}} will {{Wiki|purify}} his [[soul]],<br/>
−
he will no longer lament his fate but rejoice at it." [16]<br/>
+
he will no longer [[lament]] his [[fate]] but rejoice at it." [16]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
And the Blessed One continued:<br/>
+
And the [[Blessed One]] continued:<br/>
−
"The Tathagata teaches that all warfare in which man tries to slay his brother is lamentable,<br/>
+
"The [[Tathagata]] teaches that all warfare in which man tries to slay his brother is lamentable,<br/>
−
but he does not teach that those who go to war in a righteous cause<br/>
+
but he does not teach that those who go to [[war]] in a righteous [[cause]]<br/>
−
after having exhausted all means to preserve the peace are blame-worthy.<br/>
+
after having exhausted all means to preserve the [[peace]] are blame-worthy.<br/>
−
He must be blamed who is the cause of war. [17]<br/>
+
He must be blamed who is the [[cause]] of [[war]]. [17]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
"The Tathagata teaches a complete surrender of self,<br/>
+
"The [[Tathagata]] teaches a complete surrender of [[self]],<br/>
 
but he does not teach a surrender of anything<br/>
 
but he does not teach a surrender of anything<br/>
−
to those powers that are evil, be they men or gods or the elements of nature.<br/>
+
to those [[powers]] that are [[evil]], be they men or [[gods]] or the [[elements]] of [[nature]].<br/>
−
Struggle must be, for all life is a struggle of some kind.<br/>
+
Struggle must be, for all [[life]] is a struggle of some kind.<br/>
 
But he that struggles should look to it<br/>
 
But he that struggles should look to it<br/>
−
lest he struggle in the interest of self against truth and righteousness. [18]<br/>
+
lest he struggle in the [[interest]] of [[self]] against [[truth]] and [[righteousness]]. [18]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
"He who struggles in the interest of self,<br/>
+
"He who struggles in the [[interest]] of [[self]],<br/>
 
so that he himself may be great or powerful or rich or famous,<br/>
 
so that he himself may be great or powerful or rich or famous,<br/>
−
will have no reward, but he who struggles for righteousness and truth,<br/>
+
will have no reward, but he who struggles for [[righteousness]] and [[truth]],<br/>
 
will have great reward, for even his defeat will be a victory. [19]<br/>
 
will have great reward, for even his defeat will be a victory. [19]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
"Self is not a fit vessel to receive any great success;<br/>
+
"[[Self]] is not a fit vessel to receive any great [[success]];<br/>
−
self is small and brittle<br/>
+
[[self]] is small and brittle<br/>
−
and its contents will soon be split for the benefit,<br/>
+
and its contents will soon be split for the [[benefit]],<br/>
 
and perhaps also for the curse, of others. [20]<br/>
 
and perhaps also for the curse, of others. [20]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
"Truth, however, is large enough<br/>
+
"[[Truth]], however, is large enough<br/>
 
to receive the yearnings and aspirations of all selves<br/>
 
to receive the yearnings and aspirations of all selves<br/>
 
and when the selves break like soap-bubbles,<br/>
 
and when the selves break like soap-bubbles,<br/>
 
their contents will be preserved<br/>
 
their contents will be preserved<br/>
−
and in the truth they will lead a life everlasting. [21]<br/>
+
and in the [[truth]] they will lead a [[life]] everlasting. [21]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
"He who goeth to battle, O Simha,<br/>
+
"He who goeth to battle, O [[Simha]],<br/>
−
even though it be in a righteous cause,<br/>
+
even though it be in a righteous [[cause]],<br/>
 
must be prepared to be slain by his enemies,<br/>
 
must be prepared to be slain by his enemies,<br/>
−
for that is the destiny of warriors;<br/>
+
for that is the [[destiny]] of {{Wiki|warriors}};<br/>
−
and should his fate overtake him<br/>
+
and should his [[fate]] overtake him<br/>
−
he has no reason for complaint. [22]<br/>
+
he has no [[reason]] for complaint. [22]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
 
"But he who is victorious<br/>
 
"But he who is victorious<br/>
−
should remember the instability of earthly things.<br/>
+
should remember the instability of [[earthly]] things.<br/>
−
His success may be great,<br/>
+
His [[success]] may be great,<br/>
−
but be it ever so great the wheel of fortune may turn again<br/>
+
but be it ever so great the [[wheel]] of [[fortune]] may turn again<br/>
 
and bring him down into the dust. [23]<br/>
 
and bring him down into the dust. [23]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
 
