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Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One

In the Minor Collection

Jātaka Pāḷi

(First Part)

1.

The Section of the Ones

1.

The Chapter on the Unmistakable

1.

The Unmistakable Birth Story

1.

Some say the unmistakable state, rationalists say the second;

Having understood this, the wise one should take what is unmistakable.

The Unmistakable Birth Story is first.

2.

The Sandy Waste Birth Story

2.

Untiring, digging in the sandy waste, in the open ground there they found water;

Thus the sage, possessed of the power of energy, untiring, may find peace of heart.

The Sandy Waste Birth Story is second.

3.

The Seriva Merchant Birth Story

3.

If here you fail to attain the fixed course of the Good Teaching;

For a long time you will regret, like the merchant of Serivā.

The Seriva Merchant Birth Story is third.

4.

The Minor Millionaire Birth Story

4.

Even with little, the wise one, discerning with his capital;

Raises himself up, like one fanning a small fire.

The Minor Millionaire Birth Story is fourth.

5.

The Measure of Rice Birth Story

5.

"What is the worth of a measure of rice, tell me the price of horses, O king;

Bārāṇasī within and without, this is the worth of a measure of rice."

The Measure of Rice Birth Story is fifth.

6.

The Divine Virtue Birth Story

6.

Accomplished in shame and moral fear, established in bright qualities;

Peaceful good persons in the world are called 'those with divine qualities'.

The Divine Virtue Birth Story is sixth.

7.

The Wood-Gatherer Birth Story

7.

"I am your son, great king, support me, O lord of people;

The king supports others too, why not the king his own offspring?"

The Wood-Gatherer Birth Story is seventh.

8.

The Village Headman Birth Story

8.

Even for those who are unhurried, the hope for fruit succeeds;

I am one whose holy life has ripened, know this thus, headman."

The Village Headman Birth Story is eighth.

9.

The Maghadeva Birth Story

9.

The hairs on my head, these have arisen as snatchers of life;

Divine messengers have appeared, it is time for my going forth.

The Maghadeva Birth Story is ninth.

10.

The Happy Dweller Birth Story

10.

"Whom others do not protect, and who does not protect others;

He indeed, O king, sleeps happily, without expectation towards sensual pleasures."

The Happy Dweller Birth Story is tenth.

The Unmistakable Chapter is first.

Its summary:

Excellent, Unmistakable, Sandy Waste, Serivara, Wise, Measure of Rice;

Shame, Son, Excellent, Spoken, Village Headman, and Who Does Not Protect - with these, ten.

2.

The Chapter on Morality

11.

The Marked Deer Birth Story

11.

There is benefit for those of good conduct, for those whose practice is friendly welcome;

See Lakkhaṇa coming, honoured by the congregation of kinsmen;

Then see this dark one, quite bereft of kinsmen, indeed.

The Marked Deer Birth Story is first.

12.

The Banyan Deer Birth Story

12.

One should resort to the banyan tree, one should not dwell with a branch;

Death in the banyan tree is better, than life in a branch.

The Banyan Deer Birth Story is second.

13.

The Arrow Birth Story

13.

Shame on the arrow with a shaft, that deeply pierces a man;

Shame on that country, where a woman is the leader;

And those beings too are despised, who have come under the control of women.

The Arrow Birth Story is third.

14.

The Wind Deer Birth Story

14.

There is surely nothing worse than flavours, or than residences or intimacies;

Sañjaya brought under his control with flavours the wind-deer dwelling in the thicket.

The Wind Deer Birth Story is fourth.

15.

The Rough-Eating Birth Story

15.

The deer with eight hooves, O Kharādiya, with horns bent and very bent;

Having transgressed the time on seven occasions, I do not endeavour to exhort him.

The Rough-Eating Birth Story is fifth.

16.

The Three-Posture Deer Birth Story

16.

The deer with three lying postures, of many deceits, with eight hooves, drinking water at midnight;

Breathing on the ground with one nostril, he will outwit with six tricks, dear sister, the nephew.

The Three-Posture Deer Birth Story is sixth.

17.

The Wind Birth Story

17.

Whether in the dark fortnight or in the bright, whenever the wind blows;

For cold spells are born of wind, you are both undefeated in this matter.

The Wind Birth Story is seventh.

18.

The Food for the Dead Birth Story

18.

If beings knew thus, that birth and continued existence are suffering;

No living being would kill another living being, for one who destroys life grieves.

The Food for the Dead Birth Story is eighth.

19.

The Requested Food Birth Story

19.

If you would be free, be free after death, for one becoming free is bound;

Not in this way do the wise become free, freedom is bondage for the fool.

The Requested Food Birth Story is ninth.

20.

The Reed Drink Birth Story

20.

Having seen a footprint not come out, having seen a footprint gone down;

We shall drink water with a reed, you will indeed not kill me.

The Reed Drink Birth Story is tenth.

The Morality Chapter is second.

Its summary:

Then Lakkhaṇa, Branch, Shame On, Again, Surely There Is Not, with Flavours, Rough and so on;

Excels, Excellent, Wind, Living Being, with Release, with the one named Reed - these are ten.

3.

The Chapter on the Antelope

21.

The Antelope Deer Birth Story

21.

This is known to the antelope, that you, Sepaṇṇi, lie;

I go to another Sepaṇṇi, your fruit does not please me.

The Antelope Deer Birth Story is first.

22.

The Dog Birth Story

22.

Those dogs raised in the royal family, of good breed, endowed with beauty and strength;

They are not to be killed, we are to be killed, this is not impartial, it is the slaughter of the weak.

The Dog Birth Story is second.

23.

The Thoroughbred Ox Birth Story

23.

Even lying on one side, pierced by darts;

Better than a mare is a thoroughbred, harness me, O charioteer.

The Thoroughbred Ox Birth Story is third.

24.

The Thoroughbred Birth Story

24.

Whenever, wherever, whenever, wherever, whenever, whenever;

The thoroughbred exerts its force, the mares fall behind there.

The Thoroughbred Birth Story is fourth.

25.

The Ford Birth Story

25.

"At different fords, charioteer, give the horse to drink;

A person through overeating, even with milk-rice becomes satisfied."

The Ford Birth Story is fifth.

26.

The Woman's Face Birth Story

26.

Having heard the words of the ancient thieves, the woman-faced one went about killing;

But having heard the words of the well-restrained, the noble elephant stood firm in all virtues.

The Woman's Face Birth Story is sixth.

27.

The Frequent Birth Story

27.

He was not able to take a mouthful, nor almsfood, nor kusa grass, nor to be rubbed;

I think from frequent seeing, the elephant developed affection for the dog.

The Frequent Birth Story is seventh.

28.

The Nandivisāla Birth Story

28.

One should speak only what is pleasant, never what is unpleasant;

For one speaking pleasantly, he lifted the heavy burden;

And he obtained wealth for him, thereby he was delighted.

The Nandivisāla Birth Story is the eighth.

29.

The Kaṇha Birth Story

29.

Wherever the burden is heavy, wherever the road is deep;

Then they yoke the black one, and he bears that burden.

The Kaṇha Birth Story is the ninth.

30.

The Munika Birth Story

30.

Do not envy the sage, he eats food for the sick;

Living at ease, eat chaff, this is the characteristic of long life.

The Munika Birth Story is the tenth.

The Kuruṅga Chapter is the third.

Its summary:

Antelope, Dog, Ox, Swift, Excellent, again Fierce, Rains, Glory, Named;

Woman, Face, Name, Delightful, Excellent, bears the burden - with Sage, ten.

4.

The Chapter on the Nest

31.

The Kulāvaka Birth Story

31.

"The nests, Mātali, in the silk-cotton tree, avoid them with the chariot-pole;

We would rather give up our lives among the titans, than that my twice-born birds should become nestless."

The Kulāvaka Birth Story is the first.

32.

The Dancing Birth Story

32.

Your cry is delightful and your back is beautiful, and your neck resembles the colour of lapis lazuli;

And your tail-feathers are a fathom in length, but because of your dancing we do not give you our daughter.

The Dancing Jātaka, the second.

33.

The Sammodamāna Birth Story

33.

Being joyful they go, the birds having taken up the net;

When they quarrel, then they will come under my control.

The Sammodamāna Birth Story is the third.

34.

The Fish Birth Story

34.

Neither cold nor heat afflicts me, nor the snaring in the net;

But that the she-fish imagines me gone to another for delight.

The Fish Jātaka, the fourth.

35.

The Vaṭṭaka Birth Story

35.

There are wings, but unable to fly, there are feet, but unable to walk;

Mother and father have departed, fire, go back.

The Vaṭṭaka Birth Story is the fifth.

36.

The Sakuṇa Birth Story

36.

The tree upon which the birds depended, that itself emits fire;

Seek the directions, O crooked-limbed ones, fear has arisen from the refuge.

The Sakuṇa Birth Story is the sixth.

37.

The Tittira Birth Story

37.

Those men who honour the senior, skilled in the Teaching;

Praiseworthy in this very life, and a fortunate realm in the future state.

The Tittira Birth Story is the seventh.

38.

The Baka Birth Story

38.

One wise in fraud does not perpetually thrive in happiness through fraud;

One wise in fraud obtains, like a heron with a crab.

The Baka Birth Story is the eighth.

39.

The Nanda Birth Story

39.

Methinks a heap of golden things, and a golden wreath, and Nandaka;

Where the slave, born a slave, standing, roars rough words.

The Nanda Birth Story is the ninth.

40.

The Khadiraṅgāra Birth Story

40.

I would rather fall into hell, feet upward, head downward;

I will not do what is ignoble, come, accept the almsfood.

The Khadiraṅgāra Birth Story is the tenth.

The Kulāvaka Chapter is the fourth.

Its summary:

Siri, Mātali, Daughter, King of Birds, Delight, Come, Mother and Father, and again;

Tree, Senior, Parrot and Crab, likewise with Nandaka and Excellent Almsfood - ten.

5.

The Chapter on the Well-wisher

41.

The Losaka Birth Story

41.

Whoever, when being admonished by one who wishes his welfare, who is compassionate for his good, does not follow the instruction;

He grieves like Mittaka, clinging to the goat's foot.

The Losaka Birth Story is the first.

42.

The Kapota Birth Story

42.

Whoever, when being admonished by one who wishes his welfare, who is compassionate for his good, does not follow the instruction;

Not having heeded the word of the pigeon, he lies as one gone into the hands of enemies.

The Kapota Birth Story is the second.

43.

The Veḷuka Birth Story

43.

Whoever, when being admonished by one who wishes his welfare, who is compassionate for his good, does not follow the instruction;

Thus he lies slain, like the father of Veḷuka.

The Veḷuka Birth Story is the third.

44.

The Makasa Birth Story

44.

Better is an enemy endowed with wisdom, than a friend devoid of wisdom;

For the idiot, thinking "I will kill the mosquito," split open his father's head.

The Makasa Birth Story is the fourth.

45.

The Rohiṇī Birth Story

45.

Better is a wise enemy, than a foolish compassionate one;

See the contemptible Rohiṇikā, having killed her mother, she grieves.

The Rohiṇī Birth Story is the fifth.

46.

The Ārāmadūsaka Birth Story

46.

Indeed, by one unskilled in benefit, beneficent conduct does not bring happiness;

The imprudent one neglects the benefit, just as the monkey monastery attendant.

The Ārāmadūsaka Birth Story is the sixth.

47.

The Vāruṇidūsaka Birth Story

47.

Indeed, by one unskilled in benefit, beneficent conduct does not bring happiness;

The imprudent one neglects the benefit, just as Koṇḍañña did the spirits.

The Vāruṇidūsaka Birth Story is the seventh.

48.

The Vedabba Birth Story

48.

Whoever desires benefit by wrong means, he suffers;

The hunters killed Vedabba, all of them met with disaster.

The Vedabba Birth Story is the eighth.

49.

The Nakkhatta Birth Story

49.

While waiting for the constellation, the benefit passed the fool by;

The benefit itself is the constellation for benefit, what will the stars do?

The Nakkhatta Birth Story is the ninth.

50.

The Dummedha Birth Story

50.

With a thousand imprudent ones, a sacrifice was entreated of me;

Now I shall sacrifice, for many are the unrighteous people.

The Dummedha Birth Story is the tenth.

The Atthakāma Chapter is the fifth.

Its summary:

Then Friend, Mother, Excellent Pigeon, likewise Bamboo, Idiot, Rohiṇī;

Monkey, Liquor, and Mind-Reader again, likewise with Star and Excellent Sacrifice - ten.

The first fifty.

6.

The Chapter on Aspiration

51. The Mahāsīlava Birth Story

51.

A person should indeed hope, a wise one should not become weary;

I see myself, as I wished, so it came to be.

The Mahāsīlava Birth Story is the first.

52.

The Cūḷajanaka Birth Story

52.

A person should indeed strive, a wise one should not become weary;

I see myself lifted from the water to dry land.

The Cūḷajanaka Birth Story is the second.

53.

The Puṇṇapāti Birth Story

53.

Likewise the bowls are full, the talk proceeds differently;

By this reason I know, this is not good liquor.

The Puṇṇapāti Birth Story is the third.

54.

The Kiṃphala Birth Story

54.

This tree is not hard to climb, nor is it far from the village;

By this reason I know, this is not a tree with sweet fruit.

The Kiṃphala Birth Story is the fourth.

55.

The Pañcāvudha Birth Story

55.

Whoever, with an unslothful mind, a man of unslothful consciousness;

Develops wholesome mental states, for the attainment of freedom from bondage;

May reach gradually the elimination of all fetters.

The Pañcāvudha Birth Story is the fifth.

56.

The Birth Story of the Mass of Gold

56.

Whoever, with a delighted mind, a man of delighted consciousness;

Develops wholesome mental states, for the attainment of freedom from bondage;

May reach gradually the elimination of all fetters.

The Birth Story of the Mass of Gold, the sixth.

57.

The Birth Story of the Monkey King

57.

For whom these four qualities exist, monkey-king, just as for you;

Truth, the Teaching, steadfastness, generosity - he overcomes the foe.

The Birth Story of the Monkey King, the seventh.

58.

The Birth Story of the Three Qualities

58.

For whom these three qualities exist, monkey-king, just as for you;

Dexterity, courage, wisdom - he overcomes the foe.

The Birth Story of the Three Qualities, the eighth.

59.

The Birth Story of the Drummer

59.

Blow, blow, but do not over-blow, for over-blowing is evil;

For by blowing a hundred was gained, by over-blowing it was destroyed.

The Birth Story of the Drummer, the ninth.

60.

The Birth Story of the Conch Blower

60.

Blow, blow, but do not over-blow, for over-blowing is evil;

The wealth obtained by blowing, my father squandered by blowing.

The Birth Story of the Conch Blower, the tenth.

The Chapter on Aspiration, the sixth.

Its summary:

As I Wished, So It Was, Water, Dry Land, Liquor, Sweet Fruit, and Unwavering Mind;

Gladdened Mind, Four and Three, Hundred Obtained, with Wealth and Riches - ten.

7.

The Chapter on Women

61.

The Birth Story of the Unpleasant Spell

61.

Women of the world are indeed wretched, no limit is found for them;

Filled with lust and bold, just as fire consumes all;

Having left them, I shall go forth, cultivating seclusion.

The Birth Story of the Unpleasant Spell, the first.

62.

The Birth Story of the Embryo

62.

Why the brahmin played the lute, with his face wrapped up;

A wife maintained from the egg-state, who would ever trust in such women?

The Birth Story of the Embryo, the second.

63.

The Birth Story of the Wise Reasoner

63.

Prone to wrath and ungrateful, divisive and friend-breaking;

Live the holy life, monk, he does not abandon happiness.

The Birth Story of the Wise Reasoner, the third.

64.

The Birth Story of the Difficult to Know

64.

Do not rejoice "She desires me", do not grieve "She does not desire me";

The nature of women is hard to know, like a fish's course in water.

The Birth Story of the Difficult to Know, the fourth.

65.

The Birth Story of Discontent

65.

Just as a river and a road, a drinking booth, an assembly hall, and a wayside water-shed;

So are women of the world, the wise do not become angry with them.

The Birth Story of Discontent, the fifth.

66.

The Birth Story of the Soft Characteristic

66.

One desire I had before, not having obtained Mudulakkhaṇā;

Since I obtained the wide-eyed one, desire gave birth to desire.

The Birth Story of the Soft Characteristic, the sixth.

67.

The Birth Story of the Lap

67.

"A son on my lap, O king, a husband for one running on the path;

But that region I do not see, from where I might bring a brother."

The Birth Story of the Lap, the seventh.

68.

The Birth Story of Sāketa

68.

In whom the mind settles, and the consciousness becomes clear;

Even in a person never seen before, one surely trusts in him.

The Birth Story of Sāketa, the eighth.

69.

The Birth Story of the One Who Vomits Poison

69.

Shame on that vomited poison, which I, for the sake of life;

Would swallow back again once vomited, death is better for me than life.

The Birth Story of the One Who Vomits Poison, the ninth.

70.

The Birth Story of the Spade

70.

That conquest is not well conquered, which conquest is undone;

That conquest is indeed well conquered, which conquest is not undone.

The Birth Story of the Spade, the tenth.

The Chapter on Women, the seventh.

Its summary:

Sikhī, All-Devourer, and Lute-Excellent, Divisive, Friend-Breaking, Delight, River;

Soft-Characteristic, Born-of-Same-Mother, and Mind, Poison, with Well-Conquered - these are ten.

8.

The Chapter on Varuṇa

71.

The Birth Story of Varuṇa

71.

"He who wishes to do afterwards what should be done before;

Like the breaker of varuṇa wood, he afterwards feels remorse."

The Birth Story of Varuṇa, the first.

72.

The Birth Story of the Virtuous Elephant

72.

For an ungrateful person, always looking for faults;

Even if one were to give him the whole earth, one would indeed not please him.

The Birth Story of the Virtuous Elephant, the second.

73.

The Birth Story of Truth Indeed

73.

"Truly indeed thus they said, some men here;

A piece of wood rescued is better, but not indeed some men."

The Birth Story of Truth Indeed, the third.

74.

The Birth Story of the Nature of Trees

74.

Good are many relatives, even trees born in the forest;

The wind carries away one standing alone, even a great lord of the forest.

The Birth Story of the Nature of Trees, the fourth.

75.

The Fish Birth Story

75.

Thunder forth, O Rain-God, destroy the treasure of the crow;

Afflict the crow with sorrow, and release me from sorrow.

The Birth Story of the Fish, the fifth.

76.

The Birth Story of the Unsuspected

76.

I am without fear in the village, in the forest there is no fear for me;

Having ascended the straight path, through friendliness and compassion.

The Birth Story of the Unsuspected, the sixth.

77.

The Birth Story of the Great Dream

77.

Bulls are trees, cows are oxen, a horse is a plate, a jackal is a water-pot;

A pond and unripe sandalwood, gourds sink and stones float.

Frogs swallow black snakes, supaṇṇas surround a crow;

Trembling wolves are in fear of goats, perversion exists, there is no sense here.

The Birth Story of the Great Dream, the seventh.

78.

The Birth Story of Illisa

78.

Both are lame, both are crippled, both are squint-eyed;

Boils have arisen on both, I do not see Illisa.

The Birth Story of Illisa, the eighth.

79.

The Birth Story of the Rough Voice

79.

When cattle were plundered and destroyed, houses burnt and people led away;

Then came the son to her whose son was destroyed, beating a harsh-sounding drum.

The Birth Story of the Rough Voice, the ninth.

80.

The Birth Story of Bhīmasena

80.

What you boasted of before, then afterwards your putrid streams flow forth;

Both do not agree, O Bhīmasena, your talk of battle and this your distress.

The Birth Story of Bhīmasena, the tenth.

The Chapter on Varuṇa, the eighth.

Its summary:

Varuṇa, Ungrateful, Excellent, Truth-Excellent, with Forest-Lord and Thundering;

With Compassion, Stone-Raft, Illisa, again with Drum and Putrid Stream - ten.

9.

The Chapter on Drinking

81.

The Birth Story of Drinking Liquor

81.

We drank, we danced, we sang, and we cried;

Having drunk that which causes unconsciousness, we were seen as monkeys.

The Birth Story of Drinking Liquor, the first.

82.

The Birth Story of Mittavindaka

82.

Having passed beyond the crystal, and the ever-intoxicating treacherous one;

You are seated on a stone, from which you will not be freed while living.

The Birth Story of Mittavindaka, the second.

83.

The Kālakaṇṇi Birth Story

83.

One becomes a friend indeed by seven steps, but a companion by twelve;

By a month or a fortnight one becomes a relative, beyond that even like oneself;

How then could I, for the sake of my own happiness, abandon the wretch acquainted for a long time?

The Kālakaṇṇi Birth Story is the third.

84.

The Door to Welfare Birth Story

84.

One should wish for health and supreme gain, morality approved by the seniors, and learning;

And acting in conformity with the Dhamma, and non-sluggishness - these six are the chief doors to benefit.

The Door to Welfare Birth Story is the fourth.

85.

The Kimpakka Fruit Birth Story

85.

Not knowing the danger in the future, whoever indulges in sensual pleasures;

At the end of the result they strike him, like having eaten a poisonous fruit.

The Kimpakka Fruit Birth Story is the fifth.

86.

The Morality Investigator Birth Story

86.

Morality indeed is good, morality is unsurpassed in the world;

See the serpent with terrible poison, being moral he is not killed.

The Morality Investigator Birth Story is the sixth.

87.

The Blessing Birth Story

87.

For whom blessings have been uprooted, omens, dreams, and characteristics;

He, having transcended the faults of blessings, having overcome the pairs and bonds, surely does not come to this again.

The Blessing Birth Story is the seventh.

88.

The Rivalry Birth Story

88.

One should utter only what is good, one should not utter what is evil;

Release of good speech is excellent, having uttered evil one is tormented.

The Rivalry Birth Story is the eighth.

89.

The Deceitful Birth Story

89.

Your speech indeed was smooth, you speaker of kind words;

You clung to a mere blade of grass, yet they carry off a hundred gold coins.

The Deceitful Birth Story is the ninth.

90.

The Ungrateful Birth Story

90.

He who does not understand the good done for him before, the benefit done;

When a task arises afterwards, he does not find one to do it.

The Ungrateful Birth Story is the tenth.

The Apāyimha Chapter is the ninth.

Its summary:

We Drank and Treacherous, Positions of Beings, Six Doors and Future, and again;

Snake, Moral, Auspicious, Evil Woman, Hundred Coins, with Benefit Done Best - these are ten.

10.

The Chapter on Smeared

91.

The Smeared Birth Story

91.

"Smeared with supreme potency, the man does not understand the smearing he swallows;

Swallow, you, swallow, wicked cheat, afterwards it will be bitter for you."

The Smeared Birth Story is the first.

92.

The Great Lake Birth Story

92.

In superior situations they desire a hero, in councils one who is not excitable;

And a dear one when food and drink are present, and a wise person when a matter has arisen.

The Great Lake Birth Story is the second.

93.

The Intimate Meal Birth Story

93.

One should not trust the untrustworthy, nor should one trust even the trustworthy;

From trust, danger follows, like a lion follows a hoofed animal.

The Intimate Meal Birth Story is the third.

94.

The Terror Birth Story

94.

Scorched and soaked, alone in the frightful forest;

Naked, not sitting by a fire, the sage devoted to the search.

The Terror Birth Story is the fourth.

95.

The Mahāsudassana Birth Story

95.

"Impermanent indeed are activities, having the nature of arising and falling;

Having arisen, they cease; their appeasement is happiness."

The Mahāsudassana Birth Story is the fifth.

96.

The Oil Bowl Birth Story

96.

Just as one would carry a bowl of oil filled to the brim without spilling;

So one should guard one's own mind, aspiring to the direction never gone to before.

The Oil Bowl Birth Story is the sixth.

97.

The Success by Name Birth Story

97.

Having seen Jīvaka dead, and Dhanapāli in misery;

And Panthaka lost in the forest, the evil one returned again.

The Success by Name Birth Story is the seventh.

98.

The Dishonest Trader Birth Story

98.

Good indeed is a wise one, but not one too clever;

By a son too clever, I have been singed in my mind.

The Dishonest Trader Birth Story is the eighth.

99.

The More Than a Thousand Birth Story

99.

Even if more than a thousand were assembled, they might cry for a hundred years, those without wisdom;

Better is one person with wisdom, who cognizes the meaning of what is spoken.

The More Than a Thousand Birth Story is the ninth.

100.

The Unpleasant Form Birth Story

100.

The unpleasant in the guise of the pleasant, the disagreeable in the guise of the dear;

Suffering in the guise of happiness, overcomes the heedless one.

The Unpleasant Form Birth Story is the tenth.

The Litta Chapter is the tenth.

Its summary:

Sick, contempt, curiosity, mother's debt, by the sage and impermanence, the excellent bowl;

Dhanapāli, the excellent, the too clever, with more than a thousand, the unpleasant, ten.

The Middle Fifty.

11.

The Chapter on More Than a Hundred

101.

The More Than a Hundred Birth Story

101.

Even if more than a hundred were assembled, they might meditate for a hundred years, those without wisdom;

Better is one person with wisdom, who cognizes the meaning of what is spoken.

The More Than a Hundred Birth Story is the first.

102.

The Green-Grocer Birth Story

102.

He who would be a shelter for one touched by suffering, my father, commits treachery in the forest;

To whom shall I cry out in the midst of the forest, he who was my protector commits violence.

The Green-Grocer Birth Story is the second.

103.

The Enemy Birth Story

103.

Where an enemy dwells, a wise one should not dwell there;

For one night or two nights, one who has enemies dwells in suffering.

The Enemy Birth Story is the third.

104.

The Birth Story of Mittavindaka

104.

With four he attained eight, and with eight also sixteen;

And with sixteen thirty-two, through excessive greed he encountered the wheel;

For the man destroyed by desire, the wheel revolves upon his head.

The Mittavindaka Birth Story is the fourth.

105.

The Weak Wood Birth Story

105.

Much is this wood in the forest, the wind breaks the weak;

If you fear that, O noble one, surely you will become lean.

The Weak Wood Birth Story is the fifth.

106.

The Water-Drawer Birth Story

106.

"Happy indeed me living, tormenting like a water-pot;

A thief, under the guise of wife, requests oil and salt."

The Water-Drawer Birth Story is the sixth.

107.

The Sālittaka Birth Story

107.

Good indeed is a craft, whatever kind it may be;

See, by the lame one's blow, villages in the four directions were obtained.

The Sālittaka Birth Story is the seventh.

108.

The Bāhiya Birth Story

108.

One should train in what should be trained, there are people with desire for that;

For a woman from the countryside, through good conduct, pleased the king.

The Bāhiya Birth Story is the eighth.

109.

The Kuṇḍa Cake Birth Story

109.

As is the food of the man, so is the food of his deity;

Bring that cake made of husked grain, do not destroy my share.

The Kuṇḍa Cake Birth Story is the ninth.

110.

The Sabbasaṃhārakapañha Birth Story

110.

There is no all-compiler, pure millet diffuses its fragrance;

The cheat fears falsehood, the old woman spoke truth.

The Sabbasaṃhārakapañha Birth Story is the tenth.

The Parosata Chapter is the eleventh.

Its summary:

More Than A Hundred, Protected, Enemy, Again, Whirling Wheel, and Named Nāgasiri;

Happiness, and Indeed, Craftsman, Bāhiyā, Kuṇḍa Cake, and Old Woman - these are ten.

12.

The Chapter on "If Indeed"

111.

The Gadrabhapañha Birth Story

111.

If you think thus, O foremost king, that a father is better than a son;

Well then, here is your mule, for the father of a mule is a donkey.

The Gadrabhapañha Birth Story is the first.

112.

The Amarādevīpañha Birth Story

112.

By which there is flour and vinegar, and the double-leaved tree in bloom;

By which I give, by that I speak; by which I do not give, by that I do not speak;

This is the path of the barley-middler, know this as the concealed way.

The Amarādevīpañha Birth Story is the second.

113.

The Siṅgāla Birth Story

113.

Do you believe the jackal, the one who has drunk liquor, brahmin?

There is not a hundred oyster shells, whence then two hundred bronze plates?

The Siṅgāla Birth Story is the third.

114.

The Mitacinti Birth Story

114.

Much-Thinker and Little-Thinker, both were caught in the net;

Measured-Thinker released them, both there came together.

The Mitacinti Birth Story is the fourth.

115.

The Anusāsika Birth Story

115.

She who instructs others, herself being one who acts with greed;

She now lies with broken wings, the instructing bird destroyed by a wheel.

The Anusāsika Birth Story is the fifth.

116.

The Dubbaca Birth Story

116.

Teacher, you have done an excessive deed, even to me this is not pleasing;

Having leaped over the fourth, you are now enveloped by the fifth.

The Dubbaca Birth Story is the sixth.

117.

The Tittira Birth Story

117.

Too lofty and too talkative, spoken for too long a time;

Speech kills the fool, as excessive rain does the partridge.

The Tittira Birth Story is the seventh.

118.

The Vaṭṭaka Birth Story

118.

A person who does not think, does not attain distinction;

See the fruit of thinking, I am freed from murder and bondage.

The Vaṭṭaka Birth Story is the eighth.

119.

The Akālarāvi Birth Story

119.

Not brought up by mother and father, dwelling in a family without a teacher;

This cock does not directly know the proper time or the improper time.

The Akālarāvi Birth Story is the ninth.

120.

The Bandhanamokkha Birth Story

120.

The unbound are bound there, where fools speak out;

Even the bound are freed there, where the wise speak out.

The Bandhanamokkha Birth Story is the tenth.

The Haṃci Chapter is the twelfth.

Its summary:

Then donkey, flour, hundred plates, much-thinking, hare, going, over-acting;

Protracted time, distinction, mind, teacher, with wise-speaking-delight - these are ten.

13.

The Chapter on the Grass Reed

121.

The Kusanāḷi Birth Story

121.

Whether an equal would do it, or also one who is superior, or even an inferior one alone would do it;

These would do the highest good in disaster, just as I and Kusanāḷi did for Rucā."

The Kusanāḷi Birth Story is the first.

122.

The Dummedha Birth Story

122.

Having obtained fame, the imprudent one works for his own harm;

He proceeds towards the injury of himself and others.

The Dummedha Birth Story is the second.

123.

The Naṅgalīsa Birth Story

123.

The fool speaks everywhere speech that does not apply everywhere;

This one knew neither curds nor the plough-pole, he imagines curds and milk to be the plough-pole.

The Naṅgalīsa Birth Story is the third.

124.

The Amba Birth Story

124.

A person should indeed strive, a wise one should not become weary;

See the fruit of effort, the mangoes eaten are not based on hearsay.

The Amba Birth Story is the fourth.

125.

The Kaṭāhaka Birth Story

125.

Even though he might boast much, having gone to another country;

Having followed, he would ruin him, enjoy your wealth, Kaṭāhaka."

The Kaṭāhaka Birth Story is the fifth.

126.

The Asilakkhaṇa Birth Story

126.

That same thing is good for one, that same thing is evil for another;

Therefore not all is good, nor also is all evil.

The Asilakkhaṇa Birth Story is the sixth.

127.

The Kalaṇḍuka Birth Story

127.

Those regions, those sites, and I am a forest-dweller;

Having found out, they would seize you, drink the milk, Kalanduka."

The Kalaṇḍuka Birth Story is the seventh.

128.

The Biḷāravata Birth Story

128.

He who indeed, having made the Teaching his banner, concealed, would practise evil;

Having gained the trust of beings, they call that one's practice the cat's practice.

The Biḷāravata Birth Story is the eighth.

129.

The Aggikabhāradvāja Birth Story

129.

This topknot is not for the sake of merit, this topknot is for the sake of food;

It does not go to the counting of thumbs, let that be enough for you, Aggikā.