"However, if he moderates himself<br/>
 
"However, if he moderates himself<br/>
−
and, extinguishing all hatred in his heart<br/>
+
and, [[extinguishing]] all [[hatred]] in his [[heart]]<br/>
 
lifts his down-trodden adversary up and says to him,<br/>
 
lifts his down-trodden adversary up and says to him,<br/>
−
'Come now and make peace and let us be brothers,'<br/>
+
'Come now and make [[peace]] and let us be brothers,'<br/>
−
he will gain a victory that is not a transient success,<br/>
+
he will gain a victory that is not a transient [[success]],<br/>
−
for its fruits will remain forever. [24]<br/>
+
for its {{Wiki|fruits}} will remain forever. [24]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
"Great is a successful general, O Simha,<br/>
+
"Great is a successful general, O [[Simha]],<br/>
−
but he who had conquered self is the greater victor. [25]<br/>
+
but he who had conquered [[self]] is the greater victor. [25]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
"The doctrine of the conquest of self, O Simha,<br/>
+
"The [[doctrine]] of the conquest of [[self]], O [[Simha]],<br/>
−
is not taught to destroy the souls of men, but to preserve them.<br/>
+
is not taught to destroy the [[souls]] of men, but to preserve them.<br/>
−
He who has conquered self is more fit to live,<br/>
+
He who has conquered [[self]] is more fit to live,<br/>
 
to be successful, and to gain victories<br/>
 
to be successful, and to gain victories<br/>
−
than he who is the slave of self. [26]<br/>
+
than he who is the slave of [[self]]. [26]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
"He whose mind is free from the illusion of self,<br/>
+
"He whose [[mind]] is free from the [[illusion]] of [[self]],<br/>
−
will stand and not fall in the battle of life. [27]<br/>
+
will stand and not fall in the battle of [[life]]. [27]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
"He whose intentions are righteousness and justice,<br/>
+
"He whose {{Wiki|intentions}} are [[righteousness]] and justice,<br/>
 
will meet with no failure,<br/>
 
will meet with no failure,<br/>
 
but be successful in his enterprises<br/>
 
but be successful in his enterprises<br/>
−
and his success will endure. [28]<br/>
+
and his [[success]] will endure. [28]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
"He who harbours in his heart love of truth<br/>
+
"He who harbours in his [[heart]] [[love]] of [[truth]]<br/>
−
will live and not die,<br/>
+
will live and not [[die]],<br/>
−
for he has drunk the water of immortality. [29]<br/>
+
for he has drunk the [[water]] of [[immortality]]. [29]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
 
"Struggle then, O general, courageously;<br/>
 
"Struggle then, O general, courageously;<br/>
 
and fight thy battles vigorously,<br/>
 
and fight thy battles vigorously,<br/>
−
but be a soldier of truth<br/>
+
but be a soldier of [[truth]]<br/>
−
and the Tathagata will bless thee." [30]<br/>
+
and the [[Tathagata]] will bless thee." [30]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
When the Blessed One had spoken thus,<br/>
+
When the [[Blessed One]] had spoken thus,<br/>
−
Simha, the general, said:<br/>
+
[[Simha]], the general, said:<br/>
−
"Glorious Lord, glorious Lord!<br/>
+
"Glorious [[Lord]], glorious [[Lord]]!<br/>
−
Thou hast revealed the truth.<br/>
+
Thou hast revealed the [[truth]].<br/>
−
Great is the doctrine of the Blessed One.<br/>
+
Great is the [[doctrine]] of the [[Blessed One]].<br/>
−
Thou, indeed, art the Buddha, the Tathagata, the Holy One.<br/>
+
Thou, indeed, [[art]] the [[Buddha]], the [[Tathagata]], the [[Holy One]].<br/>
−
Thou art the teacher of mankind.<br/>
+
Thou [[art]] the [[teacher]] of mankind.<br/>
−
Thou showest us the road of salvation,<br/>
+
Thou showest us the road of {{Wiki|salvation}},<br/>
−
for this indeed is true deliverance.<br/>
+
for this indeed is true [[deliverance]].<br/>
−
He who follows thee will not miss the light to enlighten his path.<br/>
+
He who follows thee will not miss the light to [[enlighten]] his [[path]].<br/>
−
He will find blessedness and peace.<br/>
+
He will find blessedness and [[peace]].<br/>
−
I take my refuge, Lord, in the Blessed One,<br/>
+
I take my [[refuge]], [[Lord]], in the [[Blessed One]],<br/>
−
and in his doctrine, and in his brotherhood.<br/>
+
and in his [[doctrine]], and in his brotherhood.<br/>
−
May the Blessed One receive me from this day forth<br/>
+
May the [[Blessed One]] receive me from this day forth<br/>
−
while my life lasts as a disciple who has taken refuge in him." [31]<br/>
+
while my [[life]] lasts as a [[disciple]] who has taken [[refuge]] in him." [31]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
And the Blessed One said:<br/>
+
And the [[Blessed One]] said:<br/>
−
"Consider first, Simha, what thou doest.<br/>
+
"Consider first, [[Simha]], what thou doest.<br/>
 