The Aggikabhāradvāja Birth Story is the ninth.

130.

The Kosiya Birth Story

130.

Eat according to your speech, and speak according to what you have eaten;

Both do not agree for you, your speech and what you have eaten, Kosiya.

The Kosiya Birth Story is the tenth.

The Kusanāḷi Chapter is the thirteenth.

Its summary:

Kusanāḷi, Siri by name, and Fame, Curds, Mango, with Cauldron as the fifth;

Then Evil, Milk, Cat's Vow, Peacock, with Kosiya by name - these are ten.

14.

The Chapter on Not Giving

131.

The Asampadāna Birth Story

131.

For one who does not give to any whatsoever, for a fool, friendships become misfortune;

Therefore I take the abundant half-measure, may my friendship not be lost forever.

The Asampadāna Birth Story is the first.

132.

The Bhīruka Birth Story

132.

Through firm resolution in wholesome instruction, and through fearlessness and courage without turning back;

We did not come under the control of the ogresses, that safety of mine came through great fear.

The Bhīruka Birth Story is the second.

133.

The Ghatāsana Birth Story

133.

Where there was security, there an enemy has arisen, in the midst of the water the ghee-eater blazes;

Today there is no dwelling on the earth in the tree, seek the directions, from the refuge today fear has arisen for us.

The Ghatāsana Birth Story is the third.

134.

The Jhānasodhana Birth Story

134.

Whatever beings are conscious, they too are ill-fated, and whatever beings are unconscious, they too are ill-fated;

Having avoided both of these, that attainment-happiness is without blemish.

The Jhānasodhana Birth Story is the fourth.

135.

The Candābha Birth Story

135.

Whoever here stands fast with wisdom in the radiance of the moon and the radiance of the sun,

With meditative absorption without applied thought, becomes one who reaches the radiant realm.

The Candābha Birth Story is the fifth.

136.

The Golden Swan Birth Story

136.

One should be satisfied with what is obtained, for excessive greed is evil;

Having seized the king of swans, you have fallen away from the gold.

The Suvaṇṇahaṃsa Birth Story is the sixth.

137.

The Cat Birth Story

137.

Where one cat obtains, a second arises there;

And a third and a fourth, this is the den of those cats.

The Cat Birth Story is the seventh.

138.

The Iguana Birth Story

138.

What is the use of your matted hair, O imprudent one, what is the use of your garment of skin?

Within you is a thicket, yet you polish the outside.

The Iguana Birth Story is the eighth.

139.

The Fallen on Both Sides Birth Story

139.

The dice broken, the cloth lost, and a quarrel at the friend's house;

Activities ruined on both sides, in water and on land.

The Fallen on Both Sides Birth Story is the ninth.

140.

The Crow Birth Story

140.

Always with agitated hearts, vexing the whole world;

Therefore there is no power for them, our relatives the crows.

The Crow Birth Story is the tenth.

The Non-Giving Chapter is the fourteenth.

Its summary:

Whatsoever, Ogress, Khemiya, and with More Than A Hundred Questions, Radiant again;

Then Swan, Excellent, Best, Cat, Matted Hair, Fallen, Eight, with Crow King - ten.

15.

The Chapter on the Lizard

141.

The Iguana Birth Story

141.

One who associates with evil people does not gain perpetual happiness;

Like a chameleon with an iguana family, he brings misfortune upon himself.

The Iguana Birth Story is the first.

142.

The Siṅgāla Birth Story

142.

This indeed is difficult for you to understand, that you lie like one dead;

When you are being dragged, the stick is not released from your hand.

The Jackal Birth Story is the second.

143.

The Viroca Birth Story

143.

Your brain has come out, and your head is split open;

All your ribs are broken, today indeed you shine.

The Viroca Birth Story is the third.

144.

The Tail Birth Story

144.

"Much is this for the unvirtuous, O fire, that we honour you with a tail;

For one deserving meat there is no meat today, may the venerable one accept even the tail."

The Tail Birth Story is the fourth.

145.

The Rādha Birth Story

145.

You do not understand, Rādha, midnight has not yet come;

You talk nonsense, Kosiyāyanī is dispassionate.

The Rādha Birth Story is the fifth.

146.

The Sea Crow Birth Story

146.

Are our jaws wearied, and does the mouth dry up?

We draw from this side but do not reach the other, the great ocean just keeps filling up.

The Sea Crow Birth Story is the sixth.

147.

The Red Flower Birth Story

147.

This is not suffering, that is suffering, that a crow pecks at me;

That my dark-skinned wife, in flower-red garments, will not enjoy the Kattika festival.

The Red Flower Birth Story is the seventh.

148.

The Siṅgāla Birth Story

148.

Not again, and not again, and also not again and again;

Will I enter the elephant's body, for thus I am frightened by fear.

The Jackal Birth Story is the eighth.

149.

The Single Leaf Birth Story

149.

This tree has but a single leaf, not four inches from the ground;

With fruit like poison, what will it become when it is great?

The Single Leaf Birth Story is the ninth.

150.

The Sañjīva Birth Story

150.

Whoever encourages the wicked, and associates with the wicked;

He makes himself their food, just as the tiger did to Sañjīvaka.

The Sañjīva Birth Story is the tenth.

The Chameleon Chapter is the fifteenth.

Its summary:

Thrives in Happiness, Excellent Stick, and again, Shone, Tail, Fifth, Excellent Chariot;

Ocean, Kattika, Body, again, with Four Inches and Excellent Tiger - ten.

(The Upper Fifty.)

Then the chapter summary:

Unmistakable, Morality Chapter, Antelope, Nest, with Welfare-Desiring as fifth;

Blessing, Woman, Varuṇa, Drank, with Smeared Chapter - these are ten;

More Than a Hundred, If, Kusanāḷi, Lack of Accomplishment, Chameleon Chapter.

Thus ends the One-Verse Collection.

The One-Verse Collection is concluded.

2.

The Section of the Twos

1.

The Chapter on the Steadfast

151.

The Rājovāda Birth Story (2-1-1)

1.

He throws the firm at the firm, Ballika the soft at the soft with softness;

He conquers even the good with good, even the bad with bad;

Such is this king, charioteer, drive off from the road.

2.

One should conquer wrath by non-wrath, one should conquer the bad by good;

One should conquer the miser by giving, the speaker of falsehood by truth;

Such is this king, charioteer, drive off from the road.

The Advice to the King Birth Story is the first.

152.

The Siṅgāla Birth Story Commentary

3.

One whose actions are unconsidered, who rushes headlong in haste;

One's own actions torment him, like hot food crammed in the mouth.

4.

And the lion, with a lion's roar, made the mountain resound with a hollow sound;

Having heard the lion's roar, the jackal dwelling on the mountain;

Frightened, fell into terror, and his heart burst.

The Jackal Birth Story is the second.

153.

The Pig Birth Story (2-1-3)

5.

I am a quadruped, my dear, you too, my dear, are a quadruped;

Come, my dear, turn back, why do you run away frightened?

6.

You are impure, with putrid hair, foul-smelling you are, pig;

If you are willing to fight, I give you the victory, my dear.

The Pig Birth Story is the third.

154.

The Snake Birth Story (2-1-4)

7.

Here the chief of serpents has entered, with the colour of a rock, desiring release;

And honouring the supreme beauty, though hungry I do not proceed to eat.

8.

May you, protected by Brahmā, live long, and may divine foods appear for you;

Who, honouring the supreme beauty, though hungry did not proceed to eat.

The Snake Birth Story is the fourth.

155.

The Bhagga Birth Story (2-1-5)

9.

Live a hundred years, Bhagga, and another twenty more;

May goblins not devour me, may you live a hundred autumns.

10.

May you too live a hundred years, and another twenty more;

May goblins devour the poison, may you live a hundred autumns.

The Bhagga Birth Story is the fifth.

156.

The Unshrunken Mind Birth Story (2-1-6)

11.

In dependence on Alīnacitta, the great army was delighted;

They captured alive the Kosalan king, dissatisfied with his own kingdom.

12.

Thus accomplished in support, a monk putting forth strenuous energy;

Developing wholesome mental states, for the attainment of freedom from bondage;

May reach gradually the elimination of all fetters.

The Unshrunken Mind Birth Story is the sixth.

157.

The Virtue Birth Story (2-1-7)

13.

Wherever he wishes he dismisses, this is the nature of the powerful, O hind;

O one with raised tusks, understand, fear has arisen from the refuge.

14.

Even if a friend is weak, he stands firm in the qualities of friendship;

He is a relative and a kinsman, he is a friend and he is my companion;

O fanged one, do not despise him, this jackal is my life-preserver.

The Virtue Birth Story is the seventh.

158.

The Suhanu Birth Story (2-1-8)

15.

This is not with one of unrighteous morality, Suhanū together with the dog;

Suhanū too is just such, who is the dog's companion.

16.

With a braggart, reckless, always gnawing at the chain;

Evil agrees with evil, the wicked agrees with the wicked.

The Suhanu Birth Story is the eighth.

159.

The Peacock Birth Story (2-1-9)

17.

This one with vision rises, the sole king, golden-hued, the illuminator of the earth;

Him, him I pay homage to, the golden-hued, the illuminator of the earth, protected by you today may we dwell through the day.

Those brahmins who have attained the highest knowledge in all phenomena, to them my homage, and may they protect me;

Homage to the Buddhas, homage to enlightenment, homage to the liberated ones, homage to liberation;

Having made this protection, the peacock walks about in search.

18.

This one with vision departs, the sole king, golden-hued, the illuminator of the earth;

Him, him I pay homage to, the golden-hued, the illuminator of the earth, protected by you today may we dwell through the night.

Those brahmins who have attained the highest knowledge in all phenomena, to them my homage, and may they protect me;

Homage to the Buddhas, homage to enlightenment, homage to the liberated ones, homage to liberation;

Having made this protection, the peacock settled in his dwelling.

The Peacock Birth Story is the ninth.

160.

The Vinīla Birth Story (2-1-10)

19.

Just so surely the king, the Videhan, dwelling in Mithilā;

Thoroughbred horses carry, just as swans carry me, the discoloured one.

20.

Vinīla, you resort to a difficult place, dear son, you frequent unsuitable ground;

Frequent the village outskirts, this is your mother's dwelling.

The Vinīla Birth Story is the tenth.

The Firm Chapter is the first.

Its summary:

Excellent Ballika, Daddara, Sūkaraka, Uraga the best, fifth Bhagga the excellent;

Great Army up to Siṅgāla the excellent, Suhanu the best, Mora, Vinīla - these are ten.

2.

The Chapter on Association

161.

The Indasamānagotta Birth Story (2-2-1)

21.

A noble one, knowing the benefit, should not make intimacy with a contemptible person, with an ignoble one;

Even though having dwelt together for a long time, he does evil, just as the elephant did to Indasamānagotta.

22.

But whoever one knows to be equal to oneself in morality, wisdom, and also learning;

With that very one should one cultivate friendliness together, happy indeed is the meeting with a good person.

The Indasamānagotta Birth Story is first.

162.

The Intimacy Birth Story (2-2-2)

23.

There is nothing worse than intimacy, which is intimacy with a contemptible person;

Satisfied with ghee and milk-rice, he burned down the leaf hut made with difficulty.

24.

There is nothing better than intimacy, which is intimacy with a good person;

The dark doe licks the face of the lion, the tiger and the panther through intimacy.

The Santhava Birth Story is second.

163.

The Susīma Birth Story (2-2-3)

25.

These black beasts with white tusks of yours, more than a hundred, covered with golden netting;

"I give them to you," you say, Susīma, remembering your fathers and grandfathers.

26.

These black beasts with white tusks of mine, more than a hundred, covered with golden netting;

"I give them to you," I say, young man, remembering my fathers and grandfathers.

The Susīma Birth Story is third.

164.

The Vulture Birth Story (2-2-4)

27.

That which a vulture looks at carcasses from a hundred yojanas away;

Why do you not understand the net and the snare, even having encountered them?

28.

When ruin comes, a man at the end of life;

Then even having encountered the net and the snare, he does not understand.

The Vulture Birth Story is fourth.

165.

The Mongoose Birth Story (2-2-5)

29.

Having made a pact with an enemy, O womb-born one, with the egg-born;

Having opened your fangs you lie down, from where has fear come to you?

30.

One should doubt even an enemy, and should not trust even a friend;

Fear arisen from the fearless, even cuts the roots.

The Mongoose Birth Story is fifth.

166.

The Upasāḷaka Birth Story (2-2-6)

31.

Fourteen thousand named Upasāḷaka;

Were burnt in this place, there is not in the world what is not subject to death.

32.

In whom there is truth and the Teaching, non-violence, self-control, taming;

This the noble ones cultivate, this in the world is the non-death.

The Upasāḷaka Birth Story is sixth.

167.

The Samiddhi Birth Story (2-2-7)

33.

"Without having enjoyed, you seek alms, monk, you do not seek alms having enjoyed;

Having enjoyed, monk, you should seek alms, let not the time pass you by."

34.

"I do not know the time, the time is hidden, it is not seen;

Therefore without having enjoyed I seek alms, let not the time pass me by."

The Samiddhi Birth Story is seventh.

168.

The Hawk Birth Story (2-2-8)

35.

A hawk, swooping down with force, upon a quail standing in its feeding ground;

Having suddenly fallen upon it, by that it met with death.

36.

I, accomplished in method, delighted in the paternal resort;

Free from enemies, I rejoice, seeing my own welfare.

The Hawk Birth Story is eighth.

169.

The Araka Birth Story (2-2-9)

37.

Whoever indeed with a mind of friendliness has compassion for the whole world;

Above, below, and across, with the immeasurable in every respect.

38.

A mind that is immeasurable, beneficial, complete, well developed;

Whatever action done within limits, that does not remain there.

The Araka Birth Story is ninth.

170.

The Chameleon Birth Story (2-2-10)

39.

This chameleon did not rise up before, on the top of the gateway;

Mahosadha, understand, by what is the chameleon obstinate.

40.

Having obtained what was not obtained before, for a fortnight the chameleon;

Despises the king, the Videhan, dwelling in Mithilā.

The Chameleon Birth Story is tenth.

The Santhava Chapter is second.

Its summary:

Then Indasamāna, Sapaṇṇakuṭi, Susīma, Uttama, Gijjha, Jalābujaka;

Upasāḷaka, Bhikkhu, Salāpavara, then Mettavara, Dasapuṇṇamati.

3.

The Chapter on Good

171.

The Good Character Birth Story (2-3-1)

41.

When one of good character, O lord of men, attains the designation in the world;

Therefore a wise man should not decline, even the good through shame take up the burden.

42.

This designation of one of good character has been attained by me today here, O lord of men, in the world;

Considering that, I shall go forth here, for indeed there is no desire in me for the enjoyment of sensual pleasures here.

The Good Character Birth Story is first.

172.

The Daddara Birth Story (2-3-2)

43.

Who now with a great sound, makes the mountain resound with a hollow sound;

The lions do not roar back at him, who is this one named lord over beasts?

44.

The lowest of beast kinds, the jackal, dear son, howls;

Loathing his birth, the lions remain silent.

The Daddara Birth Story is second.

173.

The Monkey Birth Story (2-3-3)

45.

Dear son, this young man, leaning against the base of a palm tree;

There is some dwelling here, come, let us give him a dwelling.

46.

Do not, dear son, call him in, he would ruin our little house;

Such a face does not belong to a brahmin of good conduct.

The Monkey Birth Story is third.

174.

The Treacherous Monkey Birth Story (2-3-4)

47.

We gave you abundant water, when you were overpowered by heat and thirsty;

Now having drunk, you make a chattering sound, non-association with evil people is better.

48.

Where have you heard or seen a monkey named virtuous?

Now I shall defecate on you, this is our nature.

The Treacherous Monkey Birth Story is fourth.

175.

The Sun Worship Birth Story (2-3-5)

49.

Truly among all beings, there are those established in morality;

See the contemptible monkey, he stands close to the sun.

50.

You do not cognize his morality, you praise without knowing;

And the fire-sacrifice was destroyed, and two water-pitchers were broken.

The Sun Worship Birth Story is fifth.

176.

The Handful of Peas Birth Story (2-3-6)

51.

Foolish indeed is this one who roams among tree branches, wisdom, O lord of men, is not found in him;

Having scattered a whole handful of peas, he searches for a single pea that has fallen.

52.

Just so we, O king, and whatever others are excessively greedy;

We lose much for little, like the monkey with the pea.

The Handful of Peas Birth Story is sixth.

177.

The Tinduka Birth Story (2-3-7)

53.

By those with bows and quivers in hand, by those bearing swords and arrows;

We are surrounded on all sides, how will there be release?

54.

It is well if some need might arise for those with much to do;

There is much of the tree unbroken, so just eat the tinduka fruits.

The Tinduka Birth Story is seventh.

178.

The Tortoise Birth Story (2-3-8)

55.

"This is my birthplace, this is my dwelling place," thus I leaned upon the mud;

That mud overcame me, just as it would a weakling;

This I say to you, Bhaggava, hear my word.

56.

In a village or in the wilderness, wherever one attains happiness;

That birthplace and dwelling place, for a person who understands;

Wherever one may live, there one should go, lest one be destroyed by attachment to home.

The Tortoise Jātaka, the eighth.

179.

The Hundred Teachings Birth Story (2-3-9)

57.

That was little and leftover, and that he gave to me with difficulty;

I am of brahmin birth, what was eaten has risen up together with blood.

58.

Having rejected the rule thus, whoever lives not by rule;

Like Satadhamma, he does not rejoice even in gain obtained.

The Hundred Teachings Birth Story is ninth.

180.

The Hard to Give Birth Story (2-3-10)

59.

Giving what is hard to give, doing what is hard to do;

The bad do not imitate, the principle of the good is hard to follow.

60.

Therefore the destination from here is different for the good and the bad;

The bad go to hell, the good are destined for heaven.

The Hard to Give Birth Story is tenth.

The Kalyāṇa Chapter is third.

Its summary:

Good Asceticism, Deer, Conqueror, Young Man, Water, Abundant, Form, Sun Worship;

Pot, Iron, Mindfulness, Tinduka, Mud, again, Principle of the Good, Very Hard to Give - with these, ten.

4.

The Chapter on Incomparable

181.

The Incomparable Birth Story (2-4-1)

61.

An archer incomparable, a prince of great power;

One who shoots far, one who shoots as quickly as lightning, one who breaks open great bodies.

62.

Having made conflict with all enemies, and not vexing anyone;

Having made his brother safe, he undertook self-control.

The Incomparable Birth Story is first.

182.

The Battle-Frequenter Birth Story (2-4-2)

63.

Experienced in battle, a hero, renowned as powerful;

Why, having approached the gateway, do you retreat, elephant?

64.

Quickly crush the cross-bar, and pull out the strong posts;

And having crushed the gateways, quickly enter, elephant.

The Battle-Frequenter Birth Story is second.

183.

The Hair-Strainer Water Birth Story (2-4-3)

65.

Having drunk strained water, of little flavour, inferior, intoxication arises for donkeys;

And having drunk this superior flavour, intoxication does not arise for Sindh horses.

66.

Having drunk a little, one of low birth, he becomes intoxicated, O lord of men, nourished by that;

But one of burden-bearing nature, born in a good family, does not become intoxicated even having drunk the finest essence.

The Hair-Strainer Water Birth Story is third.

184.

The Giridatta Birth Story (2-4-4)

67.

Spoiled by Giridatta, the pale horse of Sāma;

Having abandoned its former nature, it conforms to his ways.

68.

And if a son-like man, trimmed in peak-like manner;

Having taken him by the face, should turn him in the circle;

Having quickly abandoned that, he follows along with him.

The Giridatta Birth Story is fourth.

185.

The Discontent Birth Story (2-4-5)

69.

Just as in water that is stirred up and unclear, one does not see oysters and shells,

Gravel, sand, and shoals of fish, so when the mind is stirred up,

One does not see one's own welfare or the welfare of others.

70.

Just as in water that is clear and pure, one sees oysters and shells,

Gravel, sand, and shoals of fish, so when the mind is undisturbed,

One sees one's own welfare and the welfare of others.

The Birth Story of Discontent, the fifth.

186.

The Dadhivāhana Birth Story (2-4-6)

71.

Endowed with beauty, fragrance, and flavour, this mango was in former times;

Receiving that very same honour, why is the mango now bitter-fruited?

72.

Surrounded by margosa trees, your mango tree, O bearer of curds;

Root conjoined with root, branch with branch they associate;

Through association with the disagreeable, therefore the mango has bitter fruit.

The Dadhivāhana Birth Story is sixth.

187.

The Four Polished Birth Story (2-4-7)

73.

Having climbed up to the fork of a high tree, consult in a private place;

Having descended to a low place, consult, the king of beasts too will listen.

74.

When the beautiful one with the beautiful one, the god with the god should consult;

What is there for the four-fold polished one, enter the hole, jackal.

The Four Polished Birth Story is seventh.

188.

The Lion and Jackal Birth Story (2-4-8)

75.

With lion's fingers and lion's claws, established on lion's feet;

That lion, in the lion community, alone roars differently.

76.

Do not roar, prince, dwell quietly in the forest;

By your voice they would know you, for your voice is not paternal.

The Lion and Jackal Birth Story is eighth.

189.

The Lion's Hide Birth Story (2-4-9)

77.

This is not the roar of a lion, nor of a tiger, nor of a panther;

Wrapped in a lion's hide, the contemptible donkey roars.

78.

Even for a long time he might eat, the donkey, the green barley;

Wrapped in a lion's hide, by braying he ruined himself.

The Lion's Hide Birth Story is ninth.

190.

The Sīlānisaṃsa Birth Story (2-4-10)

79.

See this fruit of faith, of morality, and of generosity;

The serpent, in the form of a boat, carries the faithful lay follower.

80.

"One should associate only with the virtuous, one should make intimacy with the virtuous;

For by living together with the good, the barber attains well-being."

The Sīlānisaṃsa Birth Story is the tenth.

The Asadisa Chapter is the fourth.

Its summary:

Archer, Elephant, Little Flavour, Giridatta, Undisturbed Mind, Excellent;

Bearer of Curds, Jackal, Lion's Claw, Green Barley, with Noble Serpent - these are ten.

5.

The Chapter on Ruhaka

191.

The Ruhaka Birth Story (2-5-1)

81.

Even Ruhaka, though cut, a bowstring is joined again;

Be joined with your former wife, do not come under the control of wrath.

82.

When strips of bark exist, when makers exist;

I will make another bowstring, enough of the old one.

The Ruhaka Birth Story is the first.

192.

The Sirikāḷakaṇṇi Birth Story (2-5-2)

83.

A woman might be beautiful, and she might be virtuous;

A man might not desire her, do you believe this, Mahosadha?

84.

I believe, great king, a man might be unfortunate;

Fortune and misfortune never come together."

The Sirikāḷakaṇṇi Birth Story is the second.

193.

The Cūḷapaduma Birth Story (2-5-3)

85.

This is indeed she, and I too am he, no other; this is indeed he, the one with cut off hand, no other;

She whom she called "my young lord," women are fit to be killed, there is no truth in women.

86.

And having struck this contemptible one with a pestle, the cruel wretch who frequents others' wives;

And of this wicked wife, while she is still living, cut off her ears and nose."

The Cūḷapaduma Birth Story is the third.

194.

The Maṇicora Birth Story (2-5-4)

87.

Surely there are no gods, they must be away, surely there are no world-guardians here;

For those acting hastily, the unrestrained, surely there are none to restrain them.

88.

It rains for him at the wrong time, at the right time it does not rain for him;

And he passes away from the heavenly state, is he not thereby destroyed?

The Maṇicora Birth Story is the fourth.

195.

The Pabbatūpatthara Birth Story (2-5-5)

89.

On the charming mountain slope, a safe pond arose;

The jackal departed from it, knowing it was guarded by a lion.

90.

If, great king, creatures with feet drink from the great river;

It does not thereby become a non-river, forgive if she is dear to you.

The Pabbatūpatthara Birth Story is the fifth.

196.

The Valāhakassa Birth Story (2-5-6)

91.

Those men who will not follow the exhortation, taught by the Buddha;

They will go to disaster, like merchants with the she-demons.

92.

Those men who will follow the exhortation, taught by the Buddha;

They will go safely to the far shore, like merchants with Valāha.

The Valāhaka Birth Story is the sixth.

197.

The Mittāmitta Birth Story (2-5-7)

93.

Having seen him, he does not smile at him, nor does he gladly accept him;

And he does not give him his eyes, and he acts in opposition.

94.

These are the signs established in an enemy;

By which a wise person would know an enemy, having seen and having heard.

The Mittāmitta Birth Story is the seventh.

198.

The Rādha Birth Story (2-5-8)

95.

Having come from abroad, dear son, having just now arrived not long ago;

I wonder, dear son, does your mother not associate with another?

96.

But this is not well spoken, a word connected with truth;

One would lie like a Poṭṭhapāda, boiled in the embers.

The Rādha Birth Story is the eighth.

199.

The Gahapati Birth Story (2-5-9)

97.

Both do not please me, both do not satisfy me;

That this one, having descended to the store-room, says "I did not see."

98.

That, that I say to you, village headman, in this wretched, short life;

Having made an agreement for two months, meat from an old bull, lean;

You accused me before the time had arrived, that too does not please me.

The Gahapati Birth Story is the ninth.

200.

The Sādhusīla Birth Story (2-5-10)

99.

Bodily beauty, seniority, good birth, good morality;

We ask you, brahmin, which of them should we choose?

100.

There is benefit in the body, I pay homage to old age;

There is benefit in one well-born, morality pleases us.

The Sādhusīla Birth Story is the tenth.

The Ruhaka Chapter is the fifth.

Its summary:

Apiruhaka, Rūpavatī, Musala, Pavasanti, with Pokkharaṇī as fifth;

Then Mutti, Ava, Vāṇija, Umhayati, Cirāgata, Koṭṭha, Sarīra - ten.

6.

The Chapter on Steadfast Inclination

201.

The Bandhanāgāra Birth Story (2-6-1)

101.

The wise do not call that a strong bondage, which is made of iron, of wood, or of grass;

The longing for jewelled earrings, for sons and wives, thoroughly infatuated.

102.

"This the wise call a strong bondage, dragging down, loose, difficult to escape;

Having cut even this, the wise go forth, without longing, having abandoned sensual happiness.

The Bandhanāgāra Birth Story is the first.

202.

The Keḷisīla Birth Story (2-6-2)

103.

Swans, herons, and peacocks, elephants, spotted deer, and deer;

All fear the lion, there is no equality in body.

104.

"Just so among human beings, even if young, one who is wise;

He indeed is great there, not the fool with a large body."

The Keḷisīla Birth Story is the second.

203.

The Khaṇḍa Birth Story (2-6-3)

105.

I have friendliness with the Virūpakkhas, I have friendliness with the Erāpathas;

I have friendliness with the Chabyāputtas, and I have friendliness with the Kaṇhāgotamakas.

I have friendliness with the footless, I have friendliness with the two-footed;

I have friendliness with the four-footed, I have friendliness with the many-footed.

May the footless not harm me, may the two-footed not harm me;

May the four-footed not harm me, may the many-footed not harm me.

All beings, all living things, all creatures, all without exception;

May all see good fortune, may no evil come to anyone.

106.

Immeasurable is the Buddha, immeasurable is the Dhamma;

Immeasurable is the Saṅgha, measurable are the creeping things;

Snakes, scorpions, centipedes, spiders, house lizards, and mice.

Protection has been made by me, safety has been made by me, may beings withdraw;

I pay homage to the Blessed One, homage to the seven Perfectly Self-awakened Ones.

The Khaṇḍa Birth Story is the third.

204.

The Vīraka Birth Story (2-6-4)

107.

"Have you, Vīraka, seen the sweet-voiced bird,

Similar to a peacock's neck, my husband Saviṭṭhaka?"

108.

Of the bird that roams on water and land, constantly feeding on raw fish;

Imitating him, the crow, entangled in the moss, died.

The Vīraka Birth Story is the fourth.

205.

The Gaṅgeyya Birth Story (2-6-5)

109.

The Ganges fish shines, and also the Yamuna fish shines;

This person is a quadruped, with proportions like a banyan tree;

And with a slightly extended neck, he outshines all.

110.

When asked, he did not declare that, when asked he declared something else;

A self-praising man, this one does not please us.

The Gaṅgeyya Birth Story is the fifth.

206.

The Antelope Deer Birth Story (2-6-6)

111.

Come, cut the leather strap snare with your teeth, tortoise;

I shall act in such a way that the hunter will not come here.

112.

The tortoise entered the water, the antelope entered the forest;

The woodpecker led his young far away from the tree-top.

The Kuruṅgamiga Birth Story is the sixth.

207.

The Assaka Birth Story (2-6-7)

113.

This region was wandered by me with King Assaka;

Desiring with desire, together with my dear husband.

114.

By new pleasure and pain, the old is covered over;

Therefore, like the Assaka king, the worm is more dear to me."

The Assaka Birth Story is the seventh.

208.

The Susumāra Birth Story (2-6-8)

115.

Enough for me with those mangoes, rose-apples and jackfruits;

Which are across the ocean, better for me is the glamorous fig tree.

116.

Great indeed is your body, but wisdom is not equal to it;

Crocodile, you have been deceived by me, go now as you please.

The Susumāra Birth Story is the eighth.

209.

The Cock Birth Story (2-6-9)

117.

I have seen trees in the forest, Sal trees and Beleric Myrobalans;

They do not move about thus, as you, tree, move about.

118.

This is an old cock, having broken through the cage he came;

Skilled in hair-snares, he departs while speaking.

The Kukkuṭa Birth Story is the ninth.

210.

The Kandagalaka Birth Story (2-6-10)

119.

"Hey, what is the name of this tree, with fine leaves, thorny;

Where by a single blow, the head was split."

120.

Indeed this one wandered pecking through the forests, among the coreless trees of timber and charcoal;

Then he reached the acacia tree with developed heartwood, where the Garuḷa split open his head.

The Kandagalaka Birth Story is the tenth.

The Nataṃdaḷha Chapter is the sixth.

Its summary:

Firm Bondage, and the Excellent Swan again, Virūpakkha, with Viṭṭhaka, the Excellent Fish;

With Antelope, with Horse, the Excellent Mango, again the Cock - with the Garuḷa, ten.

7.

The Chapter on Grass-Clump

211.

The Somadatta Birth Story (2-7-1)

121.

He practised diligently, constantly heedful, for a year at the bīraṇa grass bush;

Having entered the assembly, he explained the perception, but the method does not protect one lacking wisdom.

122.

A beggar, dear son, Somadatta, undergoes two things;

Either loss or gain of wealth, for such is the nature of begging.

The Somadatta Birth Story is the first.

212.

The Ucchiṭṭhabhatta Birth Story (2-7-2)

123.

The upper appearance is one, and the lower appearance is another;

Brahmin woman, I ask you indeed, what is below and what is above?

124.

"I am an actor, venerable sir, I have come here as a beggar;

For this one has descended into the store-room, this is he whom you seek."

The Ucchiṭṭhabhatta Birth Story is the second.

213.

The Bharu Birth Story (2-7-3)

125.

Having made a breach among the seers, the king of Bharu, thus have I heard;

Was destroyed together with his kingdom, the king gone to ruin.

126.

Therefore, the wise do not praise going by desire;

One should speak with an uncorrupted mind, a word connected with truth.

The Bharu Birth Story is the third.

214.

The Puṇṇanadī Birth Story (2-7-4)

127.

By which they call a full river drinkable, by which they call grown barley concealing;

By which they call one gone far, he has come to you, come now, eat, brahmin.

128.

Since the king remembers me, even to send a crow;

Swans, herons, and peacocks, not remembering is indeed worse.

The Puṇṇanadī Birth Story is the fourth.

215.

The Tortoise Birth Story (2-7-5)

129.

Indeed the tortoise killed himself, uttering a word;

While the stick was well-grasped, by his own speech he killed himself.

130.

Having seen this too, O foremost in energy among men, one should utter wholesome speech, not excessively;

Do you see, through much talking, the tortoise gone to disaster."

The Tortoise Jātaka, the fifth.

216.

The Fish Birth Story (2-7-6)

131.

This fire does not torment me, nor the stake well-sharpened;

But that the she-fish imagines me gone to another for delight.

132.

That fire of lust burns me, and my mind torments me;

O fishermen, release me, masters, one pursuing sensual pleasures is not destroyed anywhere."

The Fish Jātaka is the sixth.

217.

The Seggu Birth Story (2-7-7)

133.

The whole world was delighted, unskilled in vile conduct, Seggu;

Maiden, what is this nature of yours today, that you, taken by the hand in the forest wilds, cry out?

134.

He who would be a shelter for one touched by suffering, my father, commits treachery in the forest;

To whom shall I cry out in the midst of the forest, he who was my protector commits violence.

The Seggu Birth Story is the seventh.

218.

The Dishonest Trader Birth Story (2-7-8)

135.

This fraudulence of the fraudulent one is well thought out, a counter-trick cast back against the trickster;

If mice would eat the ploughshare, why would hawks not carry off the boy?

136.

For a fraudster there are counter-fraudsters, and there is also fraud for the fraudulent one;

Give the ploughshare to the one whose ploughshare is lost, O you whose son is lost, lest the one whose ploughshare is lost take your son.

The Dishonest Trader Birth Story is the eighth.

219.

The Garahita Birth Story (2-7-9)

137.

"Unwrought gold is mine, gold is mine," this is the talk night and day;

Of imprudent human beings, not seeing the noble teaching.

138.

Two householders in each house, one there without a beard;

With hanging breasts, with braided hair, and also with marked ears;

Bought with much wealth, he prods the people, they say.

The Garahita Birth Story is the ninth.

220.

The Dhammadhaja Birth Story (2-7-10)

139.

You seem to have lived in happiness, having come from the country to the forest;

Yet alone at the foot of a tree, you brood like a miserable wretch.

140.

You seem to have lived in happiness, having come from the country to the forest;

Yet alone at the foot of a tree, I brood like a miserable wretch;

Recollecting the Teaching of the virtuous."

The Dhammadhaja Birth Story is the tenth.

The Bīraṇathambha Chapter is the seventh.

Its summary:

Then Bīraṇa, Thambha, Excellent, and Actor, Bharu, King, Excellent, Best, Puṇṇa, River;

Talkative, Fire, Wilds, Mouse, with Hanging, Breast, with Miserable Wretch - these are ten.

8.

The Chapter on the Ochre Robe

221.

The Kāsāva Birth Story (2-8-1)

141.

Whoever, not free from corruption, will put on the ochre robe;

Devoid of self-control and truth, he does not deserve the ochre robe.

142.

But whoever has left behind corruption, well concentrated in morality;

Endowed with self-control and truth, he indeed deserves the ochre robe.

The Kāsāva Birth Story is the first.

222.

The Cūḷanandiya Birth Story (2-8-2)

143.

This is that teacher's word, which Pārāsariya spoke;

Do not do evil, which done, afterwards torments you.

144.

Whatever a person does, that he sees in himself;

The doer of good reaps good, the doer of evil reaps evil;

Whatever kind of seed one sows, that kind of fruit one reaps.

The Cūḷanandiya Birth Story is the second.

223.

The Puṭabhatta Birth Story (2-8-3)

145.

One should bow to one who bows, associate with one who associates, one should do the function for one who reciprocates the function;

One should not do good for one who does not wish one's welfare, one should not associate with one who does not associate.

146.

One should abandon the one who abandons, one should not create craving, one should not associate with one whose mind has departed;

A bird, having known a tree to be without fruit, should look for another, for the world is vast.

The Puṭabhatta Birth Story is the third.

224.

The Kumbhila Birth Story (2-8-4)

147.

For whom these four qualities exist, monkey-king, just as for you;

Truth, the Teaching, steadfastness, generosity - he overcomes the foe.

148.

One in whom these are not found, the supremely excellent virtues;

Truth, the Teaching, steadfastness, generosity - he does not overcome the foe.

The Kumbhila Birth Story is the fourth.

225.

The Khantivaṇṇa Birth Story (2-8-5)

149.

"There is a man of mine, O king, appointed in all duties;

If he has one offence, what do you think about that?"

150.

"There is also for us a man, such as this one exists here;

Rare is one accomplished in qualities, patience pleases us."

The Khantivaṇṇa Birth Story is the fifth.

226.

The Kosiya Birth Story (2-8-6)

151.

Going forth at the right time is good, going forth at the wrong time is not good;

For having gone forth at the wrong time, even one alone, many people;

He illuminates no benefit, like an army of crows upon an owl.

152.

The wise one, knowing method and arrangement, following the weaknesses of others;

Having brought all enemies under control, like an owl, one would be happy.

The Kosiya Birth Story is the sixth.

227.

The Gūthapāṇa Birth Story (2-8-7)

153.

A hero meeting with a hero, with one valiant, a striker;

Come, noble one, turn back, why do you run away frightened?

Let the Aṅgas and Magadhans see my valour and yours.

154.

I will not strike you with feet, nor with teeth, nor with trunk;

I will strike you with dung, let the rotten be killed by the rotten.

The Gūthapāṇa Birth Story is the seventh.

228.

The Kāmanīta Birth Story (2-8-8)

155.

I desire three mountains and the land between them, the Pañcālas, the Kurus, and the Kekakas;

Beyond that, brahmin, I desire; give me medical treatment, brahmin, for one led by desire.

156.

Some treat one bitten by a black snake, the wise treat one possessed by a nonhuman spirit;

No one treats one led by sensual pleasures, for what medical treatment is there for one who has fallen from virtue?

The Kāmanīta Birth Story is the eighth.

229.

The Palāyita Birth Story (2-8-9)

157.

With elephant-clouds supreme and garlands of finest horses, with chariots wave-born and showers of arrows;

With sword-hilt grasping, wheeling, striking firm blows, Takkasilā was surrounded all around.

158.

Run forth and run up, with various cries speaking;

Let there arise today a tumultuous sound, like the lightning of a thundering rain-cloud.

The Palāyita Birth Story is the ninth.

230.

The Second Palāyita Birth Story (2-8-10)

159.

With flags unlimited, with forces boundless, difficult to overcome by crows like the ocean;

Like a mountain difficult to overcome by the wind, I am today difficult to overcome by one such as you.

160.

Do not babble foolishly, for he is not such; you are burning, for you do not obtain one who can obstruct;

You approach one like a solitary elephant, who will crush you with his foot like a reed.

The Second Palāyita Birth Story is the tenth.

The Kāsāva Chapter is the eighth.

Its summary:

Excellent Cloth, Speech, Tree, Exhausted Fruit, Four, Excellent Teaching, Highest of Men;

Crow, Magadha, and Three Mountains by Name, Excellent Chief Elephant, with Excellent Banner - ten.

9.

The Chapter on Sandals

231.

The Upāhana Birth Story (2-9-1)

161.

Just as sandals bought by a man, for the sake of happiness, would bring suffering;

Scorched by heat and pressed by the ground, they gnaw at the very feet of that man.

162.

Just so whoever is of low birth, ignoble, having taken true knowledge and learning from a teacher;

He eats himself there with that learning, the ignoble one is called like a bad sandal.

The Upāhana Birth Story is the first.

232.

The Vīṇāguṇa Birth Story (2-9-2)

163.

This purpose thought out alone, the fool is no guide;

Indeed, dear lady, you should not go together with this hunchbacked dwarf.

164.

Thinking him a bull among men, I desired the hunchback;

He now lies curled up, like a lute with broken strings.

The Vīṇāguṇa Birth Story is the second.

233.

The Vikaṇṇa Birth Story (2-9-3)

165.

Surely go wherever you wish, you have been pierced in a vital spot by the barbed arrow;

You are destroyed by the well-played food, greedy while pursuing the fish.

166.

Thus too, falling upon worldly gains, one who follows the control of the mind is vexed;

He is destroyed in the midst of relatives and friends, like a crocodile following fish.

The Vikaṇṇa Birth Story is the third.

234.

The Asitābhū Birth Story (2-9-4)

167.

You yourself have now done this, that sensual pleasure has departed from you;

That is now incapable of reunion, like ivory cut by a saw.

168.

Through excessive greed and through the intoxication of excessive greed;

Thus one diminishes from welfare, just as I from Asitābhuyā.

The Asitābhū Birth Story is the fourth.

235.

The Vacchanakha Birth Story (2-9-5)

169.

"Pleasant are houses, Vacchanakha, with gold and with food;

Where having eaten and drunk, you would sleep without worry."

170.

There is no house for one not striving, no house for one not speaking falsely;

There is no house for one not taking up the rod, not harming others;

Thus full of faults and difficult to endure, who would proceed to household life?

The Vacchanakha Jātaka is the fifth.

236.

The Baka Birth Story (2-9-6)

171.

"Good indeed is this bird, a twice-born one resembling a white water lily;

With calmed wings, he meditates slowly, little by little."

172.

You do not cognize his morality, you praise without knowing;

The bird does not protect us, therefore the winged one does not stir.

The Baka Birth Story is the sixth.

237.

The Sāketa Birth Story (2-9-7)

173.

What indeed, Blessed One, is the cause, regarding certain persons here;

The heart is exceedingly extinguished, and the mind also becomes clear.

174.

By former living together, or by present welfare;

Thus that love arises, like a waterlily in water.

The Sāketa Birth Story is the seventh.

238.

The Ekapada Birth Story (2-9-8)

175.

Come now, dear son, tell one term that is connected to many meanings;

Tell something comprehensive, by which we may accomplish our purpose.

176.

"You should see one term, dear son, connected to many meanings;

And that is joined with morality, produced through patience;

It is able to make friends happy, and for the suffering of enemies."

The Ekapada Birth Story is the eighth.

239.

The Haritamaṇḍūka Birth Story (2-9-9)

177.

Even me, a venomous snake, having entered the mouth of a fish-trap;

It pleases the green frog mother, that the fish eat me.

178.

A man plunders indeed, as long as it is suitable for him;

When others plunder, the plundered one is plundered."

The Haritamaṇḍūka Birth Story is the ninth.

240.

The Mahāpiṅgala Birth Story (2-9-10)

179.

All people were harassed by Piṅgala, when he died they feel joy for that reason;

Was the tawny-eyed one dear to you, why then do you cry, gatekeeper?

180.

The tawny-eyed one was not dear to me, I fear his return;

Gone from here he might harm the king of death, and harmed, he might bring him back here again.

181.

Burnt with a thousand cartloads, sprinkled with a hundred pots was he;

And that ground was prepared, do not fear, he will not come.

The Mahāpiṅgala Birth Story is the tenth.

The Upāhana Chapter is the ninth.

Its summary:

Excellent Sandal, Hunchback, Vikaṇṇaka, Sickle-Eater, fifth Calf-Claw;

Twice-born, Love, Excellent, Best, One Stanza, Fish-trap Face, with Piṅgalaka - ten.

10.

The Chapter on Jackals

241.

The Sabbadāṭhi Birth Story (2-10-1)

182.

The jackal, obstinate in conceit, desirous of a retinue;

Attained a great position, he was king of all the fanged ones.

183.

Just so among human beings, whoever has a retinue;

He indeed is great there, like the jackal among the fanged ones.

The Sabbadāṭhi Birth Story is the first.

242.

The Sunakha Birth Story (2-10-2)

184.

Foolish indeed is this dog, who does not gnaw the strap;

He could free himself from bondage, and having eaten, go to his home.

185.

It is established in my mind, and also it is made in my heart;

And I await the time, until the people fall asleep.

The Sunakha Birth Story is the second.

243.

The Guttila Birth Story (2-10-3)

186.

"The seven-stringed, very sweet, delightful lute I taught him;

He challenges me on the stage, 'Be my refuge, Kosiya.'"

187.

"I am your refuge, my dear, I am one who honours the teacher;

The pupil will not defeat you, you, teacher, will defeat the pupil."

The Guttila Birth Story is the third.

244.

The Vigaticcha Birth Story (2-10-4)

188.

What he sees, that he does not desire, and what he does not see, that he longs for;

I think he will wander for a long time, for he will not obtain what he desires.

189.

What one obtains, by that one is not satisfied, and what one aspires to, having obtained it, one despises;

For desire has an infinite range, to those free from desire we pay homage.

The Vigaticcha Birth Story is the fourth.

245.

The Mūlapariyāya Birth Story (2-10-5)

190.

Time consumes beings, all indeed together with oneself;

And whoever has become a consumer of time, he cooked the cooker of beings.

191.

Many human heads, hairy and large;

Fastened on necks, but who here has ears?

The Mūlapariyāya Birth Story is the fifth.

246.

The Bālovāda Birth Story (2-10-6)

192.

Having killed, having cut off, and having slain, the unrestrained one gives a gift;

Eating such food, he is defiled by evil.

193.

Even if having killed son and wife, the unrestrained one gives a gift;

Even while eating, the wise one is not stained by evil.

The Bālovāda Birth Story is the sixth.

247.

The Pādañjali Birth Story (2-10-7)

194.

Surely Pādañjalī outshines all in wisdom;

For thus he purses his lips, surely he sees something further.

195.

This one does not understand what is the Teaching or not the Teaching, benefit or harm;

Apart from the movement of the lips, this one knows nothing.

The Pādañjali Birth Story is the seventh.

248.

The Kiṃsuka Simile Birth Story (2-10-8)

196.

The kiṃsuka tree was seen by all, why then do you doubt here?

For the charioteer was not questioned in all situations.

197.

Thus, for those by whom phenomena are not known through all knowledges;

They indeed are uncertain about phenomena, like the brothers regarding the kiṃsuka tree.

The Kiṃsuka Simile Birth Story is the eighth.

249.

The Voting Ticket Birth Story (2-10-9)

198.

You will be my only son, and you will be the lord of our family;

Come down from the tree, dear Sālaka, come now, let us go home.

199.

Do you not think me a friend, yet you strike me with a bamboo stick;

We delight in the forest of ripe mangoes, go you home as you please.

The Voting Ticket Birth Story is the ninth.

250.

The Monkey Birth Story (2-10-10)

200.

This sage, delighted in peace and self-control, he stands distressed by fear of the cold;

Come, let him enter this little house, to remove the cold and disturbance entirely.

201.

This is not a sage delighted in peace and self-control, this is a monkey whose range is the branches of excellent trees;

He is a defiler, an irritator, and also contemptible, if he should enter this dwelling he would defile it.

The Monkey Birth Story is the tenth.

The Jackal Chapter is the tenth.

Its summary:

Then King, Excellent Jackal, Dog, likewise Owl, Desires, Consumer of Time;

Then Excellent Gift, Camel also with Charioteer, again Mango Grove and Cold, Monkey - these are ten.

Then the chapter summary:

The Firm Chapter and after that Intimacy, like the Good Chapter and Growing;

Bent, Firm, Bīraṇa Grass Clump again, Orange Robe, Sandals, with Jackal - these are ten.

The Book of Twos is concluded.

3.

The Section of the Threes

1.

The Chapter on Intention

251.

The Lust for Thoughts Birth Story (3-1-1)

1.

Washed with lust for thoughts, and sharpened with applied thought;

Not decorated, not auspicious, and not made by an arrow-maker.

2.

Not with one drawn back to the ear and released, nor with one attended by peacock feathers;

By that I am pierced in the heart, by that which burns all limbs.

3.

And I do not see a wound, from where blood might flow;

So much has unwise thought, brought suffering upon myself.

The Lust for Thoughts Birth Story is the first.

252.

The Handful of Sesame Birth Story (3-1-2)

4.

Even today that is in my mind, that you, because of a handful of sesame,

Having seized me by the arm, beat me with a stick.

5.

Do you not delight in life, that you have come here, brahmin;

That having seized me by the arm, you beat me three times.

6.

A noble one who restrains with a stick one doing what is ignoble;

That is instruction, not enmity - thus the wise know it.

The Handful of Sesame Birth Story is the second.

253.

The Jewel-Neck Birth Story (3-1-3)

7.

My food and drink, abundant and lofty, arises because of this jewel;

That I will not give you, you are an excessive beggar, nor will I come to your hermitage.

8.

Like a youth with hands washed with gravel, begging for the rock, you frightened me;

That I will not give you, you are an excessive beggar, nor will I come to your hermitage.

9.

One should not ask for that which is dear to him whose favour one seeks, one becomes detestable through excessive begging;

The serpent, asked by the brahmin for the jewel, attained only disappearance from that.

The Jewel-Neck Birth Story is the third.

254.

The Husk-Belly Sindh Horse Birth Story (3-1-4)

10.

Having eaten grass-scraps, having eaten rice-scum and bran;

This was your food, why do you not eat it now?

11.

Where they do not know a man, by birth or by discipline;

Much there, O great Brahma, even rice-scum and bran.

12.

And you indeed understand me, what kind of excellent horse this is;

Knowing, having come to know, I do not eat your rice bran.

The Husk-Belly Sindh Horse Birth Story is the fourth.

255.

The Parrot Birth Story (3-1-5)

13.

As long as that bird knew the measure in food;

So long he lived out his duration, and nurtured his mother.

14.

But when he consumed more food;

Then right there he sank down, for he was immoderate.

15.

Therefore moderation is good, non-greed in food;

For the immoderate sink down, but the moderate do not sink.

The Parrot Birth Story is the fifth.

256.

The Decayed Well Birth Story (3-1-6)

16.

Digging an old well, the merchants seeking water;

The merchants found iron and copper, and lead and tin;

Silver and gold, many pearls and lapis lazuli.

17.

And they, discontented with that, dug more and more;

There the terrible venomous snake, radiant, struck them with its radiance.

18.

Therefore dig at the right moment, do not over-dig, for over-digging is evil;

For by digging wealth was gained, by over-digging it was destroyed.

The Decayed Well Birth Story is the sixth.

257.

The Village Headman Moon Birth Story (3-1-7)

19.

This one is not skilled in houses, this wrinkle-faced one is fickle;

Whatever is done, he would indeed spoil it, this family is of such nature.

20.

This is not the hair of one with wisdom, this animal is not one who gives comfort;

This was taught to me by Janasandha, this one does not understand anything.

21.

Not mother or father, brother or one's own sister;

Such a man would not support, this was taught to me by Dasaratha.

The Village Headman Moon Birth Story is the seventh.

258.

The Mandhātu Birth Story (3-1-8)

22.

As far as the moon and sun revolve, shining and illuminating the directions;

All are slaves of Mandhātu, whatever living beings are dependent on the earth.

23.

Not by a rain of coins is satisfaction in sensual pleasures found;

Sensual pleasures are of little enjoyment and painful, thus having known, the wise one.

24.

Even in divine sensual pleasures, he does not find delight;

He is devoted to the elimination of craving, the disciple of the Perfectly Self-awakened One.

The Mandhātu Birth Story is the eighth.

259.

The Tirīṭa Calf Birth Story (3-1-9)

25.

He has nothing made of true knowledge, no kinsman, nor indeed is he your companion;

Then for what reason does Tirīṭavaccha, the tripod-bearer, consume the best almsfood?

26.

In misfortunes, to me defeated in battle, alone, having shown compassion in the terrible waterless place;

He stretched out his hand to me who had fallen into distress, by that I crossed over, overcome by suffering.

27.

Through his action I have arrived here, from the domain of Vesāyin in the world of the living;

He is worthy of gain, dear son, Tirīṭavaccha, give him wealth and offer sacrifice."

The Tirīṭa Calf Birth Story is the ninth.

260.

The Messenger Birth Story (3-1-10)

28.

For whose benefit they come from afar, even to beg from an enemy;

I am a messenger of that belly, do not be angry with me, O bull among charioteers.

29.

"Those who by day and by night, come under the control of young men;

I am a messenger of that belly, do not be angry with me, O bull among charioteers.

30.

I give you, brahmin, a thousand red cows together with a bull;

For how could a messenger not give to a messenger, we too are messengers of that very one.

The Messenger Birth Story is the tenth.

The Thought Chapter is the first.

Its summary:

Arrow-maker, Excellent, Handful of Sesame, Gem, Horse King, Bird, Venomous Snake;

Janasandha, Coin, Rain, Again, Tirīṭa, Again with Excellent Messenger - ten.

2.

The Chapter on the Lotus

261.

The Lotus Birth Story (3-2-1)

31.

Just as hair and beard, when cut again and again, grow back;

So may your nose grow back, give the lotus when asked.

32.

Just as an autumnal seed, sown in a field, grows;

So may your nose grow back, give the lotus when asked.

33.

Both of them talk nonsense, perhaps he will give lotuses;

Whether they would say it or not say it, there is no growing of the nose;

Give me lotuses, my dear, I ask as one who has been asked.

The Lotus Birth Story is the first.

262.

The Soft Hand Birth Story (3-2-2)

34.

If the hand were soft, and the elephant were well-trained;

And darkness were to rain down, then surely it might be so.

35.

Insatiable, soft-spoken, hard to fill, they are like rivers;

Knowing that they sink, one should avoid them from afar.

36.

Whoever these women associate with, whether through desire or through wealth;

Like fire, they quickly burn up his own state.

The Soft Hand Birth Story is the second.

263.

The Lesser Enticement Birth Story (3-2-3)

37.

On the water not breaking, having come by oneself through supernormal power;

Having gone to intimacy with a woman, you sink in the great ocean.

38.

Enticing, a great illusion, corrupting the holy life;

Knowing that they sink, one should avoid them from afar.

39.

Whoever these women associate with, whether through desire or through wealth;

Like fire, they quickly burn up his own state.

The Lesser Enticement Birth Story is the third.

264.

The Great Panāda Birth Story (3-2-4)

40.

"Panāda was the name of that king, whose sacrificial post was of gold;

Across it measured sixteen in height, upwards they said a thousandfold.

41.

With a thousand storeys, a hundred pinnacles, adorned with flags, made of green gold;

There the gandhabbas danced, six thousand in seven groups.

42.

"So it was then, as you speak, Bhaddaji;

I was Sakka then, your steward."

The Great Panāda Birth Story is the fourth.

265.

The Razor-Arrow Birth Story (3-2-5)

43.

Having seen hoof-tipped arrows propelled by the force of bows, swords held sharp and oil-washed;

In that fear when death was imminent, why was there no trepidation for you?

44.

Having seen hoof-tipped arrows propelled by the force of bows, swords held sharp and oil-washed;

In that fear when death was imminent, I obtained abundant and lofty inspiration.

45.

He, filled with joy, overcame the enemies, for my life had already been given up;

For indeed, one making attachment to life, a hero would never do a hero's duty.

The Razor-Arrow Birth Story is the fifth.

266.

The Wind-Swift Sindh Horse Birth Story (3-2-6)

46.

Because of whom you are emaciated and pale, because of whom food is not pleasing;

This husband of yours has come, why do you now run away?

47.

If indeed from the very beginning, intimacy arises;

The fame of women diminishes, therefore dear son, I flee.

48.

She who does not desire one born in a renowned family, who has come;

Grieves for a long time, like a bhaddalī creeper in the wind.

The Wind-Swift Sindh Horse Birth Story is the sixth.

267.

The Crab Birth Story (3-2-7)

49.

The golden deer with long eyes, with skin and bone, dwelling in water, hairless;

Overpowered by it, I cry miserably, may he not abandon me who am dear as life.

50.

Noble one, I will not abandon you, an elephant sixty years old;

On the earth bounded by four quarters, you have been dear to me.

51.

Whatever crabs are in the ocean, in the Ganges and the Yamunā;

Of them you are the foremost water-born, release the husband of her who is crying.

The Crab Birth Story is the seventh.

268.

The Park Spoiler Birth Story (3-2-8)

52.

He who indeed was considered the best among all those assembled;

Such is his wisdom, what then of the other generation?

53.

Just so you, Brahmā, without knowing, you disparage;

How, without seeing the root, could one know a tree to be established?

54.

I do not blame you, nor whatever other monkeys in the forest;

Vissasena alone is blameworthy, for whose benefit the tree planters existed.

The Park Spoiler Birth Story is the eighth.

269.

The Sujāta Birth Story (3-2-9)

55.

For one endowed with beauty, charming, lovely to behold;

If harsh in speech, is not dear, in this world and the next.

56.

Do you not see this dark one, ugly, marked with spots;

The cuckoo, dear to many living beings through its smooth speech.

57.

Therefore, for one of kindly speech, speaking with wisdom, unagitated;

He explains the meaning and the Teaching, sweet is his saying.

The Sujāta Birth Story is the ninth.

270.

The Owl Birth Story (3-2-10)

58.

By all the relatives, truly, Kosiya has been made lord;

If permitted by the relatives, I would speak a single word.

59.

Speak, my dear, you are permitted, the meaning and the Teaching entirely;

For there are young birds, wise ones, resplendent.

60.

"It does not please me, may you be blessed, the consecration of the owl;

See the face of one not angry, what will he do when angry?"

The Owl Birth Story is the tenth.

The Lotus Chapter is the second.

Its summary:

Paduma, Uttama, Named Nāgasiri, with Great Ocean, Sacrificial Post, Excellent Khurappa;

Then Bhaddālī, Elephant, Tree, Again, Harsh Speech, with Excellent Owl - ten.

3.

The Chapter on the Well

271.

The Well Spoiler Birth Story (3-3-1)

61.

To the forest-dwelling sage, the long-practising ascetic;

The well made with difficulty, how, my dear, did you defile it?

62.

This is the nature of jackals, that having drunk we defecate;

This is the nature of fathers and grandfathers, you should not forsake it.

63.

For those of you whose Teaching is such, what then is not the Teaching?

May we never see your Teaching or not the Teaching.

The Well Spoiler Birth Story is the first.

272.

The Tiger Birth Story (3-3-2)

64.

Through association with a friend by whom freedom from bondage is diminished;

A wise one should guard against being overcome by him beforehand, as one guards one's eyes from a tree.

65.

Through association with a friend by whom freedom from bondage increases;

A wise one should provide livelihood equal to oneself in all duties.

66.

Come, tigers, turn back, return to the great forest;

Let not the forest be cut down, tigerless, let not the tigers be without forest.

The Tiger Birth Story is the second.

273.

The Tortoise Birth Story (3-3-3)

67.

Who now is this like one with heaped-up food, like a brahmin with full hands;

Where did you go for almsfood, which faithful one did you approach?

68.

I am a monkey, imprudent, I touched what should not be touched;

Release me, venerable sir, freed I would go to the mountain.

69.

Turtles are Kassapas, Koṇḍaññas are monkeys;

Release, Kassapa, the Koṇḍañña, sexual intercourse has been done by you.

The Tortoise Birth Story is the third.

274.

The Greedy Birth Story (3-3-4)

70.

"What is this crested crane, a thief, granddaughter of the cloud-jumper?

Come down here, crane, my friend the crow is fierce."

71.

"I am not a crested crane, I am a greedy crow;

Not having heeded your word, see, I have come back reaped."

72.

You will commit offence again, my dear, for your character is such;

For human wealth is not easily enjoyed by birds.

The Greedy Birth Story is the fourth.

275.

The Pleasant Birth Story (3-3-5)

73.

The beautiful crane desires a body in the crow's nest;

The fierce crow is my friend, whose nest this is.

74.

"Do you not know me, my dear, twice-born one who feeds on millet?

Not having heeded your word, see, I have come back reaped."

75.

You will commit offence again, my dear, for your character is such;

For human wealth is not easily enjoyed by birds.

The Pleasant Birth Story is the fifth.

276.

The Kuru Dhamma Birth Story (3-3-6)

76.

Having known your faith and morality, O lord of people;

We bartered your praise with the collyrium-coloured one, in Kāliṅga.

77.

Those who are dependants and those who are not dependants, whoever here goes with a purpose;

All of them should not be refused, this is the word of the first teachers.

78.

I give you, brahmins, this elephant, worthy of a king, fit for royal use, famous;

Adorned, covered with a golden net, with its driver - go wherever you wish.

The Kuru Dhamma Birth Story is the sixth.

277.

The Romaka Birth Story (3-3-7)

79.

More than fifty years have passed, we have lived in the cave of the rock, O dove;

Without hesitation, with perfectly calmed minds, these egg-born ones used to come within reach of my hand before.

80.

Why now are these twice-born birds so eager, O bent-necked one, that they resort to another mountain grotto?

Surely they do not regard me as before, or perhaps these are not those who dwelt away for a long time.

81.

We know that, we are not bewildered, you are that very one, we are yours, not others;

And your mind is corrupted towards these people, for livelihood, therefore we are frightened of you.

The Romaka Birth Story is the seventh.

278.

The Buffalo King Birth Story (3-3-8)

82.

For what purpose, concerning the fickle-minded traitor;

As if from one who gives all desires, do you endure this suffering?

83.

Strike him down with your horn, and trample him with your foot;

Fools would become even more angry, if there were no one to restrain them.

84.

"Imagining this one to be like me, he will do the same to others;

They will kill him there, that will be my freedom."

The Buffalo King Birth Story is the eighth.

279.

The Hundred-Petalled Birth Story (3-3-9)

85.

Just as a young man on the road, a jackal roaming the forest;

One who is well-wishing, making known, he imagines as ill-wishing;

The ill-wishing woodpecker, he imagines as well-wishing.

86.

"Just so here a certain person is such;

Spoken to with words by those wishing his welfare, he takes them wrongly.

87.

Those who praise him, or extol him out of fear;

He imagines them to be friends, like the young man with the woodpecker.

The Hundred-Petalled Birth Story is the ninth.

280.

The Basket-Spoiler Birth Story (3-3-10)

88.

Surely indeed the king of beasts is skilled in basket-making;

For thus he spoils the basket, surely he will make another.

89.

Neither my mother nor father is skilled in basket-making;

Whatever is done, we indeed spoil it, this family is of such nature.

90.

For those of you whose Teaching is such, what then is not the Teaching?

May we never see your Teaching or not the Teaching.

The Basket-Spoiler Birth Story is the tenth.

The Well Chapter is the third.

Its summary:

Well, Forest Tiger, Monkey, Peahen, and Crane, Beautiful and Excellent;

Virtuous Man, Lord, Hairy, Spoiler, again, Lotus, Excellent, Basket Deed - ten.

4.

The Chapter on Internal

281.

The Inner Birth Story (3-4-1)

91.

There is a tree named Abbhantara, whose fruit is divine;

A woman with longing, having eaten it, gives birth to a wheel-turning monarch.

92.

You too, dear lady, are the chief queen, and she too is dear to her husband;

The king will bring for you, this inner fruit.

93.

Striving for the benefit of one's supporter, whatever state one attains;

A hero, self-sacrificing, receiving, I become.

The Inner Birth Story is the first.

282.

The Sleeping Place Birth Story (3-4-2)

94.

One who associates with the better becomes of the better part, whoever cultivates the better;

Having made a pact with one, I released a hundred fit to be killed.

95.

Therefore, having made a connection with the whole world together;

After death one would go to heaven, hear this, people of Kāsi.

96.

Having said this, the great king, Kaṃsa, the seizer of Bārāṇasī;

Having put down the bow and arrow, he undertook self-control.

The Sleeping Place Birth Story is the second.

283.

The Carpenter's Pig Birth Story (3-4-3)

97.

The choicest of the choicest you slew, formerly you roamed, in this place having overcome the boars;

Now you alone, having gone aside, brood, is there no strength in you today, tiger?

98.

These formerly went in every direction, afflicted by fear, seeking shelter far and wide;

They now, having assembled, dwell together, where standing they are hard to overcome by me.

99.