It is becoming that persons of rank like thyself<br/>
 
It is becoming that persons of rank like thyself<br/>
−
should do nothing without due consideration." [32]<br/>
+
should do nothing without due [[consideration]]." [32]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
Simha's faith in the Blessed One increased. He replied:<br/>
+
Simha's [[faith]] in the [[Blessed One]] increased. He replied:<br/>
−
"Had other teachers, Lord, succeeded in making me their disciple,<br/>
+
"Had other [[teachers]], [[Lord]], succeeded in making me their [[disciple]],<br/>
−
they would carry around their banners through the whole city of Vesali, shouting:<br/>
+
they would carry around their banners through the whole city of [[Vesali]], shouting:<br/>
−
'Simha, the general has become our disciple!<br/>
+
'[[Simha]], the general has become our [[disciple]]!<br/>
−
For the second time, Lord,<br/>
+
For the second [[time]], [[Lord]],<br/>
−
I take my refuge in the Blessed One,<br/>
+
I take my [[refuge]] in the [[Blessed One]],<br/>
−
and in the Dharma, and in the Sangha;<br/>
+
and in the [[Dharma]], and in the [[Sangha]];<br/>
−
may the Blessed One receive me from this day forth while my life lasts<br/>
+
may the [[Blessed One]] receive me from this day forth while my [[life]] lasts<br/>
−
as a disciple who has taken his refuge in him." [33]<br/>
+
as a [[disciple]] who has taken his [[refuge]] in him." [33]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
Said the Blessed One:<br/>
+
Said the [[Blessed One]]:<br/>
−
"For a long time, Simha,<br/>
+
"For a long [[time]], [[Simha]],<br/>
−
offerings have been given to the Nigganthas in thy house.<br/>
+
[[offerings]] have been given to the Nigganthas in thy house.<br/>
−
Thou shouldst therefore deem it right also in the future<br/>
+
Thou shouldst therefore deem it right also in the {{Wiki|future}}<br/>
−
to give them food when they come to thee on their alms-pilgrimage." [34]<br/>
+
to give them [[food]] when they come to thee on their alms-pilgrimage." [34]<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
−
And Simha's heart was filled with joy. He said:<br/>
+
And Simha's [[heart]] was filled with [[joy]]. He said:<br/>
−
"I have been told, Lord:<br/>
+
"I have been told, [[Lord]]:<br/>
−
'The samana Gotama says: To me alone and to nobody else should gifts be given.<br/>
+
'The [[samana]] [[Gotama]] says: To me alone and to nobody else should gifts be given.<br/>
−
My pupils alone and the pupils of no one else should receive offerings.'<br/>
+
My pupils alone and the pupils of no one else should receive [[offerings]].'<br/>
−
But the Blessed One exhorts me to give also to the Nigganthas.<br/>
+
But the [[Blessed One]] exhorts me to give also to the Nigganthas.<br/>
−
Well, Lord, we shall see what is seasonable.<br/>
+
Well, [[Lord]], we shall see what is seasonable.<br/>
−
For the third time, Lord, I take refuge in the Blessed One,<br/>
+
For the third [[time]], [[Lord]], I [[take refuge]] in the [[Blessed One]],<br/>
−
and in his Dharma, and in his fraternity." [35]<br/>
+
and in his [[Dharma]], and in his fraternity." [35]<br/>
  
 
{{The Gospel of Buddha}}
 
{{The Gospel of Buddha}}

Latest revision as of 19:28, 31 December 2013

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At that time many distinguished citizens were sitting together assembled in the town-hall
and spoke in many ways in praise of the Buddha, of the Dharma, and of the Sangha.
Simha, the general-in-chief, a disciple of the Niggantha sect, was sitting among them.
And Simha thought: "Truly, the Blessed One must be the Buddha, the Holy One.
I will go and visit him." [1]

Then Simha, the general, went to the place
where the Niggantha chief, Nataputta, was;
and having approached him, he said:
"I wish, Lord, to visit the samana Gotama." [2]

Nataputta said:
"Why should you, Simha,
who believe in the result of actions according to their moral merit,
go to visit the samana Gotama, who denies the result of actions;
he teaches the doctrine of non-action;
and in this doctrine he trains his disciples." [3]

Then the desire to go and visit the Blessed One,
which had arisen in Simha, the general, abated. [4]

Hearing again the praise of the Buddha, of the Dharma, and of the Sangha,
Simha asked the Niggantha chief a second time;
and again Nataputta persuaded him not to go. [5]

When a third time the general heard some men of distinction
extol the merits of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha,
the general thought:
"Truly the samana Gotama must be the Holy Buddha.
What are the Nigganthas to me,
whether they give their consent or not?
I shall go without asking their permission
to visit him, the Blessed One, the Holy Buddha." [6]

And Simha, the general, said to the Blessed One:
"I have heard, Lord,
that the samana Gotama denies the result of actions;
he teaches the doctrine of non-action,
saying that the action of sentient beings do not receive their reward,
for he teaches annihilation and the contemptibleness of all things;
and in this doctrine he trains his disciples.
Teachest thou the dong away of the soul
and the burning away of man's being?
Pray tell me, Lord, do those who speak thus say the truth,
or do they bear false witness against the Blessed One,
passing off a spurious Dharma as thy Dharma?" [7]

The Blessed One said: [8]

"There is a way, Simha,
in which one who says so, is speaking truly of me,
on the other hand, Simha,
there is a way in which one who says the opposite
is speaking truly of me, too.
Listen, and I will tell thee: [9]

"I teach, simha,
the not-doing of such actions as are unrighteous,
either by deed, or by word, or by thought;
I teach the not-bringing about of all those conditions of heart which are evil and not good.
However, I teach, Simha,
the doing of such actions as are righteous,
by deed, by word, and by thought;
I teach the bringing about
of all those conditions of heart
which are good and not evil. [10]

"I teach, Simha,
that all the conditions of heart which are evil and not good,
unrighteous actions by deed, by word, and by thought, must be burnt away.
He who has freed himself, Simha,
from all those conditions of heart
which are evil and not good,
he who has destroyed them as a palm-tree which is rooted out,
so that they cannot grow up again,
such a man has accomplished the eradication of self. [11]

"I proclaim, Simha,
the annihilation of egotism, of lust, of ill-will, of delusion.
However, I do not proclaim the annihilation
of forbearance, of love, of charity, and of truth. [12]

"I deem, Simha, unrighteous actions contemptible,
whether they be performed by deed, or by word, or by thought;
but I deem virtue and righteousness praiseworthy." [13]

And Simha said:
"One doubt still lurks in my mind
concerning the doctrine of the Blessed One.
Will the Blessed One consent to clear the cloud away
so that I may understand the Dharma as the Blessed One teaches it?" [14]

The Tathagata having given his consent, Simha continued:
"I am a soldier, O Blessed One,
and am appointed by the king
to enforce his laws and to wage his wars.
Does the Tathagata who teaches kindness without end
and compassion with all sufferers,
permit the punishment of the criminal?
and further, does the Tathagata declare
that it is wrong to go to war for the protection
for our homes, our wives, our children, and our property?
Does the Tathagata teach the doctrine of a complete self-surrender,
so that I should suffer the evil-doer to do what he pleases
and yield submissively to him who threatens to take by violence what is my own?
Does the Tathagata maintain that all strife, including such warfare
as is waged for a righteous cause, should be forbidden?" [15]

The Buddha replied:
"He who deserves punishment must be punished,
and he who is worthy of favour must be favoured.
Yet at the same time he teaches to do no injury
to any living being but to be full of love and kindness.
These injuncions are not contradictory,
for whosoever must be punished for the crimes which he has committed,
suffers his injury not through the ill-will of the judge
but on account of his evil-doing.
His own acts have brought upon him the injury
that the executer of the law inflicts.
When a magistrate punishes, let him not harbour hatred in his breast,
yet a murderer, when put to death,
should consider that this is the fruit of his own act.
As soon as he will understand that the punishment will purify his soul,
he will no longer lament his fate but rejoice at it." [16]