Homage to the assembled herds, having seen myself I declare a marvel of friendship;

Where the fanged beasts conquered the tiger, through concord among those with fang-power they are released.

The Carpenter's Pig Birth Story is the third.

284.

The Fortune Birth Story (3-4-4)

100.

Whatever wealth the zealous, the unlucky, collect in abundance;

Those with skills and those without, the fortunate one enjoys those.

101.

For one who has made merit everywhere, surpassing other living beings;

Many possessions arise, even in unlikely places.

102.

A cock, jewels, a stick, and women with marks of merit;

These arise for one who is not evil, for a being who has made merit.

The Fortune Birth Story is the fourth.

285.

The Jewel Pig Birth Story (3-4-5)

103.

In the cave for seven years, about thirty of us dwelt;

"We shall destroy the radiance of the jewel," thus was our discussion.

104.

As far as we polish the gem, the gem becomes more purified;

And now we ask this, what task do you think should be done here?

105.

This lapis lazuli gem, flawless, spotless, beautiful;

Its splendour cannot be destroyed, depart, you pigs.

The Jewel Pig Birth Story is the fifth.

286.

The Water-Lily Root Birth Story (3-4-6)

106.

Do not envy the water-lily root, he eats food for the sick;

Living at ease, eat chaff, this is the characteristic of long life.

107.

Now he, having come here, a guest, a devoted servant;

Then you will see the lotus root, lying upon the pestle.

108.

Having seen a pig being cut open, lying upon the pestle;

The old bulls thought over, "Better for us is chaff indeed."

The Water-Lily Root Birth Story is the sixth.

287.

The Blame of Gain Birth Story (3-4-7)

109.

Not unmad, not non-slanderous, not a non-dancer, not without excitement;

One obtains gain among the foolish, this is your instruction.

110.

Shame on that gain of fame, and gain of wealth, brahmin;

Whatever livelihood is by downfall, or by unrighteous conduct.

111.

Even if, having taken a bowl, one should wander forth homeless;

This very livelihood is better, than seeking by what is not the Teaching.

The Blame of Gain Birth Story is the seventh.

288.

The Fish Gift Birth Story (3-4-8)

112.

The fish are worth more than a thousand, there is no one who would believe this;

And I had here seven māsakas, I too bought that cluster of fish.

113.

Having given food to the fish, you dedicated the offering to me;

Remembering that offering, the esteem was made by you.

114.

For one of corrupted mind there is no prosperity, nor do the deities venerate him;

Whoever cheated his brother of paternal property, a doer of wrong deeds.

The Fish Gift Birth Story is the eighth.

289.

The Various Desires Birth Story (3-4-9)

115.

"With different desires, great king, we dwell in one house;

I wish for an excellent village, and the brahmin woman for a hundred cattle."

116.

The son longs for a chariot with thoroughbreds, and the daughter for jewelled earrings;

And this contemptible Puṇṇikā longs for a mortar.

117.

An excellent village for the brahmin, a hundred cattle for the brahmin woman;

A chariot with thoroughbreds for the son, jewelled earrings for the daughter;

And this contemptible Puṇṇikā, supply her with a mortar.

The Various Desires Birth Story is the ninth.

290.

The Morality Investigator Birth Story (3-4-10)

118.

Morality indeed is good, morality is unsurpassed in the world;

See the serpent with terrible poison, being moral he is not killed.

119.

I shall undertake morality, approved in the world, safe;

One whose conduct is the practice of the noble ones, by which one is called virtuous.

120.

And he is dear to relatives, and shines among friends;

Upon the body's collapse, the moral one is reborn in a fortunate destination.

The Morality Investigator Birth Story is the tenth.

The Inner Chapter is the fourth.

Its summary:

Tree, Bronze Plate, Excellent, Best, Tiger, Deer, Jewels, Gem, Water-lily Root, Named;

And also Instruction, the Excellent Fish, with Jewelled Earring, with Indeed - ten.

5.

The Chapter on the Pot

291.

The Liquor Pot Birth Story (2-5-1)

121.

Having obtained a pot, a vessel granting all desires, a scoundrel;

As long as he safeguards it, so long he thrives in happiness.

122.

When intoxicated and bloated, through negligence he broke the pot;

Then naked and in rags, afterwards the fool suffers.

123.

Just so whoever, having obtained wealth, heedlessly consumes it;

Afterwards the imprudent one is tormented, like a scoundrel having broken a pot.

The Liquor Pot Birth Story is the first.

292.

The Good Leaf Birth Story (3-5-2)

124.

"In Benares, great king, the king of crows was a dweller;

Surrounded by eighty thousand, was Supatta.

125.

His wife with longing, Suphassā, wishes to eat;

Cooked in the king's kitchen, costly royal food.

126.

I am sent as a messenger by them, and I have come here for the king;

I show esteem for my master, I made a wound on the nose with my beak.

The Good Leaf Birth Story is the second.

293.

The Weariness of the Body Birth Story (3-5-3)

127.

Touched by a certain illness, by disease, greatly suffering, being transformed;

This body quickly dries up, like a flower placed in dust in the sun's heat.

128.

The impure reckoned as pure, the unclean considered as clean;

Filled with various corpses, for one not seeing its true form.

129.

Fie upon this afflicted, putrid body, loathsome, impure, subject to disease;

Wherein the heedless generation, infatuated, neglect the path to rebirth in a good destination.

The Body Weariness Birth Story is the third.

294.

The Rose-Apple Eater Birth Story (3-5-4)

130.

Who is this lovely one with a melodious voice, the best of those with voices;

Perched on a rose-apple branch, he chirps like a young peacock.

131.

A son of good family knows how to praise a son of good family;

O one with the colour of a tiger cub, eat, my dear, I give to you.

132.

"At long last indeed I see liars come together;

The eater of vomit and the eater of corpses, praising each other."

The Rose-Apple Eater Birth Story is the fourth.

295.

The End Birth Story (3-5-5)

133.

Your shoulder is like a bull's, your stretching is like a lion's;

King of beasts, homage to you, may we obtain something.

134.

A son of good family knows how to praise a son of good family;

O you who resemble a peacock's neck, come here from there, crow.

135.

Among beasts the jackal is the lowest, and among birds the crow;

The castor-oil plant is the lowest among trees, these three lowest ones have come together.

The Intestine Birth Story is the fifth.

296.

The Ocean Birth Story (3-5-6)

136.

Who is this one in the salt water, running about all around;

Warding off fish and sea-monsters, and being vexed in the waves.

137.

"The bird of infinite drinking, 'the unsatisfied one' heard in the directions;

I wish to drink the ocean, the sea, the lord of rivers."

138.

This great ocean diminishes and fills up;

The limit of what is drunk from it is not known, the sea is indeed undrinkable.

The Ocean Birth Story is the sixth.

297.

The Lamentation over Sensual Pleasures Birth Story (3-5-7)

139.

O bird flying high, wing-goer travelling by wings;

You should tell her of beautiful thighs, for long indeed she will wait.

140.

She does not know this, the sword and spear laid out;

She, the fierce one, will become angry, that torments me, not this.

141.

This waterlily-armour, and the gold coin placed at the head;

And the soft Kāsi cloth, let my beloved creditor be satisfied.

The Lamentation over Sensual Pleasures Birth Story is the seventh.

298.

The Fig Tree Birth Story (3-5-8)

142.

These glamorous figs are ripe, and banyan trees and wood-apple trees;

Come, go out and eat, why do you die of hunger?

143.

Thus he is satisfied, whoever honours the senior;

Just as I am satisfied today, having eaten the tree fruits.

144.

Whatever a forest-born monkey might deceive a forest-born monkey;

A young monkey might believe, but not an old aged monkey.

The Fig Tree Birth Story is the eighth.

299.

The Prince's Son Birth Story (3-5-9)

145.

Before, you used to play recurring games in the hermitage in the presence of those of good conduct;

Do, I say, your monkey antics, monkey, we do not delight in that ceremonial observance.

146.

For learning is my supreme purification, of the prince's son who is very learned;

Do not now regard me as before, I dwell engaged in meditative absorption, friend.

147.

Even if one were to sow seed on a rock, and the sky were to rain, it would not grow;

For that supreme purification has been heard by you, but you, monkey, are far from the plane of meditative absorption.

The Prince's Son Birth Story is the ninth.

300.

The Wolf Birth Story (3-5-10)

148.

Living by obstructing the life of others, feeding on flesh and blood;

The wolf, having accepted an ascetic practice, undertook the Observance.

149.

Sakka, knowing his weak vow, approached in the form of a goat;

Having abandoned austerity, he approached unexpectedly, the blood-drinker broke his austere asceticism.

150.

Just so here some, weak in their observance;

Make themselves light, like a wolf for the sake of a goat.

The Wolf Birth Story is the tenth.

The Pot Chapter is the fifth.

Its summary:

Excellent Pot, Well-Winged, Siri-Named, Pure-Authorized, Drop-Lake, and Bull;

River-Lord, Fierce, with Aged Monkey, then with Female Monkey, with Wolf - ten.

Then the chapter summary:

Thought and Lotus, with Well the third;

Inner, Pot-Breaking, in the Book of Threes it is adorned.

The Collection of Threes is concluded.

4.

The Section of the Fours

1.

The Chapter about Kāliṅga

301.

The Cūḷakāliṅga Birth Story (4-1-1)

1.

"Open this door for us, let them enter the city of King Aruṇa;

Well-protected by the lion, well-trained Nandisena."

2.

Victory for the Kaliṅgas who endure the unbearable, defeat and calamity for the Assakas;

Thus indeed was spoken by you, practitioner of the holy life, the upright do not speak what is false.

3.

The gods have gone beyond false speech, truth is the supreme wealth among them, Sakka;

That was spoken falsely by you, king of gods, dependent on what, Maghavā, great Inda?

4.

Have you not heard, brahmin, when it is being spoken, that the gods do not envy manly effort;

Self-control, concentration, an undivided mind, steadfastness and going forth at the proper time;

And firm energy and manly effort, by that very thing there was victory for the Assakas.

The Cūḷakāliṅga Birth Story is the first.

302.

The Mahāassāroha Birth Story (4-1-2)

5.

Giving a gift to those unworthy of gifts, he does not bestow upon those worthy of gifts;

Having met with disaster in misfortunes, he does not find a companion.

6.

Giving a gift to those unworthy of gifts, whoever bestows upon those worthy of gifts;

Having met with disaster in misfortunes, he finds a companion.

7.

The seeing of the distinction of association and enjoyment perishes among ignoble qualities, among the fraudulent;

But what is done among the noble ones and among the upright, is of great fruit even if small among such ones.

8.

He who formerly had good done for him, did what is very difficult to do in the world;

Whether he would do afterwards or not do, he is absolutely worthy of veneration.

The Mahāassāroha Birth Story is the second.

303.

The Ekarāja Birth Story (4-1-3)

9.

Having formerly enjoyed the unsurpassed, successful types of sensual pleasure, a master, the sole king;

Now thrown into the difficult purgatory, would you not give up your former beauty and power?

10.

Patience and austere asceticism were formerly wished for by me, O Dubbhisena;

Now having obtained that, how then, O king, should I give up my former beauty and power?

11.

All indeed are thus accomplished, O famous one, O wise one, O one able to endure;

And having obtained former lofty fame, would you not give up your former beauty and power?

12.

Having dispelled happiness by suffering, O lord of men, or suffering by happiness, O you who endure the unbearable;

The peaceful ones in both states, being perfectly calmed in themselves, become equal in happiness and in suffering.

The Ekarāja Birth Story is the third.

304.

The Daddara Birth Story (4-1-4)

13.

These ill-spoken words in the human world torment me, O Daddara;

"Frog-eater, dweller by the water's edge," the non-venomous ones curse me, a venomous snake.

14.

Banished from one's own kingdom, gone to another country;

One should make a great storehouse, for depositing ill-spoken words.

15.

Where they do not know a man, by birth or by discipline;

One should not have conceit there, dwelling among unrelated people.

16.

For one dwelling in a foreign land, even by fire;

It should be endured by the wise, even a slave's threat.

The Daddara Birth Story is the fourth.

305.

The Sīlavīmaṃsana Birth Story (4-1-5)

17.

There is no secret place in the world, for one doing evil deeds;

The forest beings see, that the fool imagines as secret.

18.

I do not see a secret place, nor is an empty one found;

Where I do not see another, that is not empty for me.

19.

Dujjacca and Sujacca, and Nanda and Sukhavaḍḍhita;

Vejja and Addhuvasīla, they gave up the principle, desiring her.

20.

And how would the brahmin give up, who has gone beyond all phenomena;

He who maintains the teaching, resolute, striving for truth.

The Sīlavīmaṃsana Birth Story is the fifth.

306.

The Sujāta Birth Story (4-1-6)

21.

"What are these round fruits, O king, placed in the bronze vessel;

Reddish and lovely, tell me this when asked."

22.

Those which before you, goddess, shaven-headed, wearing rags;

Picked with hands at your hip, that is your jujube fruit.

23.

She is burnt, she does not delight, wealth abandons her;

Lead her back to that very place, where she will cook jujube.

24.

"These things happen, great king, to a woman who has attained prosperity;

Be patient, O king, with Sujātā, do not be angry with her, O bull among charioteers."

The Sujāta Birth Story is the sixth.

307.

The Palāsa Birth Story (4-1-7)

25.

Brahmin, knowing this foliage to be without consciousness, not hearing, not knowing;

You who are strenuous in energy, constantly heedful, ask about sleeping happily - for what reason?

26.

Heard of from afar and lofty is the tree, standing in a place, having the nature of a dwelling for beings;

Therefore I pay homage to this foliage, whatever beings are here, they are the cause of wealth.

27.

I will do for you according to my ability, seeing gratitude, brahmin;

For how, having come into the presence of the good, could your efforts be in vain?

28.

Beyond the Diospyros tree is a wave-leafed fig tree, surrounded, a former sacrifice, eminent;

At its root a treasure is buried, without an heir - go and dig it up.

The Palāsa Birth Story is the seventh.

308.

The Sakuṇa Birth Story (4-1-8)

29.

We have done your task, with whatever strength we had;

King of beasts, homage to you, may we obtain something.

30.

For me who feeds on blood, always doing cruel deeds;

Being between my teeth, that you live at all is much.

31.

One who is ungrateful, who does nothing, who does not make amends for what was done;

In whom there is no gratitude, association with him is useless.

32.

From whom, by service done in his presence, the disposition of a friend is not obtained;

Not envying, not reviling, one should slowly withdraw from him.

The Sakuṇa Birth Story is the eighth.

309.

The Chavaka Birth Story (4-1-9)

33.

All this has been done as the last, both do not see the Teaching;

Both have fallen from their nature, he who teaches the sacred hymn;

And he who studies the sacred hymn.

34.

He eats rice of fine grain, pure, with meat sauce;

Therefore I do not practise this, the teaching practised by sages.

35.

Wander forth, the world is great, other living beings too are cooking;

Let not wrongdoing practised, like a stone a pot, break you.

36.

Shame on that gain of fame, and gain of wealth, brahmin;

Whatever livelihood is by downfall, or by unrighteous conduct.

The Chavaka Birth Story is the ninth.

310.

The Sleeping Place Birth Story (4-1-10)

37.

The earth with its surrounding ocean, girdled by the sea;

I would not wish for it together with blame, thus, Seyya, understand.

38.

Shame on that gain of fame, and gain of wealth, brahmin;

Whatever livelihood is by downfall, or by unrighteous conduct.

39.

Even if, having taken a bowl, one should wander forth homeless;

This very livelihood is better, than seeking by what is not the Teaching.

40.

Even if, having taken a bowl, one should wander forth homeless;

Not harming another in the world, even that is better than kingship.

The Seyya Birth Story is the tenth.

The Kāliṅga Chapter is the first.

Its summary:

Opening and Acceptable, Successful-Excellent, then Daddara, Evil-Great-Secret;

Then Koli, Leaf-Excellent and Hand, the last with Ocean-Excellent - ten.

2.

The Chapter about the Nimb Tree

311.

The Pucimanda Birth Story (4-2-1)

41.

"Rise up, thief, why do you lie down? What use is sleeping to you?

Let not the kings seize you, the wrongdoer in the village."

42.

When they will seize a thief, a wrongdoer in the village;

What is that to the margosa tree, born and standing in the forest?

43.

You do not know, O sacred fig tree, the reason for my and the thief's dwelling together;

Having seized a thief, a wrongdoer in the village, the kings

Fix him on a margosa stake, about that my mind is uncertain.

44.

One should suspect what is to be suspected, one should guard against future danger;

Fearing future danger, the wise one looks at both worlds.

The Pucimanda Birth Story is the first.

312.

The Kassapamandiya Birth Story (4-2-2)

45.

Even, Kassapa, out of stupidity, a youth curses or strikes;

All that the wise one endures, the wise person forbears it.

46.

Even if the good dispute, they are quickly reconciled again;

Fools break apart like bowls, they do not attain peace.

47.

These come together again, their connection does not decay;

Whoever knows the transgression, and whoever knows the confession.

48.

For he is more superior, a burden-bearer, a responsibility-bearer;

Who himself is worthy to reconcile those who have transgressed against others.

The Kassapamandiya Birth Story is the second.

313.

The Khantīvādī Birth Story (4-2-3)

49.

He who cut off your hands and feet, and your ears and nose;

Be angry with him, great hero, do not destroy this country.

50.

He who cut off my hands and feet, and my ears and nose;

May that king live long, for those like me do not become angry.

51.

There was in the past period of time, an ascetic who illuminated patience;

Him, established in patience alone, the King of Kāsi had cut down.

52.

Of that harsh action, the result was painful;

Which the King of Kāsi experienced, consigned to hell.

The Khantīvādī Birth Story is the third.

314.

The Lohakumbhi Birth Story (4-2-4)

53.

We lived a wrong life, we who did not give while there were virtuous ones;

Though possessions existed, we made no refuge for ourselves.

54.

Sixty thousand years, complete in every respect;

For those being tormented in hell, when will there be an end?

55.

"There is no end, whence an end? No end is seen;

For such evil was done, by me and by you, sir.

56.

Surely I, having gone from here, having obtained a human womb;

Bountiful, accomplished in morality, I will do much wholesome."

The Lohakumbhi Birth Story is the fourth.

315.

The Sabbamaṃsalābha Birth Story (4-2-5)

57.

Harsh indeed is your speech, you are a beggar for meat;

Your speech is like a hide, my dear, I give you a hide.

58.

This is a limb of human beings, a brother is called in the world;

Speech similar to a limb, a limb, my dear, I give to you.

59.

A son speaking 'father' causes the father's heart to tremble;

Your speech is like the heart, my dear, I give you the heart.

60.

For whom there is no friend in the village, for him it is just as in the forest;

Speech similar to all, I give you everything, my dear.

The Sabbamaṃsalābha Birth Story is the fifth.

316.

The Sasapaṇḍita Birth Story (4-2-6)

61.

I have seven red fish, pulled out from the water onto dry land;

This is mine, brahmin, having eaten this, dwell in the forest.

62.

Cloth for my field-keeper, night-meal has been brought;

And two meat-skewers and an iguana, and one jar of curds;

This is mine, brahmin, having eaten this, dwell in the forest.

63.

Ripe mangoes, cool water, delightful cool shade;

This is mine, brahmin, having eaten this, dwell in the forest.

64.

A hare has no sesame seeds, no green peas nor rice grains;

Having eaten me cooked by this fire, dwell in the forest.

The Sasapaṇḍita Birth Story is the sixth.

317.

The Matarodana Birth Story (4-2-7)

65.

You weep for the dead, only the dead, for you do not weep for one who will die;

All who bear bodies, gradually give up life.

66.

Gods and humans, quadrupeds, flocks of birds, snakes and serpents;

Having no power over their own bodies, even while delighting, they give up life.

67.

Thus unstable, unsettled, having observed pleasure and pain among humans;

Wailing and weeping is useless, why do you let yourselves be overwhelmed by a mass of sorrow?

68.

Cheats and drunkards, untrained, foolish, reckless, not practising;

They think the wise one is a fool - those who are unskilled in the Teaching.

The Matarodana Birth Story is the seventh.

318.

The Kaṇavera Birth Story (4-2-8)

69.

That one whom in the spring season, when the oleanders were radiant;

You yourself embraced with your arm, she spoke to you of her health.

70.

"Hey, this indeed should not be believed, that the wind could carry a mountain;

If the wind could carry a mountain, it could carry the whole earth too;

Where my dark-skinned wife has died, she spoke to me of her health."

71.

She has not died, nor does she desire another;

Devoted to one husband, my dark-skinned wife, she longs for him alone.

72.

My dark-skinned wife exchanged me, unacquainted, for one long acquainted, the inconstant for the constant;

My dark-skinned wife might also exchange for another, I will go farther away from here.

The Kaṇavera Birth Story is the eighth.

319.

The Tittira Birth Story (4-2-9)

73.

Very happily indeed I live, and I obtain food to eat;

Yet I stand in danger, what then, venerable sir, is my destination?

74.

If your mind does not incline, O bird, towards evil action;

Evil does not defile one who is uninvolved, one who is good.

75.

"A relative of ours is seated," many people come;

Dependent on me, he experiences the action, about that my mind is uncertain.

76.

Dependent on him, the action does not touch one, if the mind is not corrupted;

Evil does not defile one who is living at ease, one who is good.

The Tittira Birth Story is the ninth.

320.

The Succaja Birth Story (4-2-10)

77.

What was easy to give up indeed he did not give up, by speech he gave the mountain;

What would he who does not give up for his welfare, by speech he gave the mountain.

78.

"What one would do, that one should say; what one would not do, that one should not say;

One not doing but speaking - the wise fully understand him.

79.

Prince, homage to you, you are established in truth and the Teaching;

Though you have met with disaster, your mind delights in truth.

80.

She who is poor when he is poor, wealthy when he is wealthy, is renowned;

She indeed is his supreme wife, for one with gold there are merely women.

The Succaja Birth Story is the tenth.

The Pucimanda Chapter is the second.

Its summary:

Then Thief, Own Kassapa, Patience the Excellent, Wrong Livelihood, and Excellent, Harsh;

Then Hare, Dead, and Spring, Happiness, Easy to Give, Vow, Dancing, Unconquered - these are ten.

3.

The Chapter on the Hut Destroyer

321.

The Kuṭidūsaka Birth Story (4-3-1)

81.

Your head is just like a human's, and hands and feet too, monkey;

Then for what reason is a house not found for you?

82.

My head is just like a human's, and hands and feet too, Siṅgila;

That which is foremost among human beings, that wisdom is not found in me.

83.

For one of unsettled mind, fickle-minded, a traitor;

Always of unstable morality, a state of happiness is not found.

84.

So exert your power, transcend your bad character;

Make a hut as protection from cold and wind, monkey.

The Kuṭidūsaka Birth Story is the first.

322.

The Duddubha Birth Story (4-3-2)

85.

"There is a rumbling sound, venerable sir, in the region where I dwell;

I too do not know this, what is this that rumbles."

86.

Having heard the fallen wood-apple, "Duddubha!" the hare ran;

Having heard the word of the hare, the army of deer was terrified.

87.

Not having reached the state of consciousness, followers of others' voices;

Fools for whom sound is supreme, they are dependent on others.

88.

But those accomplished in morality, delighting in peace through wisdom;

The wise, abstaining from afar, are not dependent on others.

The Duddubha Birth Story is the second.

323.

The Brahmadatta Birth Story (4-3-3)

89.

A beggar, O king, Brahmadatta, undergoes two things;

Either loss or gain of wealth, for such is the nature of begging.

90.

Begging they call crying, O bull among charioteers of the Pañcālas;

Whoever rejects a request, that they call crying back.

91.

Let not the Pañcālas, well assembled, see me weeping;

Or you lamenting in return, therefore I wish for a secret place.

92.

I give you, brahmin, a thousand red cows together with a bull;

For how could a noble one not give to a noble one, having heard your verses connected with the teaching.

The Brahmadatta Birth Story is the third.

324.

The Cammasāṭaka Birth Story (4-3-4)

93.

"Good indeed is this quadruped, auspicious and well-behaved;

Who honours the brahmin endowed with birth and sacred hymns, the famous excellent ram."

94.

Do not, brahmin, from a brief seeing, place trust in the quadruped;

Longing for a firm blow, stepping back he will give a good strike.

95.

The thigh-bone broken, the shoulder-burden overturned, and all the goods of the brahmin destroyed;

Having raised both arms he wails, "Run forth, the practitioner of the holy life is being killed."

96.

Thus he lies slain, whoever praises one unworthy of honour;

Just as I today am struck, slain by a ram, the fool.

The Cammasāṭaka Birth Story is the fourth.

325.

The Godharāja Birth Story (4-3-5)

97.

Imagining him to be an ascetic, I approached that restrained one;

He struck me with a stick, just as one who is not a recluse would.

98.

What is the use of your matted hair, O imprudent one, what is the use of your garment of skin?

Within you is a thicket, yet you polish the outside.

99.

Come, iguana, turn back, eat the cooked rice with fine rice;

I have oil and salt, and abundant long pepper.

100.

I will enter more, the ant-hill of a hundred men's height;

You praised oil and salt, long pepper is harmful to me.

The Godharāja Birth Story is the fifth.

326.

The Kakkāru Birth Story (4-3-6)

101.

Whoever does not steal by body, does not speak falsely by speech;

Having obtained fame, would not be intoxicated - he indeed deserves the kakkāru flower.

102.

One should seek wealth by the Teaching, should not take riches by fraud;

Having obtained possessions, would not be intoxicated - he indeed deserves the kakkāru flower.

103.

Whose mind is not like turmeric, and whose faith is not fading;

Who would not eat sweet food alone - he indeed deserves the kakkāru flower.

104.

Whether face to face or behind one's back, whoever does not abuse the virtuous;

Speaking as he acts, acting as he speaks, he indeed deserves the kakkāru flowers.

The Kakkāru Birth Story is the sixth.

327.

The Kākavatī Birth Story (4-3-7)

105.

This odour blows from there, where my beloved dwells;

Far from here indeed is Kākavatī, where my mind delights.

106.

How did you cross the ocean, how did you cross the Kepuka river;

How the seven seas, how did you climb the silk-cotton tree.

107.

By you I crossed the ocean, by you I crossed the Kepuka river;

By you the seven seas, by you I climbed the silk-cotton tree.

108.

Fie upon me with this great body, fie upon me without consciousness;

Whereby for my wife I bring and carry a paramour.

The Kākavatī Birth Story is the seventh.

328.

The Ananusociya Birth Story (4-3-8)

109.

The lady is found among many, what will she be to me through them;

Therefore I do not grieve for this, the dear one with the charming smile.

110.

If one were to bewail each and every thing, whatever is not found for him;

One should bewail oneself, always fallen under the power of death.

111.

Neither standing nor sitting, neither lying down nor walking about;

As long as one blinks and opens the eyes, even then youth wastes away.

112.

There, indeed, when the self is halved, in separation without doubt;

What has come to be, what remains, should be cherished; what has passed should not be grieved over.

The Ananusociya Birth Story is the eighth.

329.

The Kāḷabāhu Birth Story (4-3-9)

113.

What food and drink we formerly obtained, that now goes to the monkeys;

Now we go to the forest, Rādha, and we are not honoured by Dhanañjaya.

114.

Material gain and loss, fame and disgrace, blame and praise, happiness and suffering;

These phenomena among humans are impermanent, do not grieve, why do you grieve, Poṭṭhapāda?

115.

Surely you are a wise one, Rādha, you know the meanings of the future;

How then shall we see the monkey, the contemptible one driven out from the royal family?

116.

He shakes his ears, makes a frown, moment by moment he frightens the boys;

Kāḷabāhu himself will do that, by which he will remain far from food and drink.

The Kāḷabāhu Birth Story is the ninth.

330.

The Sīlavīmaṃsa Birth Story (4-3-10)

117.

Morality indeed is good, morality is unsurpassed in the world;

See the serpent with terrible poison, being moral he is not killed.

118.

As long as the horse held something, at that very moment they ate;

Having assembled, hawks in the world do not harm one who owns nothing.

119.

The desireless one sleeps happily, hope that bears fruit is pleasant;

Having made hope desireless, Piṅgalā sleeps happily.

120.

There is nothing higher than concentration, in this world and the next;

One who is concentrated harms neither others nor oneself.

The Sīlavīmaṃsa Birth Story is the tenth.

The Kuṭidūsaka Chapter is the third.

Its summary:

Human, With Drum, Beggar, then Ram, Excellent, Iguana, Excellent;

Then Body, Mocking, Lady, Excellent, then with Rādha, Virtuous, Excellent - ten.

4.

The Chapter on the Cuckoo

331.

The Kokila Birth Story (4-4-1)

121.

He who indeed, when the time has not arrived, speaks for too long a time;

Thus he lies slain, like the offspring of a cuckoo.

122.

For neither a well-sharpened knife, nor poison like deadly venom,

Fells one so quickly, as does speech that is badly spoken.

123.

Therefore at the proper time or improper time, a wise person should guard speech;

One should not speak excessively, even with one equal to oneself.

124.

And whoever speaks measuredly at the proper time, with wisdom foremost, discerning;

He seizes all enemies, like a supaṇṇa does snakes.

The Kokila Birth Story is the first.

332.

The Rathalaṭṭhi Birth Story (4-4-2)

125.

Even having killed, he says "I was struck", having conquered, he says "I was conquered";

O king, surely do not believe one who speaks first.

126.

Therefore one of wise birth should listen to the other also;

Having heard the word of both, one should act according to the principle.

127.

A lazy householder enjoying sensual pleasures is not good, an unrestrained one gone forth is not good;

A king not acting considerately is not good, whoever is a wise one prone to wrath, that is not good.

128.

A warrior should act considerately, a lord of the land not inconsiderately;

For a king who acts considerately, fame and renown increase.

The Rathalaṭṭhi Birth Story is the second.

333.

The Pakkagodha Birth Story (4-4-3)

129.

At that very time you were known to me, O bull among charioteers, in the midst of the forest;

When you, with sword bound on, armoured, wearing bark garments;

From a branch of the holy fig tree, the cooked iguana fled.

130.

One should bow to one who bows, associate with one who associates, one should do the function for one who reciprocates the function;

One should not do good for one who does not wish one's welfare, one should not associate with one who does not associate.

131.

One should abandon the one who abandons, one should not create craving, one should not associate with one whose mind has departed;

A bird, having known a tree to be without fruit, should look for another, for the world is vast.

132.

I will do for you according to my ability, seeing gratitude, O warrior;

And I give you all sovereignty, to whomever you wish, you may give it.

The Pakkagodha Birth Story is the third.

334.

The Rājovāda Birth Story (4-4-4)

133.

When cattle are crossing, if the bull goes crookedly;

All of them go crookedly, when the leader has gone crookedly.

134.

Just so among human beings, whoever is considered the best;

If he practises what is not the Teaching, how much more the other generation;

The whole country sleeps in suffering, if the king is not righteous.

135.

When cattle are crossing, if the bull goes straight;

All the cows go straight, when the leader has gone straight.

136.

Just so among human beings, whoever is considered the best;

If he practises the Teaching, how much more the other generation;

The whole country sleeps in happiness, if the king is righteous.

The Rājovāda Birth Story is the fourth.

335.

The Jambuka Birth Story (4-4-5)

137.

He is lofty with a fully grown body, and long-fanged, O jackal;

You were not born in that family, where they capture elephants.

138.

He who, not being a lion, transforms himself with a lion's pride;

Like a jackal having attacked an elephant, lies on the ground lamenting.

139.

Without considering the attainment of strength and power of the famous one, the highest person, with well-developed body, of great might;

He lies slain by the serpent, this jackal.

140.

Whoever here performs an action after measuring, having recognised strength and power in oneself;

By recitation, by incantation, by well-spoken words, the circumspect one conquers abundantly.

The Jambuka Birth Story is the fifth.

336.

The Brahāchatta Birth Story (4-4-6)

141.

You prattle 'Grass, grass!' Who then brought you grass?

What business have you with grass, that you speak only of grass?

142.

A practitioner of the holy life came here, lofty, Chatta, very learned;

He, having taken all from me, putting down grass, goes away.

143.

This indeed should be done by one desiring much with little;

Taking all of one's own, and not taking the grass.

144.

The virtuous do not do so, the fool does such practices;

One of impermanent morality, immoral, what will wisdom do for him?

The Brahāchatta Birth Story is the sixth.

337.

The Pīṭha Birth Story (4-4-7)

145.

We did not give you a chair, nor a beverage, nor food;

Practitioner of the holy life, forgive me, I see this transgression.

146.

I was indeed not attached, nor was I angry, nor was anything unpleasant to me;

Yet also a thought arose in my mind: "Such surely is the custom of this family."

147.

This is the custom in our family, from father and grandfather always;

A seat, water, foot-ointment, all this we offer.

148.

This is the custom in our family, from father and grandfather always;

We attend attentively, as if to the highest relative.

The Pīṭha Birth Story is the seventh.

338.

The Thusa Birth Story (4-4-8)

149.

Known is the chaff to rats, and known too is the rice-grain;

Having avoided chaff after chaff, they eat the rice-grain.

150.

Whatever consultation in the forest, and whatever whispering in ear in the village;

And whatever this "thus" and "so" is, this too is known by me.

151.

Truly, the father monkey, of a son born by nature;

While still young, cut off the fruit with his teeth.

152.

As to this that you crawl about, like a one-eyed goat in a mustard field;

And whoever this is that lies below, this too is known by me.

The Thusa Birth Story is the eighth.

339.

The Bāveru Birth Story (4-4-9)

153.

By the absence of the peacock, the crested one, the sweet-voiced;

They venerated the crow there, with meat and with fruit.

154.

And when the peacock, endowed with a sweet voice, came to Bāveru;

Then the material gain and honour of the crow diminished.

155.

As long as the Buddha did not arise, the king of righteousness, the light-bringer;

So long they venerated others, many ascetics and brahmins.

156.

And when the Buddha, endowed with a sweet voice, taught the Teaching;

Then the material gain and honour of the sectarians diminished.

The Bāveru Birth Story is the ninth.

340.

The Visayha Birth Story (4-4-10)

157.

You gave gifts before, Visayha, and as you gave, the state of destruction was yours;

If from now on you would not give gifts, your wealth would remain as you restrain yourself.

158.

The ignoble by the noble, Thousand-eyed One, even by one very destitute, they have said should not be done;

May that wealth not be yours, king of gods, on account of which enjoyment we would give up faith.

159.

By which path one chariot goes, by that path another chariot goes;

The ancient established practice, let that practice continue, O Vāsava.

160.

If there will be, we will give; when there is not, what shall we give?

Even being thus, we will give; let us not neglect giving.

The Visayha Birth Story is the tenth.

The Kokila Chapter is the fourth.

Its summary:

Excessive Time, Shines, Victorious One, In the Middle of the Forest, Bull among Charioteers, Crooked Going;

Then Rose-Apple, Grass Seat, Excellent Chair, then Rice, Peacock, Visayha - these are ten.

5.

The Chapter on the Lesser Kuṇāla

341.

The Kaṇḍarī Birth Story (4-5-1)

161.

Towards women who make pleasure for men, of many minds and unrestrained;

Even if one should not cause displeasure everywhere, one should not trust, for women are like fords.

162.

Whom indeed, having seen, all women of the kinnaras in the caves do not delight at home;

Having abandoned such a man, the wife, having seen another man, a cripple.

163.

The wife of the crane and of King Bāvarika, who was devoted to perpetual sensual pleasure;

She transgressed against one subject to her control, what other woman would not commit adultery against such a one?

164.

Piṅgiyānī, the beloved wife of King Brahmadatta, lord of all the world;

She transgressed against one subject to her control, yet even him she, the lustful woman, did not find satisfying.

The Kaṇḍarī Birth Story is the first.

342.

The Vānara Birth Story (4-5-2)

165.

I was indeed able to lift myself from the water to dry land;

Now I will not again come under your control, water-born one.

166.

Enough for me with those mangoes, rose-apples and jackfruits;

Which are across the ocean, better for me is the glamorous fig tree.

167.

"Whoever does not quickly understand the matter that has arisen;

Falls under the control of enemies, and afterwards feels remorse.

168.

Whoever quickly understands the matter that has arisen;

Is freed from the confinement of enemies, and does not feel remorse afterwards."

The Vānara Birth Story is the second.

343.

The Kuntinī Birth Story (4-5-3)

169.

We lived in your house, always honoured and revered;

You yourself have now done this, come, O king, I shall go.

170.

He who indeed, when wrong is done, redresses the wrong-doing;

Thus that enmity is appeased, dwell here, Kuntinī, do not go.

171.

Friendliness is not joined again between the one who was done to and the doer;

My heart does not consent, I shall just go, O bull among charioteers.

172.

Friendliness is joined again between the one who was done to and the doer;

Of the wise, not of the foolish, dwell here, Kuntinī, do not go.

The Kuntinī Birth Story is the third.

344.

The Amba Birth Story (4-5-4)

173.

Whoever adorns with indigo dye, is vexed with tweezers;

May she come under his control, she who stole your mangoes.

174.

Twenty or twenty-five, or less than thirty by birth;

May she not obtain a husband, she who stole your mangoes.

175.

May she go a long journey, alone, a courtesan;

May she not see her husband at the rendezvous, she who stole your mangoes.

176.

Adorned, well-dressed, garlanded, full of sandalwood;

Alone on the bed may she lie, she who stole your mangoes."

The Amba Birth Story is the fourth.

345.

The Gajakumbha Birth Story (4-5-5)

177.

When fire burns a forest, the fire, the black-pathed one;

How do you act, swaying one, thus slow in exertion?

178.

Many are the tree hollows, and openings in the earth;

If we do not reach them, there comes for us the end of time.

179.

He who hurries when he should delay, and delays when he should hurry;

Like treading upon a dry leaf, he destroys his own welfare.

180.

He who delays when he should delay, and hurries when he should hurry;

Like the moon dividing the night, his purpose is fulfilled.

The Gajakumbha Birth Story is the fifth.

346.

The Kesava Birth Story (4-5-6)

181.

Having abandoned the lord of men, endowed with all sensual pleasures;

How indeed does the Blessed One Kesī delight in Kappa's hermitage?

182.

Sweet and delightful, there are charming trees;

The well-spoken words of Kappa, Nārada, delight me.

183.

He eats rice of fine grain, pure, with meat sauce;

How does millet and wild rice, unsalted, satisfy him?

184.

Whether sweet or unsavoury, whether little or much;

Where one might eat with trust, trust is the highest flavour.

The Kesava Birth Story is the sixth.

347.

The Ayakūṭa Birth Story (4-5-7)

185.

Having raised up an all-iron hammer of immeasurable size, you who stand in the sky;

Are you appointed today for my protection, or do you intend my murder?

186.

I am a messenger of the king of demons here, I have been sent for your murder;

But Inda, the king of gods, protects you, therefore I do not split your head.

187.

And if the king of gods protects me, Inda of the gods, Maghavā, husband of Sujā;

Let all the goblins cry out as they wish, I would not fear the demon generation.

188.

Let the kumbhaṇḍas cry out, all the dust-goblins;

The goblins are not fit for battle, that is a great terror."

The Ayakūṭa Birth Story is the seventh.

348.

The Arañña Birth Story (4-5-8)

189.

Having come from the forest to the village, what morality, what practice should I,

Dear father, follow in a person? Tell me this when asked.

190.

Whoever would trust you, dear son, and would accept your trust;

And is willing to listen and patient, associate with him, gone from here.

191.

One who has no wrong-doing by body, by speech, by mind;

As if established upon the breast, associate with him, gone from here.

192.

A person with turmeric-like passion, with a monkey's mind, lustful and passionless;

Such a one, dear son, do not associate with, even if there were no other human being.

The Arañña Birth Story is the eighth.

349.

The Sandhibheda Birth Story (4-5-9)

193.

Indeed not in women is there similarity, nor in food, charioteer;

Then of this breaker of alliances, see how well thought out.

194.

Like a sharp sword in meat, divisive speech turns about;

Where the lowest of beasts devour both the bull and the lion.

195.

He sleeps this sleep, which you see, charioteer;

Whoever heeds the speech of a breaker of alliances, of a slanderer.

196.

Those people prosper in happiness, like men who have gone to heaven;

Who do not heed the speech of a breaker of alliances, O charioteer.

The Sandhibheda Birth Story is the ninth.

350.

The Devatāpañha Birth Story (4-5-10)

197.

He strikes with hands and feet, and wipes the mouth;

He indeed is dear to the king, what do you see by that?

198.

He reviles as he wishes, and desires his coming;

He indeed is dear to the king, what do you see by that?

199.

He slanders with what is untrue, he would accuse with falsehood;

He indeed is dear to the king, what do you see by that?

200.

Carrying food and drink, cloth and lodgings;

Being peaceful ones who carry away for other purposes, they indeed are dear to the king;

What do you see by that?

The Devatāpañha Birth Story is the tenth.

The Cūḷakuṇāla Chapter is the fifth.

Its summary:

Of Men, Unable, Dwelling, Lion, Excellent, Indigo, Sought, Excellent, and again;

Again Flavour, Iron, Peak, Excellent, likewise Forest, Charioteer, Kills - these are ten.

Then the chapter summary:

Kāliṅga and Pucimanda, Hut-defiler, Cuckoo;

That is the Cūḷakuṇāla Chapter, the fifth, well proclaimed.

The Book of Fours is concluded.

5.

The Book of the Fives

1.

The Chapter on the Jewelled Earring

351.

The Maṇikuṇḍala Birth Story (5-1-1)

1.

Having lost chariot and horses and jewelled earrings, and sons and wife likewise having lost;

In all possessions without remainder, why do you not grieve in time of sorrow?

2.

Wealth abandons a mortal first, or the mortal gives them up even earlier;

Non-eternal are the wealthy, O lover of sensual pleasures, therefore I do not grieve in time of sorrow.

3.

The moon rises, waxes and wanes, the sun, having heated, goes to its setting;

The worldly adversities are known by me, O enemy, therefore I do not grieve in time of sorrow.

4.

A lazy householder enjoying sensual pleasures is not good, an unrestrained one gone forth is not good;

A king not acting considerately is not good, whoever is a wise one prone to wrath, that is not good.

5.

A warrior should act considerately, a lord of the land not inconsiderately;

For a king who acts considerately, fame and renown increase.

The Maṇikuṇḍala Birth Story is the first.

352.

The Sujāta Birth Story (5-1-2)

6.

"Why, as if in a hurry, having mowed green grass,

Do you prattle 'Eat, eat!' to an old bull whose life has departed?

7.

"For indeed not by food or drink, will a dead bull rise up;

And you talk hollow nonsense, just as a fool would."

8.

The head remains just so, and hands and feet and tail;

The ears remain just so, methinks the bull should rise up.

9.

The grandfather's head, and hands and feet are not seen;

Crying at a clay stupa, are you not yourself the fool?

10.

"Indeed, as I was blazing, like a fire sprinkled with ghee;

Pouring down as if with water, he extinguished all my anguish.

11.

"He has indeed drawn out my dart, which was lodged in my heart;

He who, for me overcome with sorrow, dispelled my sorrow for my father.

12.

I have had the dart pulled out, free from sorrow, undisturbed;

I do not grieve, I do not weep, having heard you, young man.

13.

Thus do the wise act, those who are compassionate;

They turn one away from sorrow, as Sujāta did his father.

The Sujāta Birth Story is the second.

353.

The Venasākha Birth Story (5-1-3)

14.

This is not to be permanent, Brahmadatta, security, plenty of food, and pleasantness in the body;

When benefit has passed, do not be bewildered, like one with a broken raft in the middle of the ocean.

15.

Whatever a person does, that he sees in himself;

The doer of good reaps good, the doer of evil reaps evil;

Whatever kind of seed one sows, that kind of fruit one reaps.

16.

This is that teacher's word, which Pārāsariya spoke;

Do not do evil, which done, afterwards torments you.

17.

This is indeed that Piṅgiya tree with spreading branches, under which I had a thousand warriors killed;

Adorned, anointed with the essence of sandalwood, that very suffering has returned to me.

18.

And she, dark-skinned, with body anointed with sandalwood, risen like a young shoot of the drumstick tree;

Without seeing Ubbarī, I shall die, that will be more painful for me than this.

The Venasākha Birth Story is the third.

354.

The Uraga Birth Story (5-1-4)

19.

Just as a snake goes, leaving behind its worn-out skin;

So too when the body is useless, when the departed one has died.

20.

The one burning does not know the lamentation of relatives;

Therefore I do not grieve for this, he has gone to whatever destination is his.

21.

Uninvited he came from there, not permitted he went from here;

As he came, so he went, what lamentation is there for that?

22.

The one burning does not know the lamentation of relatives;

Therefore I do not grieve for this, he has gone to whatever destination is his.

23.

"If I were to weep, I would become emaciated, what fruit would there be for me in that;

For relatives, friends and companions, there would only be more discontent.

24.

The one burning does not know the lamentation of relatives;

Therefore I do not grieve for this, he has gone to whatever destination is his.

25.

"Just as a child cries for the moon as it goes;

Such is this, whoever bewails the departed.

26.

The one burning does not know the lamentation of relatives;

Therefore I do not grieve for this, he has gone to whatever destination is his.

27.

Just as a water-pot, broken, cannot be joined together again;

Such is this, whoever bewails the departed.

28.

The one burning does not know the lamentation of relatives;

Therefore I do not grieve for this, he has gone to whatever destination is his.

The Snake Birth Story is the fourth.

355.

The Ghaṭa Birth Story (5-1-5)

29.

Others grieve and weep, others are people with tearful faces;

Your facial complexion is serene, why do you not grieve, Ghaṭa?

30.

Sorrow does not bring back the past, nor does it bring happiness in the future;

Therefore, crow, I do not grieve, there is no companionship in sorrow.

31.

Grieving, one becomes pale and lean, and food is not pleasing to him;

Enemies become glad, for one pierced by a dart, being transformed.

32.

Whether in a village or in the wilderness, in a low place or on high ground;

Misfortune will not come to me standing there, thus I have seen the state.

33.

For one whose self alone is not sufficient, a bringer of all sensual pleasures;

Even the whole earth will not bring happiness to him.

The Ghaṭa Birth Story is the fifth.

356.

The Koraṇḍiya Birth Story (5-1-6)

34.

Alone in the forest, in a mountain grotto, having raised up again and again, you offer a stone;

Again and again, appearing to be in a hurry, Koraṇḍiya, what now is your purpose here?

35.

For I shall make this ocean-bounded earth level, just like the palm of a hand;

Having scattered the plateaus and the mountains, therefore I throw a stone into the cavern.

36.

This earth does not deserve to be made level like the palm of a hand, one human being alone is not able to do it;

I think, desiring to fill just this one cavern, Koraṇḍiya, you will leave the world of the living.

37.

If I alone, one human being, am not able to make the earth level;

Just so you, Brahmā, these human beings of different views, you will not lead them.

38.

In brief form, venerable sir, you declared this meaning to me, Koraṇḍiya, thus;

Just as the earth cannot be made level by a human being, so are human beings.

The Koraṇḍiya Birth Story is the sixth.

357.

The Laṭukikā Birth Story (5-1-7)

39.

I pay homage to you, elephant sixty years old, forest dweller, leader of the herd, famous;

With my wings I make a salutation to you, do not kill my little children, the weak one.

40.

I pay homage to you, elephant, solitary wanderer, forest dweller, roaming the mountain plateaus;

With my wings I make a salutation to you, do not kill my little children, the weak one;

41.

I will destroy your little ones, quail, what will you do to me, you are weak;

Even a hundred thousand such as you, I could crush with my left foot.

42.

Not indeed everywhere is the task accomplished by power, for power leads to the murder of the fool;

I will cause you harm, O king of serpents, you who killed my little children, the weak one.

43.

See the crow and the quail, the frog and the blue fly;

These killed the elephant, see the enemy of an enemy;

Therefore one should not make enmity, even with anyone disagreeable.

The Laṭukikā Birth Story is the seventh.

358.

The Lesser Dhammapāla Birth Story (5-1-8)

44.

I myself am the offender, the destroyer of prosperity, of the king of great majesty;

Release this Dhammapāla, cut off my hands, O king.

45.

I myself am the offender, the destroyer of prosperity, of the king of great majesty;

Release this Dhammapāla, cut off my feet, O king.

46.

I myself am the offender, the destroyer of prosperity, of the king of great majesty;

Release this Dhammapāla, cut off my head, O king.

47.

Surely this king does not have friends, colleagues and good-hearted companions;

Who do not say to the king, "Do not slay your own son."

48.

Surely this king does not have relatives, friends and good-hearted companions;

Who do not say to the king, "Do not slay your own son."

49.

The arms anointed with the essence of sandalwood are being cut off from Dhammapāla;

The heir of the earth, my life is being obstructed, O king.

The Lesser Dhammapāla Birth Story is the eighth.

359.

The Golden Deer Birth Story (5-1-9)

50.

Stride forth, you, golden-footed one, stride forth, you, great deer;

Cut the leather strap snare, I shall not delight alone in the forest.

51.

I exert myself but cannot get free, I strike the ground with force;

The strong leather snare cuts through my foot.

52.

Spread out the leaves, draw out the sword, O hunter;

Having killed me first, afterwards slay the great deer.

53.

Neither heard nor seen by me, a doe speaking in human speech;

May you, dear lady, be happy, and also this great deer.

54.

Thus, O hunter, may you rejoice, together with all your relatives;

Just as I rejoice today, having seen the great deer released.

The Golden Deer Birth Story is the ninth.

360.

The Suyonandī Birth Story (5-1-10)

55.

The odour of the timira trees blows forth, and the small sea is resounding;

Far from here is Suyonandī, desires for Tamba pierce me.

56.

How did you cross the ocean, how did you see Seduma;

How did the meeting in heaven of her and you come about.

57.

Of merchants seeking wealth, who had set out from Kurukaccha;

The boat was broken by sea-monsters, I floated on a plank.

58.

She, always fragrant with sandalwood, with smooth and soft

Limbs lifted me up, the gracious one, as a mother her own son.

59.

She with food and drink, with cloth and with bedding;

And with herself too, the soft-eyed one - thus, O Tamba, understand.

The Suyonandī Birth Story is the tenth.

The Jewelled Earring Chapter is the first.

Its summary:

Then the supreme conqueror, green, grass, then broken raft, like a snake, pot;

Cave, again elephant, destroyer of prosperity, deer, highest, heaven, excellent - with these, ten.

2.

The Chapter on Beauty and Form

361.

The Vaṇṇāroha Birth Story (5-2-1)

60.

By beauty and stature, by birth, and by exertion of strength;

Subāhu is not better than me, Sudāṭha, thus you speak.

61.

By beauty and stature, by birth, and by exertion of strength;

Sudāṭha is not better than me, Subāhu, thus you speak.

62.

If you are treacherous to me dwelling thus, Subāhu, my dear;

I will now not delight in living together with you.

63.

Whoever would believe the words of others as true;

Would quickly break with a friend, and would generate much enmity.

64.

He is not a friend who is always heedful, suspecting breach, observing only faults;

But one in whom one sleeps as a son upon the breast, he indeed is a friend who cannot be divided by others.

The Vaṇṇāroha Birth Story is the first.

362.

The Sīlavīmaṃsa Birth Story (5-2-2)

65.

Is morality better or is learning better, thus I had doubt;

Morality is better than learning, thus there is no doubt for me.

66.

Birth and beauty are vain, morality indeed is said to be the highest;

For one not endowed with morality, no benefit from learning is found.

67.

A warrior established in what is not the Teaching, and a merchant dependent on what is not the Teaching;

They, having abandoned both worlds, are reborn in an unfortunate realm.

68.

Warriors, brahmins, merchants, workers, outcasts and refuse-removers;

Having practised the Teaching here, they become equal in the celestial abode.

69.

Not the Vedas for the future state, not birth nor relatives;

But one's own morality, pure, is for the future state and for happiness.

The Testing of Morality Birth Story is the second.

363.

The Shame Birth Story (5-2-3)

70.

One who transgresses shame, who is disgusted by it, who says "I am yours";

One who does not undertake better actions, one should know him thus: "He is not mine."

71.

"What one would do, that one should say; what one would not do, that one should not say;

One not doing but speaking - the wise fully understand him.

72.

He is not a friend who is always heedful, suspecting breach, observing only faults;

But one in whom one sleeps as a son upon the breast, he indeed is a friend who cannot be divided by others.

73.

The state that produces gladness, bringing praise and happiness;

One expecting the fruit develops it, bearing the manly burden.

74.

Having drunk the flavour of solitude, and the flavour of peace;

One becomes free from anguish, sinless, drinking the flavour of joy in the Dhamma.

The Shame Birth Story is the third.

364.

The Firefly Birth Story (5-2-4)

75.

Who now, when a lamp exists, wandering in search of fire;

Saw a firefly at night, and thought it to be fire.

76.

He had cow-dung powder and grass for churning;

With wrong perception, he was not able to kindle a fire.

77.

Thus too, by wrong means, the deer does not obtain benefit;

Milking a cow from the horn, where one does not find milk.

78.

By various means, young men attain their benefit;

By refutation of enemies, and by support of friends.

79.

By obtaining the fruit of freedom through the army, and by the method of favourites;

The protectors of the world dwell on the earth, the ground.

The Firefly Birth Story is the fourth.

365.

The Snake-Catcher Birth Story (5-2-5)

80.

I am a cheat, my dear Sumukha, defeated by dice in gambling;

Bring ripe mangoes, let us eat your energy.

81.

"Falsely indeed, my dear, you praise me with what is untrue;

Where have you heard or seen a monkey named Sumukha?

82.

Even today that is in my mind, that you, snake-catcher,

Having entered the grain market, intoxicated, struck me who was hungry.

83.

Remembering that uncomfortable sleep, even if you would make me king;

Indeed I, when asked, would not give, for thus I am frightened by fear.

84.

And whoever one knows to be born in a good family, satisfied in the womb, not stingy;

With such a one, the wise one is worthy to unite in companionship and friendship.

The Snake-Catcher Birth Story is the fifth.

366.

The Gumbiya Birth Story (5-2-6)

85.

Honey-coloured, honey-flavoured, honey-scented was the poison;

Gumbiya, seeking food, placed the poison in the forest.

86.

Thinking it was honey, those who ate that poison;

For them it was bitter, by that they met with death.

87.

But those who, having reflected, avoided that poison;

They are happy among the afflicted, quenched while others are burning.

88.

Just so among human beings, sensual pleasures are poison placed;

This is bait and bondage, the guise of death dwelling in the cave.

89.

Just so these sensual pleasures, the afflicted ones who attend to them;

Those who always avoid them, have overcome attachment in the world.

The Gumbiya Birth Story is the sixth.

367.

The Sāḷiya Birth Story (5-2-7)

90.

This one, O Sāḷiya, thinking "a young one", seized a black snake;

By that snake this one was bitten, the evil adviser was slain.

91.

Whatever man wishes to kill a great robber who is a robber;

Thus he lies slain, just as this man is slain.

92.

Whatever man wishes to kill one who is not killing, one who is not robbing;

Thus he lies slain, just as this man is slain.

93.

Just as a person would throw a handful of dust against the wind;

That very dust strikes him, thus this person is destroyed.

94.

Whoever wrongs a man who is innocent, a pure person without blemish;

The evil returns to that very fool, like subtle dust thrown against the wind.

The Sāḷiya Birth Story is the seventh.

368.

The Tacasāra Birth Story (5-2-8)

95.

Fallen into the hands of enemies, bound with bamboo strips;

Yet with serene features, why do you not grieve?

96.

Not by grieving, not by lamenting, is any benefit obtained, even a little;

Knowing him grieving and suffering, his enemies become pleased.

97.

But when a wise one in misfortunes, does not tremble, one who knows the judgment of benefit;

His enemies become unhappy, seeing his face unchanged, as before.

98.

By recitation, by incantation, by well-spoken words, by giving, or by tradition;

In whatever way, wherever one might obtain benefit, in that way, there one should strive.

99.

But when one should know that this benefit is unobtainable by me or by another;

Not grieving, one should endure, "Action is firm, what can I do now?"

The Tacasāra Birth Story is the eighth.

369.

The Mittavindaka Birth Story (5-2-9)

100.

What did I do to the gods, what evil was done by me;

That having descended upon my head, a wheel revolves on my skull.

101.

Having passed beyond the crystal, and the ever-intoxicating treacherous one;

And the Brahma's higher mansion, for what purpose have you come here?

102.

"More wealth than here, methinks there will be there;

Thus with this perception, see me gone to disaster.

103.

With four he attained eight, and with eight also sixteen;

And with sixteen thirty-two, through excessive greed he encountered the wheel;

For the man destroyed by desire, the wheel revolves upon his head.

104.

Spreading ever wider, hard to fill, desire goes in all directions;

Those who covet it, they become bearers of the wheel.

The Mittavindaka Birth Story is the ninth.

370.

The Palāsa Birth Story (5-2-10)

105.

The swan said to the palāsa tree: "My dear, a banyan tree is born;

Seated just in your lap, he will cut your vital spots."

106.

"Let the banyan tree grow, I will be its support;

Just as a father and mother, so will he be to me."

107.

That which you rear in your lap, the milk-tree, terrifying;

Having informed you, we go, its growth does not please me.

108.

Now indeed it frightens me, the example of great Neru;

Not having understood the swan, great fear has come to me.

109.

His growth is not praised by the wise, who while growing consumes his support;

Considering the obstruction of that, the wise one strives for the destruction of the root.

The Palāsa Birth Story is the tenth.

The Vaṇṇāroha Chapter is the second.

3.

The Chapter on the Path

371.

The Dīghīti-Kosala Birth Story (5-3-1)

110.

For you, O king, being in such a state, having come under my control;

Is there indeed any method, which might release you from suffering?

111.

For me being in such a state, dear father, having come under your control;

There is indeed no method, which might release me from suffering.

112.

No other good conduct, O king, no other well-spoken word, O king;

Protects at the time of death, just so other wealth is useless.

113.

"He reviled me, he struck me, he defeated me, he robbed me";

For those who harbour such thoughts, enmity is not appeased.

114.

"He reviled me, he struck me, he defeated me, he robbed me";

For those who do not harbour such thoughts, enmity is appeased.

115.

For never indeed are enmities appeased by enmity here;

By non-enmity they are appeased; this is an eternal principle.

The Dīghīti-Kosala Birth Story is the first.

372.

The Young Deer Birth Story (5-3-2)

116.

For you who have gone forth from home, who are homeless, who are mindful;

It is not good for an ascetic that you grieve for the departed.

117.

By living together indeed, Sakka, with a human being or a deer;

Love arises in the heart, it is not possible not to grieve for that.

118.

They weep for the dead and for those who will die, those who weep and lament;

Therefore, sage, do not weep, the good have said that weeping is useless.

119.

If indeed by weeping, O Brahmā, a dead ghost would rise up;

Let us all come together and weep, for each other's relatives.

120.

"Indeed, as I was blazing, like a fire sprinkled with ghee;

Pouring down as if with water, he extinguished all my anguish.

121.

"He has indeed drawn out my dart, which was lodged in my heart;

He who, for me overcome with sorrow, dispelled my sorrow for my son.

122.

I have had the dart pulled out, free from sorrow, undisturbed;

I do not grieve, I do not weep, having heard you, Vāsava.

The Young Deer Birth Story is the second.

373.

The Mouse Birth Story (5-3-3)

123.

"Where has she gone, where has she gone?" thus the people lament;

I alone know, the mouse was destroyed in the well.

124.

And whatever this "thus" and "so" is, you turn back like a donkey;

Having killed the mouse in the well, you wish to eat the barley.

125.

"You are young and imprudent, a boy in the first bloom of youth;

Having seized this long stick, I will not give you your life."

126.

Not by a dwelling in the sky, nor by the affection of a son like myself;

For I was wished to be killed by my son, I was released by verses.

127.

One should study all learning, low, superior and middle;

One should know the meaning of all, but should not apply all;

There is such a time, where learning brings benefit.

The Mouse Birth Story is the third.

374.

The Lesser Archer Birth Story (5-3-4)

128.

Having taken all the goods, you have crossed to the far shore, brahmin;

Come back quickly, swiftly, help me too cross over now.

129.

The lady exchanged me, unacquainted, for one long acquainted, the unstable for the stable;

The lady might also exchange for another, I will go farther away from here.

130.

"What is this one in the eḷagalā shrub, making loud laughter?

There is no dancing or singing here, nor well-composed music;

At a time not for laughing, beautiful-waisted one, why do you laugh, lovely one?"

131.

O jackal, you are ignorant, imprudent, and of little wisdom;

Having lost the fish and the piece of flesh, you brood like a miserable wretch.

132.

Easy to see is the fault of others, but one's own is difficult to see;

Having lost both husband and lover, methinks you yourself are brooding.

133.

"So it is, king of beasts, as you speak, O jackal;

Surely I, having gone from here, shall be obedient to my husband."

134.

Whoever would steal a clay plate, he would steal a bronze plate too;

Evil has indeed been done by you, and you will do so again.

The Lesser Archer Birth Story is the fourth.

375.

The Pigeon Birth Story (5-3-5)

135.

Now indeed I am happy, healthy, free from thorns, the dove has come out;

I will now make satisfaction of heart, for thus the meat and vegetables give me strength.

136.

"What is this crested crane, a thief, granddaughter of the cloud-jumper?

Come down here, crane, my friend the crow is fierce."

137.

Indeed it is enough for you to laugh, having seen me in such a state;

With hair torn off by the cook's son, smeared with the best of flour.

138.

Well-bathed, well-anointed, satisfied with food and drink;

And a lapis lazuli at your neck, did you go to Kajaṅgala?

139.

Let not your friend or enemy go to Kajaṅgala;

Having plucked feathers there, they bind a collar around the neck.

140.

You will commit offence again, my dear, for your character is such;

For human wealth is not easily enjoyed by birds.

The Pigeon Birth Story is the fifth.

The Half Chapter is the third.

Its summary:

Then Beauty, with Morality, Shame, Obtains, Lovely-Faced, Poison, Rice, Best Friend;

Then Wheel, Palāsa, with King, Mindful, Barley, Ignorant, Pigeon - fifteen.

Then the chapter summary:

Worn-Out and Beauty, Unequal-Chapter above, well expounded are the Jātakas, there are twenty;

The great sage spoke verses on the holy life, freed, full of meaning and well-phrased.

The Book of Fives is concluded.

6.

The Book of the Sixes

1.

The Chapter on Avāriya

376.

The Avāriya Birth Story (6-1-1)

1.

Do not be angry, lord of the earth, do not be angry, O bull among charioteers;

Not becoming angry in return at one who is angry, a king is venerated by the country.

2.

Whether in a village or in the wilderness, in a low place or on high ground;

Everywhere I instruct you, do not be angry, O bull among charioteers.

3.

There was a boatman on the Ganges named Avāriya's father;

Having first ferried people across, afterwards he requests wages;

Therefore he has quarrels, and he does not grow in wealth.

4.

Request payment from one who has not yet crossed, from one on the near shore, dear son, ferryman;

For the mind of one who has crossed is different, different is that of one seeking the far shore.

5.

Whether in a village or in the wilderness, in a low place or on high ground;

Everywhere I instruct you, do not be angry, O ferryman.

6.

By that very instruction, the king gave an excellent village;

By that very instruction, the boatman struck his face.