And the Blessed One continued:
"The Tathagata teaches that all warfare in which man tries to slay his brother is lamentable,
but he does not teach that those who go to war in a righteous cause
after having exhausted all means to preserve the peace are blame-worthy.
He must be blamed who is the cause of war. [17]

"The Tathagata teaches a complete surrender of self,
but he does not teach a surrender of anything
to those powers that are evil, be they men or gods or the elements of nature.
Struggle must be, for all life is a struggle of some kind.
But he that struggles should look to it
lest he struggle in the interest of self against truth and righteousness. [18]

"He who struggles in the interest of self,
so that he himself may be great or powerful or rich or famous,
will have no reward, but he who struggles for righteousness and truth,
will have great reward, for even his defeat will be a victory. [19]

"Self is not a fit vessel to receive any great success;
self is small and brittle
and its contents will soon be split for the benefit,
and perhaps also for the curse, of others. [20]

"Truth, however, is large enough
to receive the yearnings and aspirations of all selves
and when the selves break like soap-bubbles,
their contents will be preserved
and in the truth they will lead a life everlasting. [21]

"He who goeth to battle, O Simha,
even though it be in a righteous cause,
must be prepared to be slain by his enemies,
for that is the destiny of warriors;
and should his fate overtake him
he has no reason for complaint. [22]

"But he who is victorious
should remember the instability of earthly things.
His success may be great,
but be it ever so great the wheel of fortune may turn again
and bring him down into the dust. [23]

"However, if he moderates himself
and, extinguishing all hatred in his heart
lifts his down-trodden adversary up and says to him,
'Come now and make peace and let us be brothers,'
he will gain a victory that is not a transient success,
for its fruits will remain forever. [24]

"Great is a successful general, O Simha,
but he who had conquered self is the greater victor. [25]

"The doctrine of the conquest of self, O Simha,
is not taught to destroy the souls of men, but to preserve them.
He who has conquered self is more fit to live,
to be successful, and to gain victories
than he who is the slave of self. [26]

"He whose mind is free from the illusion of self,
will stand and not fall in the battle of life. [27]

"He whose intentions are righteousness and justice,
will meet with no failure,
but be successful in his enterprises
and his success will endure. [28]

"He who harbours in his heart love of truth
will live and not die,
for he has drunk the water of immortality. [29]

"Struggle then, O general, courageously;
and fight thy battles vigorously,
but be a soldier of truth
and the Tathagata will bless thee." [30]

When the Blessed One had spoken thus,
Simha, the general, said:
"Glorious Lord, glorious Lord!
Thou hast revealed the truth.
Great is the doctrine of the Blessed One.
Thou, indeed, art the Buddha, the Tathagata, the Holy One.
Thou art the teacher of mankind.
Thou showest us the road of salvation,
for this indeed is true deliverance.
He who follows thee will not miss the light to enlighten his path.
He will find blessedness and peace.
I take my refuge, Lord, in the Blessed One,
and in his doctrine, and in his brotherhood.
May the Blessed One receive me from this day forth
while my life lasts as a disciple who has taken refuge in him." [31]

And the Blessed One said:
"Consider first, Simha, what thou doest.
It is becoming that persons of rank like thyself
should do nothing without due consideration." [32]

Simha's faith in the Blessed One increased. He replied:
"Had other teachers, Lord, succeeded in making me their disciple,
they would carry around their banners through the whole city of Vesali, shouting:
'Simha, the general has become our disciple!
For the second time, Lord,
I take my refuge in the Blessed One,
and in the Dharma, and in the Sangha;
may the Blessed One receive me from this day forth while my life lasts
as a disciple who has taken his refuge in him." [33]

Said the Blessed One:
"For a long time, Simha,
offerings have been given to the Nigganthas in thy house.
Thou shouldst therefore deem it right also in the future
to give them food when they come to thee on their alms-pilgrimage." [34]

And Simha's heart was filled with joy. He said:
"I have been told, Lord:
'The samana Gotama says: To me alone and to nobody else should gifts be given.
My pupils alone and the pupils of no one else should receive offerings.'
But the Blessed One exhorts me to give also to the Nigganthas.
Well, Lord, we shall see what is seasonable.
For the third time, Lord, I take refuge in the Blessed One,
and in his Dharma, and in his fraternity." [35]

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Source

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