7.

The food was destroyed, the wife was killed, and the embryo fell to the ground;

Like a deer with gold, he did not bind his welfare with that.

The Avāriya Birth Story is the first.

377.

The Setaketu Birth Story (6-1-2)

8.

Do not be angry, dear son, for anger is not good, and much is unseen and unheard by you;

Mother and father are a direction, Setaketu, the teacher they have said is a praised direction.

9.

Householders who give food, drink, and clothing, who invite - they call that too a direction;

This is the supreme direction, Setaketu, having reached which the afflicted become happy.

10.

With rough hides, matted-hair ascetics with stained teeth, of contemptible appearance, these who mutter charms;

Are they perhaps, in human endeavours, knowing this, released from the realms of misery?

11.

Having done evil actions, O king, if one very learned would not practise the Teaching;

Even one knowing a thousand Vedas, dependent on that, would not be released from suffering, not having attained good conduct.

12.

Even one knowing a thousand Vedas, dependent on that, would not be released from suffering, not having attained good conduct;

I consider the Vedas are fruitless, good conduct with self-control alone is the truth.

13.

The Vedas are indeed not fruitless, good conduct with self-control alone is the truth;

For one attains fame having learnt the Vedas, one tamed by conduct reaches peace.

The Setaketu Birth Story is the second.

378.

The Darīmukha Birth Story (6-1-3)

14.

Sensual pleasures are mire and sensual pleasures are marsh, and this fear has been declared as three-rooted;

Dust and smoke have been proclaimed by me, having abandoned them, go forth, Brahmadatta.

15.

Bound and lustful and infatuated, in sensual pleasures I am, brahmin, of fearsome form;

That I am not able to abandon, being intent on livelihood, I will make merit not trifling.

16.

Whoever, when being admonished by one who wishes his welfare, who is compassionate for his good, does not follow the instruction;

Thinking "this alone is better," the fool enters the womb again and again.

17.

He goes to hell of terrible form, beautiful to the ugly, full of urine and excrement;

Beings greedy for their own body do not give it up, those who are not free from lust for sensual pleasures.

18.

Smeared with dung, soiled with blood, smeared with phlegm, they emerge;

For whatever they touch with the body at that moment, all is unpleasant, nothing but suffering alone.

19.

Having seen I speak, not indeed from hearing from another, I remember many past lives;

With variegated verses, well-spoken, Darīmukha convinced Sumedha.

The Darīmukha Birth Story is the third.

379.

The Neru Birth Story (6-1-4)

20.

Ravens and flocks of crows, and we, the excellent among birds;

All of us become alike, having come to this mountain.

21.

Here lions and tigers, jackals and the lowest of beasts;

All become alike, what is the name of this mountain?

22.

Humans know this as Neru, the highest mountain;

Here, endowed with beauty, all living beings dwell.

23.

Where there would be disrespect, or contempt for the virtuous;

Or even honouring of the inferior, one should not dwell in such a dwelling.

24.

Where the lazy and the skilled, the hero and the coward are venerated;

There the good do not dwell, among men who make no distinction.

25.

"This Neru does not distinguish between the low, the superior and the middle;

Neru makes no distinction, come, let us abandon Neru."

The Neru Birth Story, the fourth.

380.

The Āsaṅka Birth Story (6-1-5)

26.

"There is a creeper named Āsāvatī, born in the Cittalatā grove;

After a thousand years, one fruit arises from it.

27.

The gods attend upon it, when mindfulness bears fruit after so long;

Just keep hoping, O king, hope that bears fruit is pleasant.

28.

That bird kept hoping, that twice-born one kept hoping;

And his hope succeeded, though mindfulness had gone so far away;

Just keep hoping, O king, hope that bears fruit is pleasant.

29.

You pleased me indeed by speech, but you did not please me by action;

Like garlands of the sereyyaka flower, beautiful but without fragrance.

30.

Whoever makes fruitless sweet speech to friends;

Not giving, not releasing wealth, his connection with them decays.

31.

"What one would do, that one should say; what one would not do, that one should not say;

One not doing but speaking - the wise fully understand him.

32.

"Indeed my power has been eliminated, and provisions are not found;

I fear for the obstruction of life, come now, I shall go."

33.

"This indeed is my name, by which I am named, O bull among charioteers;

Wait, great king, let me take leave of my father."

The Āsaṅka Birth Story, the fifth.

381.

The Migālopa Birth Story (6-1-6)

34.

It does not please me, Migālopa, that such is your destination;

Too high, dear son, you fly, unsuitable ground, dear son, you frequent.

35.

When the earth appears to you like a rectangular field;

Then, dear son, turn back, do not go further from here.

36.

There are also other birds, winged creatures travelling by wing;

Thrown by the force of the wind, they perished, though equal to eternity.

37.

Not having heeded the instruction of Apananda, his aged father;

Having transgressed the proper time for wind, he came under the control of the high winds.

38.

His sons and wife, and whatever other dependents;

All met with disaster, because of the twice-born who did not heed exhortation.

39.

Thus too here, whoever does not understand the words of the elders;

One who goes beyond the boundary, bloated, like the vulture who transgressed the instruction;

All meet with disaster, not having heeded the Buddha's teaching.

The Migālopa Birth Story, the sixth.

382.

The Sirikāḷakaṇṇi Birth Story (6-1-7)

40.

Who are you with dark colour, and also not lovely to behold?

Who are you, or whose daughter are you? How may we know you?

41.

I am the daughter of the Great King, the fierce one of Virūpakkha;

I am Kāḷī, the unlucky one, they know me as Kāḷakaṇṇī;

Being asked, give permission, let us dwell near you.

42.

In a man of what morality, of what conduct, do you settle?

When asked by me, Kāḷī, tell me, how may we know you?

43.

One who depreciates another's worth, spiteful, contentious, envious, stingy, fraudulent;

That person is pleasant to me, for whom what is obtained perishes.

44.

Prone to wrath and bearing grudges, divisive and causing disunion;

Harsh-spoken with thorny speech, he is more dear to me than that.

45.

"Today, tomorrow," says the person, he does not understand his own welfare;

When being admonished he becomes angry, he despises his betters.

46.

A person enticed by sport, falls from all friends;

That person is pleasant to me, in him I am free from illness.

47.

Go away from here, you wretch, this is not found among us;

Go to another country, to market towns and royal cities.

48.

I too know that, this is not found in you;

There are unlucky ones in the world, they collect much wealth;

I and my brother the god, we both shall scatter it.

49.

Who are you with divine beauty, well established on the earth?

Who are you, or whose daughter are you? How may we know you?

50.

I am the daughter of the Great King, the glorious Dhataraṭṭha;

I am Sirī and Lakkhī, they know me as one of extensive wisdom;

Being asked, give permission, let us dwell near you.

51.

In a man of what morality, of what conduct, do you settle?

When asked by me, Lakkhī, tell me, how may we know you?

52.

And whoever in cold or else in heat, in wind and sun, amid gadflies and serpents;

Having overcome all hunger and thirst, whoever is constantly engaged day and night;

And does not neglect the benefit when the time has come, he is agreeable to me, and I would dwell with him.

53.

Without wrath, having friends, and generous, endowed with morality, honest and upright;

One who treats kindly, kindly in speech, of smooth speech, even having attained greatness, humble in conduct;

In that person I become extensive, just as the beauty of a wave of the ocean.

54.

And whoever towards friends or else towards enemies, towards superiors, equals, or also inferiors;

Whether working for benefit or for harm, openly or in secret, practises only kindness.

One who would never utter harsh speech, I am devoted to him whether dead or living.

55.

Whoever, having obtained one of these, becomes intoxicated with lovely fortune, lacking wisdom;

Him, blazing in appearance, behaving unrighteously, I avoid like a place of dung.

56.

By oneself one makes good fortune, by oneself one makes misfortune;

For neither good fortune nor misfortune is another the doer for another.

The Sirikāḷakaṇṇi Birth Story, the seventh.

383.

The Cock Birth Story (6-1-8)

57.

O bird with well-variegated feathered covering, with copper-coloured crest;

Come down from the tree branch, I shall become your wife for nothing.

58.

You are a quadruped, beautiful one, I am a biped, delightful one;

A hind and a bird are unsuited, seek another husband.

59.

I shall be your maiden, charming, speaking pleasantly;

Obtain me with noble inspiration, announce me if you wish.

60.

Corpse-eater, blood-drinker, thief, hen-beater;

Not with noble inspiration do you desire me as your husband.

61.

Thus too a cunning woman, having seen a wealthy man;

Leads him with smooth words, like a cat does a cock.

62.

"Whoever does not quickly understand the matter that has arisen;

Falls under the control of enemies, and afterwards feels remorse.

63.

Whoever quickly understands the matter that has arisen;

Is freed from the confinement of enemies, like a cock from a cat.

The Cock Birth Story, the eighth.

384.

The Dhammadhaja Birth Story (6-1-9)

64.

Practise the Teaching, relatives, practise the Teaching, may you be blessed;

One who practises the Teaching sleeps happily, in this world and the next.

65.

"Good indeed is this bird, a twice-born one, supremely righteous;

Standing on one foot, he instructs only on the Dhamma."

66.

You do not cognize his morality, you praise without knowing;

Having eaten egg and young, he speaks: "The Teaching is the Teaching."

67.

He speaks one thing by speech, he does another by body;

By speech but not by body, he is not determined upon that teaching.

68.

Kindly in speech, with a mind difficult to access, concealed like a black snake dwelling in a well;

Having the Teaching as his banner, good in villages and towns, difficult to know by a foolish person.

69.

Strike this one with beaks and wings, and with feet strike this one;

Destroy this wretched one, this one is not worthy of communion.

The Dhammadhaja Birth Story, the ninth.

385.

The Nandiya Deer King Birth Story (6-1-10)

70.

If you go, brahmin, to the Ajjuna forest at Sāketa;

You should tell Nandiya by name, our own son the peacock;

Your mother and father are old, they wish to see you.

71.

Fodder has been eaten by me, the king's drink and food;

To wrongly eat that royal almsfood, I do not dare, brahmin.

72.

I shall expose my flank to the king's razor-tipped arrow;

Then I, happy and freed, might perhaps see my mother.

73.

I was formerly a king of beasts, in the abode of Kosala;

Nandiya by name, a handsome quadruped.

74.

He came to kill me, in the deer park in the Arjuna forest;

Having strung the bow, the Kosalan armed himself with an arrow.

75.

I exposed my flank, seeing the king's razor-tipped arrow;

Then I, happy and freed, have come to see my mother.

The Nandiya Deer King Birth Story, the tenth.

The Avāriya Chapter, the first.

Its summary:

Then Hunchback, Chariot, Bull, Excellent Banner, Cave-mouth, Neru, Creeper, and again;

Apananda, Fortune, and Excellent Painter, then Righteous One, with Nandi-deer - ten.

2.

The Chapter on Kharaputta

386.

The Kharaputta Birth Story (6-2-1)

76.

"Truly indeed thus they said, the wise call the goat a fool;

See, the fool doing a secret deed openly, does not understand.

77.

You too, my dear, are a fool, son of a donkey, understand;

For fenced in by a rope, with crooked lips and lowered face.

78.

Furthermore, my dear, this is your folly, that being released you do not run away;

And he is more foolish, my dear, the hawk whom you carry.

79.

"That by which I am a fool, O goat-king, understand;

Then by what is Senaka a fool? Tell me this when asked."

80.

Having obtained the highest good, whoever reveals it to his wife;

By that he will abandon himself, and she will not be his.

81.

Indeed, such a one as you, lord of men, does not abandon self to pursue dear things, saying "this is dear to me";

Self is better, and the supreme is better, dear things can be obtained later by one whose purpose has been gathered.

The Kharaputta Birth Story, the first.

387.

The Needle Birth Story (6-2-2)

82.

Not rough, not harsh, washed with stone, with a fine eye;

Subtle and with a sharp point, who wishes to buy a needle?

83.

Well-polished and with a good loop, gradually well-turned;

With a compact striking-head, firmly set, who wishes to buy a needle?

84.

From here now pour forth, needles and fish-hooks too;

Who in this smiths' village, wishes to sell a needle?

85.

From here caravans go, activities various and many;

Who in this smiths' village, wishes to sell a needle?

86.

A needle in a smiths' village, should be sold by one who understands;

Only teachers know, work well done or badly done.

87.

If your father, dear lady, should know this needle made by me;

He would invite me through you, and whatever other wealth is in the house.

The Needle Birth Story, the second.

388.

The Tuṇḍila Birth Story (6-2-3)

88.

Now a ninefold offering is given, this trough is full, the good mistress stands by;

Many people with snares in hand, yet it does not occur to me to eat.

89.

You tremble, you wander about, you seek a shelter, you are without protection, where will you go?

Living at ease, eat, Tuṇḍila, for we have been nourished for the sake of meat.

90.

Plunge into the lake free of mud, wash away all sweat and stain;

Take the new cosmetic, whose odour is never cut off.

91.

Which lake is without mud, what is called the stain of sweat;

And what is the new cosmetic, whose odour is never cut off.

92.

The Teaching is a lake without mud, evil is called the stain of sweat;

And morality is a new cosmetic, whose odour is never cut off.

93.

Those who destroy bodies rejoice, but those who bear bodies do not rejoice;

On the full moon day of the full moon, even while delighting, they give up life.

The Tuṇḍila Birth Story, the third.

389.

The Golden Crab Birth Story (6-2-4)

94.

The golden deer with long eyes, with skin and bone, dwelling in water, hairless;

Overpowered by it, I cry miserably, friend, why indeed do you abandon me?

95.

He, breathing out with a great hood, the snake, having reached the middle of the crab;

A friend protecting a friend, the crab seized the snake.

96.

A crab seeking food would not take a crow, nor indeed a black snake;

I ask you, O one with long eyes, then for what reason were both seized?

97.

This person wishes for my welfare, who having seized me leads me to the water;

If he dies, my suffering would be not small, both I and he would not exist.

98.

And having seen me with a grown body, all people would desire only to harm me;

Sweet and fat and soft flesh, even crows having seen me would harass me.

99.

If both were seized for this reason, let the man rise up, I will draw out the poison;

Release me and the crow quickly, before the poison strongly overcomes the mortal.

100.

I will release the snake, not yet the crow, the crow will be a hostage for so long;

And having seen the man happy and healthy, I will release the crow just as the snake.

101.

The crow then was Devadatta, and Māra was the black snake;

Ānandabhadda was the crab, and I then was the brahmin, the Teacher.

The Golden Crab Birth Story, the fourth.

390.

The Mayhaka Birth Story (6-2-5)

102.

A bird named Mayhaka, wandering in mountain slopes and caverns;

Having climbed a ripe long pepper tree, it wails "Mine, mine."

103.

While he was thus lamenting, flocks of birds assembled;

Having eaten the pepper they go, while that bird just laments.

104.

Just so here a certain person, having collected much wealth;

Proceeds not according to due share for himself nor for relatives.

105.

He does not experience clothing or food, nor garlands nor cosmetics;

Not even once anything, he does not treat kindly his relatives.

106.

While he was thus lamenting, guarding "Mine, mine";

Kings or thieves, or heirs who are disagreeable;

Having taken the wealth they go, while that man just laments.

107.

The wise one, having acquired wealth, treats kindly his relatives;

By that he attains fame, after death he rejoices in heaven.

The Mayhaka Birth Story, the fifth.

391.

The Sorcerer Birth Story (6-2-6)

108.

You of noble beauty, having put in front one of ugly form, with joined palms you pay homage;

Is he better than you, or equal, tell me the name of the other and also of yourself.

109.

The gods do not take name and clan, O king, of those who have gone rightly and gone straight;

But I tell you my name, I am Sakka, the lord of the thirty-three.

110.

Whoever, having seen a monk possessed of good conduct, having put him in front, with joined palms pays homage;

I ask you, O king of gods, about this matter, passed away from here, what happiness does he obtain?

111.

Whoever, having seen a monk possessed of good conduct, having put him in front, with joined palms pays homage;

He obtains praise in this very life, and he goes to heaven at the breaking up of the body.

112.

Good fortune indeed has arisen for me today, in that we have seen Vāsava, the lord of beings;

And having seen the monk and you, Sakka, I will make merit not trifling.

113.

Surely indeed those with wisdom should be cultivated, very learned, who are thinkers on many grounds;

And having seen the monk and me, O king, make merit not trifling.

114.

Without wrath, with a mind constantly serene, having become ready to comply with all guests' requests;

Having abandoned conceit, I shall pay respect, having heard your well-spoken words, lord of gods.

The Sorcerer Birth Story, the sixth.

392.

The Siṅgha Flower Birth Story (6-2-7)

115.

"This water-born flower that you sniff at, not given;

This is one factor of theft, you are a scent-thief, sir."

116.

"I do not take, I do not break, from afar I sniff the water-born;

Then for what reason is one called a scent-thief?"

117.

He who digs up lotus roots, who breaks white lotuses;

One of such impure conduct, why is he not so called?

118.

A man of impure cruelty, smeared like a nurse's cloth;

I have no word for him, but him I am fit to address.

119.

For a person without blemish, always seeking what is pure;

Even a hair-tip of evil appears like a cloud.

120.

"Surely you know me, demon, and also you have compassion for me;

Speak again, demon, whenever you see such a thing."

121.

I do not depend on you, nor are we your hired servants;

You yourself, monk, should know by what one goes to a good destination.

The Siṅghapuppha Birth Story, the seventh.

393.

The Leftovers Eater Birth Story (6-2-8)

122.

Very happily indeed they live, those people who are leftovers eaters;

Praiseworthy in this very life, and a fortunate realm in the future state.

123.

Do not listen to the parrot speaking, wise ones;

Hear this, brothers born of the same mother, he praises only us.

124.

I do not praise you, corpse-eaters, listen to me;

You are eaters of leftovers, you are not leftovers eaters.

125.

Gone forth for seven years, peacocks in the pure forest;

Sustaining ourselves only on scraps, if we are blameworthy to you;

Who then would be praiseworthy to you?

126.

You, sustaining yourselves on the leftovers of lions, tigers, and other fierce beasts,

Sustaining yourselves only on scraps, I consider you to be leftovers eaters.

127.

Those who, having given to a brahmin, an ascetic, or any other beggar,

Eat the remainder, those people are eaters of leftovers.

The Leftovers Eater Birth Story, the eighth.

394.

The Quail Birth Story (6-2-9)

128.

You eat superior food, with ghee and oil, maternal uncle;

Then for what reason are you lean, O crow?

129.

For one dwelling amidst enemies, seeking food among them;

For one whose heart is always agitated, whence comes strength to the crow?

130.

Crows are always anxious, crows by evil action;

The almsfood obtained does not satisfy, therefore I am lean, O quail.

131.

You eat coarse grass seeds, with little fat;

Then for what reason are you fat, O quail?

132.

Of few wishes, without worry, and by not going far;

Sustaining myself with whatever is obtained, therefore I am fat, O crow.

133.

For one of few wishes, and one whose happiness is free from worry;

For one whose measure is well-restrained, livelihood is easily obtained.

The Quail Birth Story, the ninth.

395.

The Pigeon Birth Story (6-2-10)

134.

"At long last indeed I see my companion, the jewel-wearer;

With his beard well-trimmed, my friend indeed looks splendid."

135.

With overgrown hair in my armpits and on my nails, I was occupied in duties;

At long last having obtained a barber, I had that hair removed today.

136.

That which hair you had removed, having obtained a rare barber;

Then why indeed, my dear, does it jingle at your neck?

137.

For delicate human beings, a gem hangs on their necks;

I am learning from them, do not think it was done in jest.

138.

If you desire this well-made beard-trimmer;

I will have one made for you, my dear, and I also give you a gem.

139.

You yourself are covered with a jewel, and with a well-made beard;

Having informed you, I go, your sight is dear to me.

The Pigeon Birth Story, the tenth.

The Kharaputta Chapter, the second.

Its summary:

Then See, with Needle, and Tuṇḍila, Deer, Mayhaka as fifth, Bird, Excellent;

Then Pañjali, Water-born, Pure, Again, then Vaṭṭa, with Pigeon Excellent - ten.

Then the chapter summary:

Then I shall praise the chapter, the Book of Sixes, the excellent best;

Avāriyā and Khara, and two are spoken, well-phrased.

The Book of Sixes is concluded.

7.

The Book of the Sevens

1.

The Chapter on the Kukku

396.

The Kukku Birth Story (7-1-1)

1.

The pericap is one and a half cubits in rise, eight spans encircle it;

That siṃsapā tree, made of hardwood, without sapwood, standing where does it not fall from above.

2.

Those thirty rafters made of hardwood, not straight, having surrounded the pinnacle, stand evenly;

Well held together by them, pressed by force, standing evenly, from above it does not fall.

3.

Thus too, a wise one with firm friends, of undivided nature, pure counsellors;

Well supported, he does not fall from glory, like a pericap bearing the weight of the rafters.

4.

Just as one with a knife makes a rough-skinned citron bitter, even without removing the skin;

By removing it, he makes it sweet, O king; but removing only a thin layer would make it unpleasant.

5.

Thus too, a wise one in villages and towns, not violent, gathering the king's wealth;

Acting in conformity with the Dhamma, proceeding thus, he would make prosperity, not harming another.

6.

With white root, born from pure water, just as a lotus arisen in ponds;

Like a lotus opened by the fire-like sun, neither mud nor dust nor water clings to it.

7.

Thus too, one pure in dealings, not violent, of purified action, rid of evil;

Such a one is not stained by defilement of action, just as a lotus arisen in ponds.

The Kukku Birth Story, the first.

397.

The Manoja Birth Story (7-1-2)

8.

Just as the bow bends down, and the bowstring also twangs;

Surely Manoja is being killed, the king of beasts, my friend.

9.

Come now, I depart to the forest depths, as I please;

Such friends are not to be found, a friend can be obtained by me while living.

10.

One who associates with evil people does not thrive in perpetual happiness;

See Manoja sleeping, this is the instruction of the mountain.

11.

A mother does not rejoice in a son who associates with evil;

See Manoja sleeping, submerged in his own blood.

12.

Thus a man commits offence, and undergoes what is worse;

Whoever indeed does not heed the word of those who wish his welfare, who are intent upon his good.

13.

And thus he becomes, and worse than that, the highest one who associates with low people;

See the highest one associated with low people, the lord of beasts, swept away by the force of the excellent arrow.

14.

"A person associating with the inferior declines, and one associating with an equal would never decline;

Approaching the excellent, one rises quickly, therefore one should associate with what is higher than oneself."

The Manoja Birth Story, the second.

398.

The Sutanu Birth Story (7-1-3)

15.

The king has sent you food, pure, with meat sauce;

O deity dwelling in the Maghadeva tree, come out and eat.

16.

Come, young man, on this side, having taken almsfood with curry;

Both you, young man, and the almsfood will become food.

17.

For a small thing, demon, you will give up a great benefit;

People, perceiving death, will not bring you almsfood.

18.

Having obtained, demon, your perpetual almsfood, pure, superior, endowed with flavour;

And a man to bring you almsfood here, will be very difficult to obtain when I am eaten.

19.

"The meaning is mine indeed, dear son, as you speak, young man;

You are approved by me, may you see your mother in safety."

20.

Taking the sword, umbrella, and bowl, go, young man;

May your mother see you safe, and may you see your mother.

21.

Thus, demon, may you be happy, together with all your relatives;

And wealth has been obtained by me, and the king's word has been fulfilled.

The Sutanu Birth Story, the third.

399.

The Mother-Supporting Vulture Birth Story (7-1-4)

22.

What then will they do, the seniors who dwell in mountain caves?

I am bound by a snare, gone under the control of Nilīya.

23.

Why do you lament, vulture, what is your lamentation?

Never have I heard or seen a bird speaking human speech.

24.

I support my mother and father, the seniors who dwell in mountain caves;

What then will they do, if I have come under your control?

25.

That which a vulture looks at carcasses from a hundred yojanas away;

Why do you not understand the net and the snare, even having encountered them?

26.

When ruin comes, a man at the end of life;

Then even having encountered the net and the snare, he does not understand.

27.

Support your mother and father, the seniors who dwell in mountain caves;

You are approved by me, may you see your relatives in safety.

28.

Thus, O hunter, may you rejoice, together with all your relatives;

I shall support my mother and father, the seniors who dwell in mountain caves.

The Mother-Supporting Vulture Birth Story, the fourth.

400.

The Dabbha Flower Birth Story (7-1-5)

29.

"O venerable sir, walking along the shore, run after me, your friend;

A great fish has been caught by me, it carries me away with force."

30.

"O venerable one who moves in the deep, hold firmly with strength;

I will pull you out, like a supaṇṇa does a snake."

31.

A dispute has arisen among us, O Kusa-grass Flower, listen to me;

Settle the quarrel, my dear, let the dispute be appeased.

32.

I was formerly a righteous judge, many cases were decided by me;

I settle the quarrel, my dear, let the dispute be appeased.

33.

The tail for the one who walks along the shore, the head for the one who walks in the deep;

This middle portion will be for the one established in righteousness.

34.

Even for a long time there would have been food, if we had not quarrelled;

Headless and tailless, the jackal carries off the red fish.

35.

Just as a warrior king would rejoice, having obtained the kingdom;

So I rejoice today, having seen my husband with a full face.

36.

How is it that you, being born on land, touched a fish in the water;

Being asked by me, my dear, tell me, how was it obtained by you?

37.

Through contention they become emaciated, through contention there is exhaustion of wealth;

The otters lost through contention, enjoy the red fish, deceitful one.

38.

Just so among human beings, wherever a dispute arises;

They run to the righteous one, for he is their leader;

Wealth is also lost there, and the royal treasury increases.

The Dabbha Flower Birth Story, the fifth.

401.

The Paṇṇaka Birth Story (7-1-6)

39.

A leaf-made sword with sharp edge, an effective blood-drinker;

A person swallows it in the assembly, what is more difficult than that;

Whatever other difficult state there is, tell me this when asked.

40.

A person out of greed might swallow a sword, an effective blood-drinker;

But whoever would say "I give", that is more difficult than that;

Every other state is easy to do, know this thus, O Gentle One.

41.

Āyura explained the question, skilled in the meaning of the Teaching;

Now I ask Pukkusa, what is more difficult than that;

Whatever other difficult state there is, tell me this when asked.

42.

They do not live on speech, a word uttered is fruitless;

But whoever, having given, would scatter it away, that is more difficult than that;

Every other state is easy to do, know this thus, O Gentle One.

43.

Pukkusa explained the question, skilled in the meaning of the Teaching;

Now I ask Senaka, what is more difficult than that;

Whatever other difficult state there is, tell me this when asked.

44.

A person may give a gift, whether little or much;

But whoever, having given, would not feel remorse, that is more difficult than that;

Every other state is easy to do, know this thus, O Gentle One.

45.

Āyura explained the question, and also the man Pukkusa;

He excels in all questions, as Senaka speaks.

The Paṇṇaka Birth Story, the sixth.

402.

The Flour Bag Birth Story (7-1-7)

46.

Your mind is confused, your faculties are agitated, streams of water flow from your eyes;

What have you lost, or what are you desiring, that you came here, Brahmā? Please tell me that.

47.

"My wife would die if I go home today, if I do not go, death," said the demon;

By this suffering I am trembling, tell me, Senaka, this matter.

48.

Having considered many reasons, what I shall say here is the very truth;

I think, brahmin, into your flour bag, a black snake has entered without your knowing.

49.

Having taken a stick, strike the bellows, see the drooling idiot, the forked-tongued snake;

Cut off today the uncertainty and doubts, see the serpent, release the bellows.

50.

In an agitated state in the midst of the assembly, that brahmin released the flour bag;

Then came out a snake of risen radiance, a venomous serpent, having spread its hood.

51.

Well-gained are the gains of King Janaka, who sees Senaka of good wisdom;

Are you one with the covering removed, all-seeing? Is your knowledge, brahmin, of fearsome form?

52.

These seven hundred of mine exist, take them all, I give them to you;

For by you my life was obtained today, and also you made safety for my wife.

53.

The wise do not accept wages, for variegated verses well-spoken;

Let them give you wealth from here too, Brahmin, having taken it, go to your own abode.

The Flour Bag Birth Story, the seventh.

403.

The Aṭṭhisenaka Birth Story (7-1-8)

54.

These paupers whom I do not know, Aṭṭhisena;

They, having met me, request, why do you not request me?

55.

A beggar is disagreeable, one not giving what is requested is disagreeable;

Therefore I do not request from you, may there be no aversion towards me.

56.

He who indeed lives by begging, does not request at the proper time;

And deprives another of merit, and does not live himself.

57.

And he who lives by begging, indeed requests at the proper time;

And enables another to obtain merit, and lives himself too.

58.

Indeed, the wise do not despise, having seen beggars who have come;

Practitioner of the holy life, you are dear to me, speak what you wish to say.

59.

The wise indeed do not request, and the wise one deserves to know;

Noble ones stand with a purpose, this is the request of noble ones.

60.

I give you, brahmin, a thousand red cows together with a bull;

For how could a noble one not give to a noble one, having heard your verses connected with the teaching.

The Aṭṭhisenaka Birth Story, the eighth.

404.

The Monkey Birth Story (7-1-9)

61.

Where an enemy dwells, a wise one should not dwell there;

For one night or two nights, one who has enemies dwells in suffering.

62.

An enemy indeed is the fickle-minded one, of a man who follows along;

Because of one monkey, calamity was made for the troop.

63.

A fool who thinks himself wise, a guardian of the troop;

Having come under the control of his own mind, he would lie down like this monkey.

64.

A powerful fool is not good, a guardian of the troop;

He becomes harmful to relatives, like a decoy bird to birds.

65.

The wise one indeed, powerful, is good, a guardian of the troop;

He becomes beneficial to relatives, like Vāsava to the deities.

66.

And whoever sees morality and wisdom, and learning in oneself;

One practises for the welfare of both, of oneself and of the other.

67.

Therefore one should weigh oneself, as if morality, wisdom and learning;

The wise one may look after a group, or also wander alone.

The Monkey Birth Story, the ninth.

405.

The Crane Birth Story (7-1-10)

68.

"Seventy-two, Gotama, of meritorious deeds, wielding power, having gone beyond birth and ageing;

This is the final attainment of the supreme for one who has attained the highest knowledge, many people aspire to us."

69.

"Short indeed is this, not a long life span, which you, Baka, think is a long life span;

A hundred thousand nirabbudas, I understand your life span, O Brahmā."

70.

I am the Blessed One Anantadassī, having overcome birth, ageing and sorrow;

What is my former practice of asceticism and morality, tell me that, which I may understand.

71.

"That you gave drink to many human beings, thirsty, overcome by the heat;

That is your former practice of asceticism and morality, I recollect as one awakened from sleep.

72.

That you freed the people seized at the Eṇi river bank, the captives being led away;

That is your former practice of asceticism and morality, I recollect as one awakened from sleep.

73.

The boat seized in the stream of the Ganges, by a fierce serpent desiring human beings;

You released it by force, overpowering; that is your former practice of asceticism and morality;

I recollect as one awakened from sleep.

74.

And Kappa was your devoted pupil, who thought you one of full understanding, an observer of vows;

That is your former practice of asceticism and morality, I recollect as one awakened from sleep.

75.

"Surely you understand this lifespan of mine, you know others too, for thus you are a Buddha;

For thus your radiant power stands illuminating the Brahma world."

The Crane Birth Story, the tenth.

The Cock Chapter is first.

Its summary:

Varakaṇṇika, Cāpavara, Sutana, then Gijjha, Sarohitamaccha, Vara;

Again Paṇṇaka, Senaka, Yācanaka, then Veri, with Brahmabaka - ten.

2.

The Chapter on Gandhara

406.

The Gandhāra Birth Story (7-2-1)

76.

Having abandoned sixteen thousand villages, complete in every respect;

Prosperous storehouses, now you make storage.

77.

Having left the Gandhāra domain, bearing abundant wealth;

Having gone forth from instruction, now here you instruct.

78.

I speak the Teaching, O Vedeha, not the Teaching does not please me;

Evil does not defile me who speaks the Teaching.

79.

By whatever reason, another obtains distress;

Even if speech is of great benefit, a wise one should not speak it.

80.

Let him be vexed or not, let him be scattered like chaff;

Evil does not defile me who speaks the Teaching.

81.

If there were not one's own higher intelligence, or monastic discipline well-trained;

Like a blind buffalo in the forest, many people would wander.

82.

And because here some are well-trained under a teacher;

Therefore, disciplined in discipline, they conduct themselves well-concentrated.

The Gandhāra Birth Story is first.

407.

The Great Monkey Birth Story (7-2-2)

83.

Having made himself a bridge, he who brought them safely across;

What are you to them, what are they to you, these great monkeys?

84.

I am the king, the lord of them, the guardian of the troop;

Of those overcome with sorrow, of the frightened, O tamer of enemies.

85.

Having leaped myself across a hundred bow-lengths released,

Then on my hind feet, a firm bond of creeper strands.

86.

Like a cloud severed by the wind, driven I approached the tree;

There I, unable to reach it, grasped the branch with my hands.

87.

Me being stretched out, by the branch and by the creeper;

Treading over me with their feet, the monkeys went to safety.

88.

That bond does not torment me, nor will death torment me;

Happiness was brought to those for whom I exercised kingship.

89.

This is the simile for you, O king, hear it, O tamer of enemies;

By a king, for the country, for the vehicle, for the army, and for the town;

The happiness of all should be sought, by a warrior who understands.

The Great Monkey Birth Story is second.

408.

The Potter Birth Story (7-2-3)

90.

I saw a mango tree in the midst of the forest, with dark-blue lustre, bearing fruit, well-grown;

I saw it broken apart because of its fruit, having seen that I practise the going for alms.

91.

A woman wore a pair of stone bangles, well-polished, made by heroic men, silently;

And when the second came, there was a sound, having seen that I practise the going for alms.

92.

Birds, a bird carrying a carcass, though being one, many having come together;

For the sake of food they attacked it, having seen that I practise the going for alms.

93.

I saw a bull in the midst of the herd, with a trembling hump, endowed with beauty and strength;

I saw it pierced because of sensual pleasure, having seen that I practise the going for alms.

94.

Karaṇḍaka of the Kaliṅgas, and Naggaji of the Gandhāras;

King Nimi of the Videhas, and Dummukha of the Pañcālas;

These, having abandoned their countries, went forth owning nothing.

95.

All these, equal to gods, have assembled, just as a fire blazing, so too are these;

I too shall wander alone, Bhaggavī, having abandoned sensual pleasures, each according to its limit.

96.

This is the time, for there is no other, an adviser for me would not be afterwards;

I too shall wander alone, Bhaggava, like a bird released from a man's hand.

97.

They know what is raw and what is cooked, and also what is salted and unsalted;

Having seen that, I went forth, you just wander, I shall wander.

The Potter Birth Story is third.

409.

The Firm Teaching Birth Story (7-2-4)

98.

If I, carrying out duties for the one of firm principles, did not please him;

Bearing a dart on my chest, moving heroically in battle.

99.

Surely the king does not know my heroic manliness;

The well-done deeds in battle, and the messenger missions sent.

100.

Surely I shall die, without kin, without refuge;

For thus to the potter, I was given as a dung carrier.

101.

As long as a man is hoped for, just so long he is favoured;

When benefit fails, they abandon him, like a warrior his camel with disease.

102.

He who does not understand the good done for him before, the benefit done;

His benefits fall apart, those that were longed for.

103.

He who understands the good done for him before, the benefit done;

His benefits increase, those that are longed for.

104.

"This I say to you, venerable ones, as many as are assembled here;

Be all grateful, you shall dwell long in heaven."

The Firm Teaching Birth Story is fourth.

410.

The Somadatta Birth Story (7-2-5)

105.

He who formerly came to meet me, far in the forest, of great length;

That elephant is not seen, where has Somadatta gone?

106.

This indeed is he lying dead, like a fresh shoot cut down;

He lies fallen on the ground, alas the elephant is dead.

107.

For you who have entered homelessness, who are free, who are mindful;

It is not good for an ascetic that you grieve for the departed.

108.

By living together indeed, Sakka, with a human being or a deer;

Love arises in the heart, it is not possible not to grieve for that.

109.

They weep for the dead and for those who will die, those who weep and lament;

Therefore, sage, do not weep, the good have said that weeping is useless.

110.

If indeed by lamentation, O Brahmā, a dead ghost would rise up;

Let us all come together and weep, for each other's relatives.

111.

"Indeed, as I was blazing, like a fire sprinkled with ghee;

Pouring down as if with water, he extinguished all my anguish.

112.

"He has indeed drawn out my dart, which was lodged in my heart;

He who, for me overcome with sorrow, dispelled my sorrow for my son.

113.

I have had the dart pulled out, free from sorrow, undisturbed;

I do not grieve, I do not weep, having heard you, Vāsava.

The Somadatta Birth Story is fifth.

411.

The Susīma Birth Story (7-2-6)

114.

Black hairs there were before, grown on the head in their proper places;

Those today are white, Susīma, having seen this, practise the Dhamma, it is the time for the holy life.

115.

It is mine indeed, O king, the grey hair, not yours, mine indeed is the head, my highest limb;

"I will do what is beneficial," thus I spoke falsely, forgive this one offence, O foremost king.

116.

You are young and handsome, O king, risen in the first stage of life like a young palm shoot;

Exercise kingship and look upon me, do not run after what is temporal, O lord of men.

117.

I see a young maiden, with smooth skin all over, with a beautiful body and a lovely waist;

Swaying like a dark coral creeper, she goes among men as if enticing them.

118.

I see that same woman at another time, eighty or ninety years old by birth;

Having taken a stick, trembling, walking bent like a roof beam.

119.

Thus I, reflecting upon that very thing, lie alone in the midst of my bed;

Seeing "I too will be thus," I do not delight in the house, it is the time for the holy life.

120.

And this is like a hanging rope, the delight of one dwelling in a house;

Having cut even this, the wise go forth, without longing, having abandoned sensual happiness.

The Susīma Birth Story is sixth.

412.

The Koṭasimbali Birth Story (7-2-7)

121.

I have come bringing a snake a thousand fathoms long;

Bearing both that and me with this great body, you do not tremble.

122.

Then bearing this small bird, with less flesh than me;

You tremble frightened, for what purpose, Koṭasimbali?

123.

You, O king, are a meat-eater, this bird is a fruit-eater;

This one, having eaten banyan seeds, wave-leafed figs and glamorous figs,

And holy fig seeds, will defecate on my trunk.

124.

Those trees grow up on my side, born in the shelter from the wind;

They will envelop me, they will make me a non-tree.

125.

There are also other trees, rooted trees with trunks;

By this bird species, having brought seeds, they were destroyed.

126.

Parasitic plants grow and outgrow even a great lord of the forest;

Therefore, O king, I tremble, seeing the future danger.

127.

One should suspect what is to be suspected, one should guard against future danger;

Fearing future danger, the wise one looks at both worlds.

The Koṭasimbali Birth Story is seventh.

413.

The Smoke-Maker Birth Story (7-2-8)

128.

The king asked Vidhura, the lover of the Teaching, Yudhiṭṭhila;

"Do you know, brahmin, who alone grieves much?"

129.

A brahmin with a herd of goats, with abundant fuel, dwelling in the forest;

Vāseṭṭha made smoke, unwearied day and night.

130.

By that smoke-odour, sarabha deer afflicted by mosquitoes;

Approached for the rains residence, near the smoke-maker.

131.

Having set his mind on the deer, he did not notice the goats;

Whether coming or going, those goats of his perished.

132.

Sarabha deer in the autumn season, in the forest free from mosquitoes;

Entered the mountain fastnesses, and the sources of rivers.

133.

Having seen the deer gone, and the goats gone to non-existence;

The brahmin was lean and discoloured, and suffering from jaundice.

134.

Thus whoever, having rejected his own, makes a newcomer dear;

He alone grieves much, like the smoke-making brahmin.

The Smoke-Maker Birth Story is eighth.

414.

The Watchful Birth Story (7-2-9)

135.

Who here is asleep among those who are awake, who here is awake among those who are asleep?

Who cognizes this of mine, who will answer that for me?

136.

I am asleep among those who are awake, I am awake among those who are asleep;

I cognize this, I reply to you.

137.

How are you asleep among those who are awake, how are you awake among those who are asleep?

How do you cognize this, how do you answer me?

138.

Those who do not understand the Teaching, self-control and taming;

While they are sleeping, I stay awake, O deity.

139.

"Those for whom lust and hate and ignorance have faded away;

While they are awake, I am asleep, O deity.

140.

Thus I am asleep among those who are awake, thus I am awake among those who are asleep;

Thus I cognize this, thus I reply to you.

141.

Good is one asleep among those who are awake, good is one awake among those who are asleep;

Well do you cognize this, well do you answer me.

The Watchful Birth Story is ninth.

415.

The Junket-Lump Birth Story (7-2-10)

142.

There is surely no service among those of supreme vision, among the Buddhas, that is insignificant;

With dry and unsalted, see the fruit of a lump of flour food.

143.

These many elephants, cattle and horses, wealth and grain, and the whole earth;

These women like nymphs, see the fruit of a lump of flour food.

144.

Constantly, O royal elephant, you speak verses, O lord of Kosala;

I ask you, increaser of the realm, very joyful in mind you speak.

145.

In this very city, I was in a certain family;

I was a worker for others, a hired servant restrained in morality.

146.

Going out for work, I saw four ascetics;

Accomplished in good conduct and morality, calmed, without mental corruptions.

147.

Having gladdened my mind in them, having seated them on a leaf rug;

I gave food made with flour to the Buddhas, devoted, with my own hands.

148.

Of that wholesome action, this is such a fruit for me;

I experience this kingdom, prosperous, the best of lands.

149.

Giving, enjoy, and do not be negligent, turn the wheel, O lord of Kosala;

Do not, O king, be unrighteous, protect the Teaching, O lord of Kosala.

150.

I shall practise that very path again and again, O beautiful one;

The noble conduct, O fair Kosalan princess, the Worthy Ones are agreeable for me to see.

151.

Like a goddess, like a nymph, you shine in the midst of the group of women;

What good action did you do, by what are you so beautiful, O fair Kosalan princess?

152.

O warrior, I was a female slave of the Ambaṭṭha family, a servant of others;

Restrained and living righteously, virtuous and of blameless appearance.

153.

I then gave lifted-out food to a monk walking for alms;

Delighted, glad, myself, this is such a fruit of that action for me.

The Junket-Lump Birth Story is tenth.

416.

The Parantapa Birth Story (7-2-11)

154.

Evil will come to me, fear will come to me;

For then the branch was shaken, by a human being or by a deer.

155.

Surely my sensual pleasure for the timid one, dwelling not far away;

Will make me lean and pale, like a branch, O scorcher of foes.

156.

My beloved wife, living blameless in the village, will grieve for me;

Will make me lean and pale, like a branch, O scorcher of foes.

157.

By you, O dark-eyed one, smiles and words spoken;

Will make me lean and pale, like a branch, O scorcher of foes.

158.

Surely that sound came, surely it informed you;

Surely that was declared by him, who shook that branch.

159.

This indeed, having come together, was thought by me, a fool;

For then the branch was shaken, by a human being or by a deer.

160.

Just so you knew, you deceived my father;

Having killed and covering with branches, fear will come to me.

The Parantapa Birth Story is eleventh.

The Gandhāra Chapter is second.

Its summary:

Varagāma, Great Monkey, Bhaggava, and Firm Teaching, Own Elephant, Kesavara;

The Snake, Vidhura, again the Wakeful, then the Lord of Kosala, Scorcher of Foes, and thus.

Then the chapter summary:

Then in the Sevenfold Collection, hear the chapter as I recite;

Kukku and again Gandhāra, just two Guarded, and the Great Sage.

The Book of Sevens is concluded.

8.

The Book of the Eights

417.

The Kaccānī Birth Story (1)

1.

Dressed in white, pure, with wet hair, Kaccānī, why having placed a pot in the middle;

Flour, sesame seeds, you wash rice grains, rice with sesame will be - for what reason?

2.

"This, brahmin, is not for the purpose of food, the rice with sesame will be well cooked;

The Teaching has died, for that today I will make an offering in the midst of the cemetery."

3.

Having investigated, Kaccānī, do your duty, the Teaching has died, who now has told you thus;

The thousand-eyed one of incomparable power, the excellent Teaching never dies.

4.

"This is a firm measure for me here, Brahmā, the Teaching is understood, there is no uncertainty for me here;

Those who are now evil, those same ones are now happy."

5.

My daughter-in-law indeed was barren, she having killed me gave birth to a son;

She is now the lord of the whole family, but I am cast away, alone.

6.

I am alive indeed, I am not dead, I have come here for your very purpose;

She who having killed you gave birth to a son, together with the son I will reduce to ashes.

7.

"And if this pleases you, king of gods, you have come here for my very benefit;

I and my son and daughter-in-law and grandson, being joyful, may we dwell at home."

8.

"And if this pleases you, Kātiyānī, though being struck, you do not give up the teaching;

You and your son and daughter-in-law and grandson, being joyful, may you dwell at home."

9.

That Kātiyānī together with her daughter-in-law, being joyful, dwelt at home;

Both son and grandson attended on them, supported by the lord of the gods.

The Kaccānī Birth Story is first.

418.

The Eight Sounds Birth Story (2)

10.

This was formerly called a low-lying place, with many fish and great water;

The residence of the crane king, my paternal dwelling;

Today we sustain ourselves on frogs, we do not abandon our abode.

11.

Who will pierce the eye of the immoral Bandhara for the second time;

Who will make my young ones, my nest, and me safe?

12.

All the softwood was utterly eliminated, as far as its destination was;

With food exhausted, great king, the woodworm does not delight in the core.

13.

Surely I, having gone from here, released from the king's dwelling;

Shall delight myself, dwelling in the branches of trees.

14.

Surely I, having gone from here, released from the king's dwelling;

I shall drink the finest waters, going before the herd to the cattle pen.

15.

Me, intoxicated by sensual pleasures, lustful, infatuated with sensual pleasures;

The fierce hunter Bharata brought me, the Bāhika - may there be good fortune for you.

16.

In the darkness and gloom, on the high upper mountain;

She, with smooth and soft words, "May your foot not stumble on the stone."

17.

Without doubt, seeing the end of birth's destruction, I shall not return to lying in a womb again;

This is the last, the final lying in a womb, my wandering in the round of rebirths for rebirth is eliminated.

The Eight Sounds Birth Story is second.

419.

The Sulasā Birth Story (3)

18.

This golden armlet, many pearls and lapis lazuli;

Take it all, venerable one, and announce me as a slave.

19.

"Lay aside, beautiful one, do not lament excessively;

And I do not directly know wealth brought by having killed."

20.

"Since I remember myself, since I have attained discretion;

And I do not directly know another more dear than you."

21.

Come, I will embrace you, and I will circumambulate you;

For now there is no more meeting of me and you.

22.

"For not in all situations is a man wise;

A woman too may be wise, discerning here and there.

23.

"For not in all situations is a man wise;

A woman too may be wise, quickly discerning what is beneficial.

24.

Quickly and indeed swiftly, she perceived nearby;

Just as with a fully drawn bow a deer, Sulasā killed the enemy.

25.

Whoever here does not quickly understand the matter that has arisen;

He, of slow wit, is destroyed, like a thief in a mountain cave.

26.

Whoever quickly understands the matter that has arisen;

Is freed from the confinement of enemies, just as Sulasā was from the flour-man."

The Sulasā Birth Story is third.

420.

The Sumaṅgala Birth Story (4)

27.

Having considered "I am exceedingly angry," a lord should not yet decree punishment;

Without reason, unbefitting of oneself, one would arouse great sufferings for another.

28.

But when one should know one's own confidence, one should examine the wrong-doing of another for its meaning;

Then having considered by oneself "this is the meaning here," one should impose a fitting punishment upon him.

29.

And he does not burn others nor himself, who not infatuated examines what is right and wrong;

Whoever becomes the rod-bearing lord here, he, guarded by praise, does not fall from glory.

30.

Those warriors who act without consideration, decree punishment hastily, infatuated;

Connected with blame, they give up life, and even freed from here, they go to an unfortunate realm.

31.

And those who delight in the Teaching proclaimed by the Noble One, they are unsurpassed in speech, in mind, and in action;

They, established in peace, meekness, and concentration, such ones go to both worlds.

32.

I am a king, lord of men and women, even if I am angry I restrain myself;

Prohibiting the populace of such a kind, I decree punishment with compassion wisely.

33.

May glory and prosperity never forsake you, O warrior, O lord of people;

Without wrath, with a mind constantly serene, free from trouble, may you protect for a hundred years.

34.

Endowed with these virtues, O warrior, established in noble conduct, easy to admonish, not prone to wrath;

Happy, without oppression, rule the earth, and liberated from here, go to a good destination.

35.

Thus with good conduct and well-spoken words, by the Teaching, by the true method, skilfully guiding;

He would extinguish the agitated multitude, as a great cloud extinguishes the earth with water.

The Sumaṅgala Birth Story is fourth.

421.

The Gaṅgamālā Birth Story (5)

36.

The earth had become embers, the ground was covered with hot ashes;

Then you sing your duties, the sunshine does not torment you.

37.

The sun shines above, the sand burns below;

Then you sing your duties, the sunshine does not torment you.

38.

The sunshine does not torment me, desires torment me;

For purposes are various, O king, they torment, not the sunshine.

39.

I saw your root, Sensual Pleasure, from thought, Sensual Pleasure, you are born;

I will not think of you, thus, Sensual Pleasure, you will not exist.

40.

Even few sensual pleasures are not enough, with many too one is not satisfied;

Alas, the prattle of fools, one who is watchful should avoid them.

41.

"This is the fruit of a small action of mine, Udaya attained greatness;

It is indeed a well-gained gain for the young man, who went forth having abandoned sensual lust."

42.

Through austerity they abandon evil deeds, through austerity the state of barber and potter;

Through austerity having overcome, O Gaṅgamāla, you addressed Brahmadatta by name.

43.

See for yourself, mother, this is the result of patience and meekness;

He who is honoured by all people, him we pay homage to, together with the king and ministers.

44.

Do not say anything to the Ganges garland, one training in the paths of wisdom among sages;

For he has crossed the ocean, having crossed which they live free from sorrow.

The Gaṅgamālā Birth Story is fifth.

422.

The Shrine Birth Story (6)

45.

The principle destroyed indeed destroys, not destroyed it destroys nothing;

Therefore one should not destroy the principle, lest you, the principle destroyed, be destroyed.

46.

From one speaking falsehood, the deities depart;

And his mouth smells foul, and he falls from his own state;

Whoever, knowing, when asked a question, would explain it otherwise.

47.

If indeed you speak the truth, be, O king, as before;

If you speak falsely, O king, remain on the ground, O shrine.

48.

It rains for him at the wrong time, at the right time it does not rain for him;

Whoever, knowing, when asked a question, would explain it otherwise.

49.

If indeed you speak the truth, be, O king, as before;

If you speak falsely, O king, enter the ground, O shrine.

50.

His tongue becomes forked, like a snake's, O lord of the land;

Whoever, knowing, when asked a question, would explain it otherwise.

51.

If indeed you speak the truth, be, O king, as before;

If you speak falsely, O king, enter further into the shrine.

52.

His tongue does not exist, like a fish's, O lord of the land;

Whoever, knowing, when asked a question, would explain it otherwise.

53.

If indeed you speak the truth, be, O king, as before;

If you speak falsely, O king, enter further into the shrine.

54.

Only daughters are born to him, no sons are born in his family;

Whoever, knowing, when asked a question, would explain it otherwise.

55.

If indeed you speak the truth, be, O king, as before;

If you speak falsely, O king, enter further into the shrine.

56.

Sons do not exist for him, they depart in every direction;

Whoever, knowing, when asked a question, would explain it otherwise.

57.

If indeed you speak the truth, be, O king, as before;

If you speak falsely, O king, enter further into the shrine.

58.

That king, cursed by the sage, who formerly moved through the sky;

Entered the earth, having reached his time, with diminished self.

59.

Therefore, the wise do not praise going by desire;

One should speak with an uncorrupted mind, a word connected with truth.

The Shrine Birth Story is sixth.

423.

The Faculty Birth Story (7)

60.

Whoever, Nārada, comes under the control of the faculties through sensuality;

He, having abandoned both worlds, withers away even while living.

61.

After happiness comes suffering, after suffering comes happiness;

You, having dried up happiness, have attained suffering, expect the excellent happiness.

62.

In times of difficulty, enduring difficulty, whoever does not go beyond the difficulty;

He, the wise one, attains the happiness at the end of difficulty, the exertion.

63.

Not indeed for desire of sensual pleasures, not for different purposes, not for a cause of benefit;

And not having disregarded what has been done, you deserve to fall away from the teaching.

64.

Skill is good for a householder, and sharing food;

Not laughing at gains, untroubled at loss of welfare.

65.

"This much is wisdom," even so Davila spoke;

There is nothing worse than this, whoever comes under the control of the faculties.

66.

Like one falling into the hands of enemies, O Sivi, one like me attains;

Work and true knowledge, skill, marriage, morality and gentleness;

And having abandoned these in glory, I was reborn through my own actions.

67.

I am like one conquered by a thousand, without kin, without refuge;

Departed from the noble teaching, just as a ghost, so am I.

68.

Having caused suffering to those desiring happiness, I have fallen into this state;

Thus I do not attain happiness, like one standing amidst flames.

The Faculty Birth Story is seventh.

424.

The Blazing Birth Story (8)

69.

"When a house is burning, whatever vessel one takes out;

That is for one's benefit, not what is burnt there.

70.

Thus the world is ablaze with ageing and death;

One should take out by giving, what is given is well removed.

71.

Whoever gives a gift to one who has righteously acquired, attained through industriousness and energy;

Having passed beyond Yama's Vetaraṇī river, that mortal attains divine states.

72.

"Giving and battle, they say, are the same; even few, being good, conquer many;

If one with faith gives even a little, by that very deed he becomes happy in the hereafter.

73.

Giving with discrimination is praised by the Fortunate One, those who are worthy of offerings here in the world of the living;

Gifts given to them are of great fruit, like seeds sown in a good field.

74.

One who lives without harming living beings, does not do evil through fear of others' censure;

They praise the timid, not the hero there, for the peaceful do not do evil out of fear.

75.

By the inferior holy life, one is reborn in a warrior family;

By the middling, to divinity, and by the highest, one becomes pure.

76.

Certainly giving is praised in many ways, but the state of the Teaching is better than giving;

For in the past, and even earlier, the good, those with wisdom, attained Nibbāna itself.

The Blazing Birth Story is eighth.

425.

The Impossibility Birth Story (9)

77.

If the Ganges were a lotus pond, peaceful, and cuckoos were conch-coloured;

If the rose-apple tree were to give palmyra fruit, then surely it might be so.

78.

When there might be a threefold mantle of tortoise hair,

A winter covering, then surely it might be so.

79.

When a watchtower might be well made from mosquito legs;

Firm and unshakeable, then surely it might be so.

80.

When a ladder were well-made from hares' horns,

For the purpose of ascending to heaven, then surely it might be so.

81.

When mice, having climbed a ladder, would eat the moon;

And would bring down Rāhu, then surely it might be so.

82.

When flies, moving in swarms, having drunk from a pitcher of liquor,

Would make their dwelling on embers, then surely it might be so.

83.

When a donkey would be endowed with bimba-fruit lips, fair-faced;

Skilled in dancing and singing, then surely it might be so.

84.

When crows and owls, having gone to a private place, would consult;

Would desire each other's fortune, then surely it might be so.

85.

When an umbrella of lotus root leaves would be more firm,

For warding off the rain, then surely it might be so.

86.

When a kulaka bird, Mount Gandhamādana,

Were to take in its beak and go, then surely it might be so.

87.

When an ocean-going ship, with machinery and enclosure;

A boy could take and carry away, then surely it might be so.

The Impossibility Birth Story is ninth.

426.

The Panther Birth Story (10)

88.

Is it bearable, is it endurable, is there happiness for you, maternal uncle?

Your mother spoke of your happiness, we indeed desire your happiness.

89.

Having trodden upon my tail, having harassed me, you goat;

Today, by your uncle's word, do you think you should be released?

90.

You are seated facing east, I have come before your face;

Your tail is behind you, how then could I have trodden upon it?

91.

As far as the four islands, with their oceans and mountains;

So far extends my tail, how then could you have avoided it?

92.

Previously my mother, father and brothers told me this;

Of the long tail of the wicked one, I have come through the sky.

93.

And having seen her coming, you goat, in the sky;

The herd of deer fled, my prey was destroyed by you.

94.

Thus as she wailed, the blood-drinker, the she-goat;

Crushed her throat, there is no well-spoken word for the wicked.

95.

Indeed not in the wicked is there method, nor nature, nor well-spoken word;

One should apply effort towards the wicked, and he does not delight in the virtuous.

The Panther Birth Story is tenth.

The Book of Eights is concluded.

Its summary:

Pure, Untroubled Mind, Cloth-Bearer, Crane King's Bracelet, Excellent Stick;

Then Charcoal, Shrine, Devila, then Blazing, Ganges, Ten Goats.

9.

The Book of the Nines

427.

The Vulture Birth Story (1)

1.

The stake path by name, the vulture's road, eternal;

There was a vulture who nourished his aged mother and father;

For them he brought python fat in abundance.

2.

And the father said to his son, knowing him to be one who flies high;

Well-winged, endowed with strength, powerful, going far.

3.

When you perceive the earth floating, dear son;

Encircled by the ocean, circular like a wheel;

Then, dear son, turn back, do not go further from here.

4.

You flew up with speed, the strong bird, the best of the twice-born;

Looking down with bent neck, at the mountains and forests.

5.

The vulture saw the earth, as he had heard from his father;

Encircled by the ocean, circular like a wheel.

6.

And having transcended that, he went beyond the highest;

And the sharp wind-crest carried away that strong bird.

7.

The man who had gone beyond was unable to turn back again;

The bird met with disaster, having come under the control of the high winds.

8.

His sons and wife, and whatever other dependents;

All met with disaster, because of the twice-born who did not heed exhortation.

9.

Thus too here, whoever does not understand the words of the elders;

One who goes beyond the boundary, bloated, like the vulture who transgressed the instruction;

He indeed attains disaster, not having heeded the instruction of the elders.

The Vulture Birth Story is first.

428.

The Kosambī Birth Story (2)

10.

"People of great noise and alike, not one among them thought himself a fool;

When the Community was being split, they did not think any further about another.

11.

Confused, though speaking like the wise, speakers whose range is mere words;

As far as they wish to stretch their mouths, they do not know by what they are led.

12.

"He reviled me, he struck me, he defeated me, he robbed me";

For those who harbour such thoughts, enmity is not appeased.

13.

"He reviled me, he struck me, he defeated me, he robbed me";

For those who do not harbour such thoughts, enmity is appeased.

14.

For never indeed are enmities appeased by enmity here;

By non-enmity they are appeased; this is an eternal principle.

15.

"Others do not understand that we here are perishing;

Those who understand this, thereby their quarrels are appeased.

16.

Bone-breakers, life-takers, those who steal cattle and wealth;

Even for those plundering the country, there is association;

Why should there not be for you?

17.

If one should find a prudent companion, a fellow traveller, living well, wise;

Having overcome all dangers, one should wander with him, glad and mindful.

18.

If one should not find a prudent companion, a fellow traveller, living well, wise;

Like a king abandoning a conquered kingdom, one should wander alone, like an elephant in the forest.

19.

Better is the life of one alone; there is no companionship with a fool;

One should wander alone and not do evil deeds, living at ease, like an elephant in the forest.

The Kosambī Birth Story is second.

429.

The Great Parrot Birth Story (3)

20.

When a tree is endowed with fruit, birds flying together consume it;

Having known the tree to be exhausted at the passing of the fruit, the birds go from there in every direction.

21.

Wander on your journey, red-beaked one, do not die, why do you, parrot, brood on a dry tree?

Please tell me that, O one resembling spring, why, parrot, do you not abandon the dry tree?

22.

Those who indeed are friends to friends, O swan, in the loss of life, in suffering and happiness;

Whether eliminated or not eliminated, they do not give up that one, the peaceful, recollecting the principle of the good.

23.

I am one among the good, O swan, and a relative to me is this tree, and a friend;

That I am not able to abandon, being intent on livelihood, having known it to be exhausted, for this is not the principle.

24.

Good! Friendship is made as a witness, friendliness and intimacy are praised;

If you approve of this principle, you are praiseworthy among those who understand.

25.

I give you a boon, O parrot, wing-goer travelling by wings;

Choose a boon, O bent-necked one, whatever you wish in your mind.

26.

"May the venerable swan grant me a boon, and may this tree obtain life again;

May it stand shining, with branches, bearing fruit, fully grown, with sweet fruit."

27.

See that lofty fruit-bearing tree, my dear, may it be together with the fig tree for you;

May it stand shining, with branches, bearing fruit, fully grown, with sweet fruit."

28.

Thus, Sakka, may you be happy, together with all your relatives;

Just as I am happy today, having seen the fruitful tree.

29.

And having given a boon to the parrot, having made the tree fruitful;

He departed together with his wife, to the Nandana grove of the gods.

The Great Parrot Birth Story is third.

430.

The Lesser Parrot Birth Story (4)

30.

There are trees with green leaves, many trees with various fruits;

Why then is the parrot's mind delighted in a dry, hollow tree?

31.

We enjoyed its fruit, for many groups of years, in abundance;

Even knowing it to be fruitless, that same friendliness remains as before.

32.

And a dried-up tree, a dead hollow tree, a tree with fallen leaves and without fruit;

Having left it, the birds go - what fault do you see, twice-born?

33.

Those who associate for the sake of fruit, knowing it fruitless, they abandon it;

Imprudent, whose wisdom is for their own benefit, they become partisans.

34.

Good! Friendship is made as a witness, friendliness and intimacy are praised;

If you approve of this principle, you are praiseworthy among those who understand.

35.

I give you a boon, O parrot, wing-goer travelling by wings;

Choose a boon, O bent-necked one, whatever you wish in your mind.

36.

If only I might see it, the tree with leaves and fruit;

Like a poor man having found a treasure, I would rejoice again and again.

37.

Then, having taken the deathless, he sprinkled the tree;

Its branches grew, with cool shade, delightful.

38.

Thus, Sakka, may you be happy, together with all your relatives;

Just as I am happy today, having seen the fruitful tree.

39.

And having given a boon to the parrot, having made the tree fruitful;

He departed together with his wife, to the Nandana grove of the gods.

The Lesser Parrot Birth Story is fourth.

431.

The Haritaca Birth Story (5)

40.

I have heard this, Great Brahmā, Hārita consumes sensual pleasures;

Is this word hollow, are you living purely?

41.

So it is, great king, as your word has been heard;

I have entered upon a wrong path, infatuated by things leading to delusion.

42.

What is the purpose of wisdom, subtle, thinking of what is good;

By which one should dispel the arisen lust from the mind, why not?

43.

These four, great king, are exceedingly powerful in the world;

Lust, hate, vanity, delusion, where wisdom does not stand fast.

44.

A Worthy One, accomplished in morality, pure, Hārita lives;

Wise and learned too, thus is the venerable one esteemed by us.

45.

Evil thoughts harm even the wise, the sage delighting in the qualities of the teaching;

Beautiful ones connected with lust, O king.

46.

This lust has arisen in you, born of the body, a corrupter of your beauty;

Abandon it, may there be good fortune for you, by many you are considered wise.

47.

Those sensual pleasures that cause darkness, that are full of suffering, that are great poison;

I shall seek their root, I shall cut off lust together with its bond.

48.

Having said this, Hārita, the sage with true exertion,

Having removed sensual lust, was reborn in the Brahma world.

The Haritaca Birth Story is fifth.

432.

The Padakusalamāṇava Birth Story (6)

49.

The very learned, the brilliant speaker, the Ganges carries the Pāṭali;

O venerable sir being carried away, give me one little verse.

50.

By which they sprinkle the suffering, by which they sprinkle the afflicted;

In the midst of that I shall die, fear has arisen from the refuge.

51.

Where seeds grow, where beings are established;

She crushes my head, fear has arisen from the refuge.

52.

By which meals are cooked, by which cold is dispelled;

That burns my limbs, fear has arisen from the refuge.

53.

By which food eaten many brahmins and warriors sustain themselves;

That food eaten destroys me, fear has arisen from the refuge.

54.

In the last month of summer, the wise desire wind;

That breaks my limbs, fear has arisen from the refuge.

55.

The tree upon which they depended, that itself emits fire;

Seek the directions, O crooked-limbed ones, fear has arisen from the refuge.

56.

She whom I brought with pleasure, wearing garlands, covered with sandalwood;

She throws me out from the house, fear has arisen from the refuge.

57.

"He whose birth brought me joy, and for whom I wished prosperity;

He throws me out from the house, fear has arisen from the refuge.

58.

Let the country-folk hear me, and the townspeople assembled;

Where there is water, there it is ablaze, where there is security, from there is fear.

59.

The king plunders the country, and the brahmin chaplain;

Dwell self-guarded, fear has arisen from the refuge.

The Padakusalamāṇava Birth Story is the sixth.

433.

The Lomasakassapa Birth Story (7)

60.

You would be a king equal to Indra, perpetually free from ageing and death;

If you would sacrifice a sacrifice, with the sage Lomasakassapa.

61.

The earth with its surrounding ocean, girdled by the sea;

I would not wish for it together with blame, thus, Seyya, understand.

62.

Shame on that gain of fame, and gain of wealth, brahmin;

Whatever livelihood is by downfall, or by unrighteous conduct.

63.

Even if, having taken a bowl, one should wander forth homeless;

This very livelihood is better, than seeking by what is not the Teaching.

64.

Even if, having taken a bowl, one should wander forth homeless;

Not harming another in the world, even that is better than kingship.

65.

The moon is power, the sun is power, ascetics and brahmins are power;

The shore of the ocean is power, women are power beyond power.

66.

Just as Candavatī, for her father's welfare,

Performed the vājapeyya sacrifice with the sage Lomasakassapa, one of fierce austerity, peaceful.

67.

That action done through greed, bitter, rooted in sensual pleasure;

I shall seek its root, I shall cut off lust together with its bond.

68.

Shame on sensual pleasures, even though very many in the world, austere asceticism is better than the types of sensual pleasure, O king;

I will practise austere asceticism, having abandoned sensual pleasures, let the country and Candavatī be yours alone.

The Lomasakassapa Birth Story is the seventh.

434.

The Cakkavāka Birth Story (8)

69.

I speak of birds in ochre robes, wandering in pairs, rejoicing;

Which egg-born one do the egg-born praise among humans, that birth? Please tell me that.

70.

"Among human beings they call us ruddy geese, who harm humans, devoted to each other;

We are considered of good nature among birds, lovely we wander upon the ocean.

71.

What fruits do you eat in the ocean, from where do you eat meat, ruddy geese?

What food do you eat, you superior ones, and your power and beauty are not insignificant.

72.

There are no fruits in the ocean, crow, from where would you eat meat among the ruddy geese?

We feed on moss, our food is without living beings, we do not do evil even for the sake of food.

73.

"This does not please me, ruddy goose, in this existence resembling food;

It was otherwise for me before, thus indeed doubt has arisen for me here."

74.

I too eat meat and fruits, and foods with salt and oil;

I obtain flavour to eat among human beings, like a hero having conquered the battle-front;

Yet my beauty is not such, ruddy goose, as yours.

75.

You are an impure eater, one who attacks at the moment, with difficulty food and drink is obtained by you;

You are not satisfied with tree fruits, crow, nor with the meat that is in the midst of the cemetery.

76.

Whoever, having acquired wealth by violence, consumes it, crow, one who attacks at the moment;

Thereupon his own nature reproaches him, reproached he gives up beauty and strength.

77.

If one eats even a little for peace, without violence, not harming others;

Then one has both strength and beauty, for not all beauty comes from food.

The Cakkavāka Birth Story is the eighth.

435.

The Haliddirāga Birth Story (9)

78.

Well-endured in the forest, in a secluded lodging;

But those who endure in the village, they are nobler than you.

79.

Having come from the forest to the village, what morality, what practice should I,

Dear father, follow in a person? Tell me this when asked.

80.

Whoever would trust you, dear son, and would accept your trust;

And is willing to listen and patient, associate with him, gone from here.

81.

One who has no wrong-doing by body, by speech, by mind;

As if established upon the breast, associate with him, gone from here.

82.

And whoever practises by the Teaching, even practising does not imagine;

One who does what is pure, wise, associate with him, gone from here.

83.

A person with turmeric-like passion, with a monkey's mind, lustful and passionless;

Such a one, dear son, do not associate with, even if there were no other human being.

84.

Like an angered venomous snake, like a high road smeared with dung;

Avoid from afar, like a charioteer an uneven path.

85.

Harm increases, dear son, for one who excessively associates with a fool;

Do not keep company with a fool, as with an enemy always.

86.

Therefore I request you, dear son, do my bidding;

Do not keep company with a fool, painful is the meeting with fools.

The Haliddirāga Birth Story is the ninth.

436.

The Samugga Birth Story (10)

87.

"From where do you come, sirs, you three persons? Welcome, come, sit down on the seat;

Are you, sirs, well and free from illness? For it has been a long time since your arrival here."

88.

I myself alone have arrived here today, nor is any second person found for me;

With reference to what was this spoken by you, O seer, "From where do you come, sirs, you three persons?"

89.

And you alone and your dear wife, placed inside a casket, scattered within;

She, though guarded, as if gone into your belly always, with the son of the wind, there she delighted.

90.

In an agitated state, explained by the sage, that Titan there vomited up the casket;

He saw his wife, pure, wearing a garland, there delighting with the son of the wind.

91.

By you of lofty conduct, this matter has been well seen: inferior are those men who have come under the control of women;

Just as indeed she was guarded here like my own life, corrupted towards me, she delights in another.

92.

By day and by night she was served by me, by the austere ascetic dwelling in the forest like a fire;

She, having transgressed the teaching, practised what is not the teaching - intimacy with women is of the nature of non-action.

93.

I imagined her, unmindful and unrestrained, as standing in the middle of my body, as my own;

She, having transgressed the teaching, practised what is not the teaching - intimacy with women is of the nature of non-action.

94.

"She is well-protected by me" - how could one trust thus? Among those of many minds there is no protection;

For these are like an abyss, a precipice; one heedless here undergoes disaster.

95.

Therefore those are happy, free from sorrow, who go about escaped from womankind;

Aspiring to this safe, highest state, one should not make intimacy with womankind.

The Samugga Birth Story is the tenth.

437.

The Pūtimaṃsa Birth Story (11)

96.

It does not please me, friend, the sight of rotten meat;

Such a companion, one should avoid from afar.

97.

This Veṇī is a mad woman, she praises her husband's friend;

She grieved for the mother of the ram, who came but went back.

98.

You indeed, my dear, are mad, imprudent, undiscerning;

You who, having made an abode for the dead, look about at the wrong time.

99.

One should not look about at the improper time, a wise one should look at the proper time;

Like the rotten meat one grieves, whoever looks about at the improper time.

100.

May there be something dear for me, friend, give me a gift;

My husband has been revived, come, you who ask about the beloved.

101.

May there be something dear for you, friend, I give you a gift;

With a great retinue, I shall come, prepare food.

102.

What kind is your retinue, for whom I will prepare food;

And what are all their names? Tell me this when asked.

103.

Māli and Caturakkha, Piṅgiya and then Jambuka;

Such is my retinue, prepare food for them.

104.

When you have gone out from the house, even the goods will perish;

I shall tell you, Āḷi, about health, dwell right here, do not go.

The Pūtimaṃsa Birth Story is the eleventh.

438.

The Daddara Birth Story (12)

105.

He who ate your little children, though given food, the innocent ones;

Sink your fangs into him, let him not escape from you alive.

106.

A man of impure cruelty, smeared like a nurse's cloth;

I do not see a spot on him where I might sink my fangs.

107.

For an ungrateful person, always looking for faults;

Even if one were to give him the whole earth, one would indeed not please him.

108.

Why indeed, Subāhu, being in a hurry, have you returned together with the young man;

What function or purpose is there here for you, tell me, being asked, this matter.

109.

Your friend the partridge of good disposition, I suspect his murder today;

Having heard the man's fields of action, I do not think the partridge is happy today.

110.

What fields of action did you hear of, for the man's means of livelihood;

Or what acknowledgment of the man having heard, do you suspect the partridge by the young man?

111.

Kaliṅga was wandered, trade was practised, the cane path and the stake path too were wandered;

With actors it was practised together with fishermen, and fighting with a stick in the midst of a festive gathering.

112.

Birds were bound with a measured bushel, dice were won, self-control was transgressed;

Pus was drained at midnight, hands were burnt by receiving almsfood.

113.

Those were his fields of action, I heard, for the man's means of livelihood;

Just as this ball of hair is seen, cattle were destroyed, what then of the lizard?

The Daddara Birth Story is the twelfth.

The Nonad Chapter is concluded.

Its summary:

The Excellent Vulture, the Sweeping, the Excellent Swan, the Treasure-named, the Green, the Trumpet-flower;

The Ageless-Deathless, the Crow, the Endurance, Whence, then the Twelve, the Seeing, and the Lizard-fear.

10.

The Book of the Tens

439.

The Catudvāra Birth Story (1)

1.

"This city has four gates, made of iron with a firm wall;

I am obstructed and imprisoned, what evil was done by me?"

2.

All doors are shut, I am imprisoned like a bird;

For what reason, demon, am I struck down by the wheel?

3.

Having obtained a hundred thousand, and twenty more;

The word of compassionate relatives, my dear, he did not heed.

4.

You jumped over the ocean, plunged into the sea of little success;

With four he attained eight, and with eight also sixteen.

5.

And with sixteen thirty-two, through excessive greed he encountered the wheel;

For the man destroyed by desire, the wheel revolves upon his head.

6.

Spreading ever wider, hard to fill, desire goes in all directions;

Those who covet it, they become bearers of the wheel.

7.

Having abandoned many goods, without examining the path;

Those for whom this is unconsidered, they become bearers of the wheel.

8.

One should consider one's action and extensive wealth, one should not pursue desire connected with harm;

One should heed the words of the compassionate, such a one the wheel would not overcome.

9.

"How long, demon, will the wheel remain on my head?

How many thousands of years? Tell me this when asked."

10.

"You have transgressed and will suffer the consequences, Mittavinda, listen to me;

The wheel whirled upon your head, you will not be freed from it while living."

The Catudvāra Birth Story is the first.

440.

The Kaṇha Birth Story (2)

11.

Dark indeed is this man, dark food he consumes;

In a dark region of the land, he is not dear to my mind.

12.

One is not dark by skin, for a brahmin is one of inner substance;

In whom there are evil deeds, he is indeed dark, O husband of Sujā.

13.

Since this has been well spoken by you, fitting and well said;

I grant you a boon, brahmin, whatever you wish in your mind.

14.

If you have given me a boon, Sakka, lord of all beings;

Thoroughly free from anger, thoroughly faultless, free from greed, my own conduct;

Free from attachment I wish for, these are my four boons.

15.

What danger do you see, brahmin, in wrath or in hate, in greed and in affection?

Tell me this when asked.

16.

Being small it becomes much, it grows, that which is born of impatience;

Causing attachment, bringing much distress, therefore one should not approve of wrath.

17.

For the corrupted one, harsh speech, adherence immediately after;

Then the hand, then the stick, the knife's destination is supreme;

Hate originates from wrath, therefore one should not approve of hate.

18.

Snatching morsels, acts of violence, fraud and cheating;

Are seen in those subject to greed, therefore one should not approve of greed.

19.

Mental knots bound by affection, mind-made, lie many;

They torment exceedingly, therefore one should not approve of affection.

20.

Since this has been well spoken by you, fitting and well said;

I grant you a boon, brahmin, whatever you wish in your mind.

21.

If you have given me a boon, Sakka, lord of all beings;

For me dwelling in the forest, always living alone;

May illnesses not arise, severe obstacles.

22.

Since this has been well spoken by you, fitting and well said;

I grant you a boon, brahmin, whatever you wish in your mind.

23.

If you have given me a boon, Sakka, lord of all beings;

Neither mind nor body, on my account, Sakka, of anyone;

Should ever be harmed - this, Sakka, is the boon I choose.

The Kaṇha Birth Story is the second.

441.

The Catuposathiya Birth Story (3)

24.

Whoever does not make irritation towards what provokes irritation, a good person never becomes angry;

Even when angered, he does not manifest irritation, him indeed they call an ascetic in the world.

25.

With belly unfilled, whoever endures hunger, tamed, an austere ascetic, measured in drink and food;

Does not do evil for the sake of food, him indeed they call an ascetic in the world.

26.

Having abandoned all play and delight, you speak nothing false in the world;

Abstaining from adornment and from sexual intercourse, him indeed they call an ascetic in the world.

27.

He who indeed, having fully understood, abandons all possession and the state of greed;

Tamed, inwardly firm, unselfish, desireless, him indeed they call an ascetic in the world.

28.

We ask the maker of superior wisdom, among us in discussions strife has arisen;

Cut off today the uncertainty and doubts, that uncertainty today may we all remove.

29.

Those who are wise, seers of meaning, they speak wisely there at the proper time;

How then could skilful lords of men convey the meaning of discussions not spoken?

30.

How indeed does the king of serpents speak, and what did the Garuḷa, son of Vinatā, say;

And what did the king of gandhabbas say, and how the foremost king of the Kurus.

31.

The king of serpents indeed speaks of patience, the Garuḷa, son of Vinatā, of eating little;

The king of gandhabbas of the abandoning of delight, the foremost king of the Kurus of owning nothing.

32.

All these are well-spoken, there is nothing here that is ill-spoken;

And in whom these are established, well-fitted together like spokes in a nave;

Endowed with four qualities, him indeed they call an ascetic in the world.

33.

For you are the best, you are unsurpassed, you are one who has reached the Teaching, one who understands the Teaching, the wise one;

Having fully grasped the question with wisdom, the wise one cut off the doubts;

He cut off uncertainty and doubts, just as Cunda cuts an ivory peg with a file.

34.

This cloth, with the radiance of a blue water-lily, spotless, priceless, smoke-coloured;

Satisfied by the explanation of the question, I give it to you, O wise one, as an offering to the Dhamma.

35.

A golden garland fully blossomed with a hundred petals, with filaments, adorned with a thousand gems;

Satisfied by the explanation of the question, I give it to you, O wise one, as an offering to the Dhamma.

36.

This jewel, priceless, beautiful and luminous, hanging from my neck, adorned with gems;

Satisfied by the explanation of the question, I give it to you, O wise one, as an offering to the Dhamma.

37.

A thousand cattle and a leading bull, an elephant, and these ten chariots yoked with thoroughbreds;

Satisfied by the explanation of the question, I give you sixteen excellent villages.

38.

Sāriputta was then the serpent, but Kolita was the supaṇṇa;

Anuruddha was the king of gandhabbas, Ānanda was the wise king;

And the Bodhisatta was Vidhura, thus remember the Jātaka.

The Catuposathiya Birth Story is the third.

442.

The Saṅkha Birth Story (4)

39.

"You are very learned, you have heard the Teaching, Saṅkha, and ascetics and brahmins have been seen by you;

Yet at an inopportune moment you display idle talk, who else is there to answer you besides me?"

40.

Beautiful-faced, beautiful, adorned with gold ornaments, having raised up a golden bowl;

"Eat the meal," thus she says to me, full of faith, to her I say "No."

41.

Having seen such a demon, brahmin, a man hoping for happiness should ask;

Rise up, ask her with joined palms, are you a goddess or a human woman?

42.

Since you look upon me with pleasure, you say to me "Eat the meal";

I ask you, woman of great majesty, are you a goddess or a human woman?

43.

"I am a goddess, Saṅkha, of great majesty, come here in the midst of the ocean waters;

Compassionate and not with corrupted mind, I have come here for your very purpose."

44.

Here food and drink, bed and seat, and vehicles of many kinds, O Saṅkha;

All this I provide for you, whatever you have wished for in your mind.

45.

Whatever sacrifice and oblation of mine, you are the lord of all that, O beautiful one;

O beautiful-waisted one, beautiful-browed one, with a well-formed waist, of what action of mine is this the result?

46.

In the heat on the path, brahmin, a lone monk, with feet chafed, thirsty and weary;

You supplied sandals, Saṅkha, that offering is wish-fulfilling for you today.

47.

Let there be a boat furnished with planks, unsoaked, fitted with eraka-grass and wind;

There is no ground here for another vehicle, this very day convey me to Moḷinī.

48.

She there, delighted, glad, elated, having created a well-decorated boat;

Having taken Saṅkha together with the man, she brought him to the city, so delightful.

The Saṅkha Birth Story is the fourth.

443.

The Cūḷabodhi Birth Story (5)

49.

Whoever should take away by force this large-eyed one of yours, dear, speaking pleasantly;

What would you do, brahmin?

50.

Should it arise in me, it would not be released, it would not be released from me while living;

Just as abundant rain quickly prevents dust.

51.

That which you formerly boasted of, as if dependent on power;

Today now silent, you sit sewing the double robe.

52.

It arose in me but was not released, it was not released from me while living;

Just as abundant rain quickly prevents dust, so I quickly prevented it.

53.

What arose in you and was not released, what was not released from you while living;

Just as abundant rain prevents dust, which one did you ward off?

54.

When it has arisen one does not see, when it has not arisen one sees well;

It arose in me and was not released, wrath, the domain of the imprudent.

55.

That by whose arising enemies, seekers of suffering, rejoice;

It arose in me and was not released, wrath, the domain of the imprudent.

56.

And in whom, when it arises, one does not understand one's own welfare;

It arose in me and was not released, wrath, the domain of the imprudent.

57.

By which one overpowered gives up the wholesome, and causes another to neglect even extensive benefit;

That one with a dreadful army, powerful, a crusher, wrath, great king, does not release me.

58.

When wood is being churned, fire is born;

That very wood it burns, from which that fire arises.

59.

Thus for a foolish man, an ignorant one not understanding;

From rivalry wrath is born, and he too is burnt by that very thing.

60.

Like fire in grass and wood, for whom wrath increases;

His fame diminishes, like the moon in the dark fortnight.

61.

Like a fire without fuel, in whom wrath is calmed;

His fame increases, like the moon in the bright fortnight.

The Cūḷabodhi Birth Story is the fifth.

444.

The Kaṇhadīpāyana Birth Story (6)

62.

"For only seven days I, with a gladdened mind, desirous of merit, practised the holy life;

And furthermore, this that I have practised, for more than fifty years;

Unwillingly indeed I practise, by this truth may there be well-being;

Let the poison be destroyed, may Yaññadatta live."

63.

Since I never delighted in giving, having seen a guest at the time of lodging;

And they did not know my unpleasantness, the very learned ascetics and brahmins.

Unwillingly indeed I give, by this truth may there be well-being;

Let the poison be destroyed, may Yaññadatta live."

64.

"The venomous snake of abundant radiance, which bit you having risen from its lair;

In my dislike for it today, and for your father there is no distinction;

By this truth may there be well-being, let the poison be destroyed, may Yaññadatta live."

65.

Peaceful ones, tamed, wander forth, apart from the dark one there are none without the form of sensuality;

Dīpāyana, being disgusted with what, do you unwillingly live the holy life?

66.

Having gone forth through faith, then turned back again, he is indeed like an idiot, this fool;

Being disgusted with this doctrine, unwillingly I live the holy life;

The state praised by the wise and of the good, thus I become a doer of merit.

67.

You satisfy ascetics, brahmins, and travellers, with food and drink as almsfood;

This house of yours is like a well, endowed with food and drink;

Then being disgusted with what doctrine, unwillingly do you give this gift?

68.

My fathers and grandfathers were faithful, masters of giving, bountiful;

Following that family duty, may I not be the last scent in the family;

Being disgusted with this doctrine, unwillingly I give this gift.

69.

A young maiden of immature wisdom, whom I brought from my relatives' family, O beautiful one;

And she did not know my unpleasantness, apart from sensual desire while serving me;

Then for what reason, dear lady, was your communal life with me of such a form?

70.

Far, distant, never here exists, a lineage named in this family;

Following that family duty, may I not be the last scent in the family;

Being disgusted with this doctrine, unwillingly I am your foot-servant.

71.

"Maṇḍabya, I spoke what should not be spoken, may that be forgiven today because of my little son;

Out of love for my son, nothing else matters here or beyond, for our Yaññadatta lives."

The Kaṇhadīpāyana Birth Story is the sixth.

445.

The Nigrodha Birth Story (7)

72.

I do not know this, who this is or whose it is;

As the friend behaved thus, Nigrodha, what do you think?

73.

Then, having seized me by the throat, the men dragged me out;

Having given blows to my face, obedient to Sākha's word.

74.

Such was done by the evil-minded one, the ungrateful, the treacherous;

An ignoble deed was done by your relative, by your friend, O lord of people.

75.

I do not know this, nor does anyone tell me;

What you, my dear, declared to me, torture done by a relative.

76.

You are a provider of livelihood for friends, and for both me and Sākha;

You are the giver of supremacy to us, greatness among human beings;

By you this supernormal power was obtained for us, here there is no doubt for me.

77.

Just as a seed in fire is burnt and does not grow;

So what is done for a bad person perishes and does not grow.

78.

In a grateful man, virtuous, of noble conduct;

Like seeds in a good field, what is done for him does not perish.

79.

This contemptible cheat, one who thinks like a bad person;

Let them strike the friend with spears, I do not wish for his life.

80.

Be patient with him, great king, living beings cannot be brought back;

Be patient, O king, with the bad person, I do not wish for his murder.

81.

One should resort to the banyan tree, one should not dwell with a branch;

Death in the banyan tree is better, than life in a branch.

The Nigrodha Birth Story is the seventh.

446.

The Takkala Birth Story (8)

82.

There are no takkala roots, there are no yams, there are no bulbous plants, there are no kaḷamba roots, dear son;

Alone in the forest in the midst of a cemetery, for what purpose, dear son, do you dig a pit?

83.

Your grandfather, dear son, is very weak, afflicted by suffering from many ailments;

Today I shall bury him in a pit, for I do not like that life of his.

84.

Having obtained this evil thought, you do a cruel, harmful deed;

From me too, dear son, you will receive such action, brought on by old age;

Following that family duty, I too shall bury you in a pit.

85.

Making harsh speech, having insulted me, you speak, young man;

Being my own legitimate son, you are one who wishes for my harm, son.

86.

I am not one who wishes for your harm, dear son, I too am one who wishes for your welfare, dear son;

But you doing that evil action, I am not able to prevent you from that.

87.

Whoever, of bad character, harms his mother or father, the innocent ones;

Upon the collapse of the body, in the future life, without doubt he goes to hell.

88.

Whoever looks after his mother or father, with food and drink;

Upon the collapse of the body, in the future life, without doubt he goes to a fortunate destination.

89.

You are not one who wishes for my harm, son, you are one who wishes for my welfare, son;

And I, being addressed by you as mother, do such cruel action.

90.

"She who is that wife of yours of ignoble form, she is my own mother, my parent;

You should expel her from your own home, she might bring you other suffering too."

91.

"She who is that wife of yours of ignoble form, she is my own mother, my parent;

Tamed like a she-elephant brought under control, she of bad character, let her come back again."

The Takkala Birth Story is the eighth.

447.

The Mahādhammapāla Birth Story (9)

92.

"What was your religious duty, what then was your holy life, of what well-practised deed is this the result;

Tell me this matter, brahmin, why then do your young ones not die?"

93.

We practise the Teaching, we do not speak falsely, we avoid evil actions;

We avoid all that is ignoble, therefore our young ones do not die.

94.

We hear the teaching of the bad and the good, and we do not approve of the teaching of the bad;

Having left the bad, we do not give up the good, therefore our young ones do not die.

95.

Even before giving we are glad, and while giving indeed we are delighted;

And even having given we do not feel remorse afterwards, therefore our young ones do not die.

96.

We satisfy ascetics, brahmins, and travellers, paupers, beggars, and the poor;

With food and drink, therefore our young ones do not die.

97.

We do not transgress our wives, and our wives do not transgress us;

Apart from them we live the holy life, therefore our young ones do not die.

98.

We all abstain from killing living beings, we avoid what is not given in the world;

We abstain from intoxicants and do not speak falsehood, therefore our young ones do not die.

99.

In these virtuous women indeed are born the wise, those of abundant wisdom;

They become very learned and attainers of the highest knowledge, therefore our young ones do not die.

100.

Mother and father and sister and brothers, and sons and wife and all of us;

We practise the Teaching for the sake of the world beyond, therefore our young ones do not die.

101.

Slaves and female slaves and dependents, attendants and labourers, all;

They practise the Teaching for the sake of the world beyond, therefore our young ones do not die.

102.

The Teaching indeed protects one who practises the Teaching, the Teaching well practised brings happiness;

This is the benefit when the Teaching is well practised, one who practises the Teaching does not go to an unfortunate realm.

103.

The Teaching indeed protects one who practises the Teaching, like a great umbrella in the rainy season;

Protected by the Teaching is my Dhammapāla, the bones are of another, the boy is happy.

The Mahādhammapāla Birth Story is the ninth.

448.

The Cock Birth Story (10)

104.

One should not trust in one who has done evil, one should not trust in a speaker of lies;

One should not trust in one whose wisdom is for his own benefit, one should not trust even in one who appears exceedingly calm.

105.

There are some men, of the nature of thirsty cows;

They devour friends, methinks, by speech but not by action.

106.

With dry palms raised, wrapped up by speech;

One should not approach such worthless humans, in whom there is no gratitude.

107.

One should not trust in women or men of fickle mind;

Having made association in various ways, one should not trust even such a one.

108.

One who has entered into ignoble deeds, untrustworthy, harmful to all;

Like a sharp sword concealed, one should not trust even such a one.

109.

Some here with the appearance of friends, with softness of speech but without heart;

They approach by various means, one should not trust even such a one.

110.

Wherever such a one sees material gains or wealth,

The imprudent one plots treachery, and having killed that one, he goes.

111.

Many beings, concealed, associate in the guise of a friend;

One should give up these wretches, like a cock the hawk.

112.

"Whoever does not quickly understand the matter that has arisen;

Falls under the control of enemies, and afterwards feels remorse.

113.

Whoever quickly understands the matter that has arisen;

Is freed from the confinement of enemies, like a cock from a hawk;

114.

Such a one, like a snare laid in the forest, unrighteous, always causing destruction;

A wise man should avoid from afar, as a cock avoids a hawk in a bamboo grove.

The Kukkuṭa Birth Story is the tenth.

449.

The Maṭṭhakuṇḍalī Birth Story (11)

115.

"Adorned, with polished earrings, wearing garlands, covered with yellow sandalwood;

Having raised your arms you weep, in the midst of the forest why are you afflicted?"

116.

"A golden, luminous chariot body has arisen for me;

I cannot find a pair of wheels for it, by that suffering I give up life."

117.

Made of gold, made of jewels, made of copper, and also made of silver;

Tell me, I will make a chariot for you, I will provide a pair of wheels for it.

118.

That young man said to him, "The moon and sun are both brothers here;

My chariot is made of gold, it shines with that pair of wheels."

119.

"You are foolish, young man, you who desire what ought not to be desired;

I think you will die, for indeed you will not obtain the moon and sun."

120.

The going and coming is seen, the colour element in both places in the sky;

But the ghost is indeed not seen, who now among those crying is more foolish?

121.

"You speak the truth, young man, I myself am more foolish among those crying;

Like a child crying for the moon, I longed for the ghost who has died.

122.

"Indeed, as I was blazing, like a fire sprinkled with ghee;

Pouring down as if with water, he extinguished all my anguish.

123.

"He has indeed drawn out my dart, which was lodged in my heart;

He who, for me overcome with sorrow, dispelled my sorrow for my son.

124.

I have had the dart pulled out, free from sorrow, undisturbed;

I do not grieve, I do not weep, having heard you, young man."

The Maṭṭhakuṇḍalī Birth Story is the eleventh.

450.

The Bilārakosiya Birth Story (12)

125.

Even those not cooking wish to give, the good having obtained food;

How much more you who are cooking, what you would not give - that is not right.

126.

Through stinginess and through negligence, thus a gift is not given;

By one desiring merit, a gift should be given by one who knows.

127.

That very thing which the miser, being afraid, does not give, that very fear comes to the non-giver;

The hunger and thirst which the miser fears,

That very thing touches the fool, in this world and the next.

128.

Therefore, having removed stinginess, one should give a gift, having overcome the stain;

Merits are a support for beings in the world beyond.

129.

Giving what is hard to give, doing what is hard to do;

The bad do not imitate, the principle of the good is hard to follow.

130.

Therefore the destination from here is different for the good and the bad;

The bad go to hell, the good are destined for heaven.

131.

"Some give from little, many with much do not give;

An offering given from little is measured equal to a thousand.

132.

"One who practises the Teaching, even one who practises gleaning, supporting a wife, giving from little;

A hundred thousand who sacrifice a thousand each, are not worth even a fraction of one such as that."

133.

"Why is this sacrifice, vast and very costly, not worth what is given righteously?

How is it that a hundred thousand who sacrifice a thousand each, are not worth even a fraction of one such as that?"

134.

"Some give while established in unrighteousness, having cut off, having killed, and having caused sorrow;

That offering, with tearful faces, with punishment, is not worth what is given righteously;

Thus a hundred thousand who sacrifice a thousand each, are not worth even a fraction of one such as that."

The Bilārakosiya Birth Story is the twelfth.

451.

The Cakkavāka Birth Story (13)

135.

You are of good complexion, handsome, compact, with well-developed red colour;

Ruddy goose, you are beautiful, with very clear face and faculties.

136.

Shad, pāvusa fish, balaja fish, muñja fish and rohita fish;

Seated on the bank of the Ganges, thus you eat your food.

137.

I do not eat this, whether jungle or aquatic;

Apart from moss and insects, this is my food, my dear.

138.

I do not believe this, the food of the ruddy goose;

I too, my dear, eat in the village salt and oil.

139.

Food prepared among human beings, pure, with meat sauce;

Yet my beauty is not such, ruddy goose, as yours.

140.

Seeing enmity in yourself, harming the human generation;

Frightened, you eat in fear, therefore your appearance is such.

141.

You are opposed to all the world, crow, by evil action;

The almsfood obtained does not satisfy, therefore your appearance is such.

142.

I too, my dear, eat, without harming all living beings;

Living at ease, unsuspicious, sorrowless, free from fear from any quarter.

143.

So exert your power, transcend your bad character;

Practise non-violence in the world, you will become dear like me.

144.

"Whoever neither kills nor causes to kill, neither conquers nor causes to conquer;

Having a share of friendliness towards all beings, for him there is no enmity with anyone."

The Cakkavāka Birth Story is the thirteenth.

452.

The Bhūripañña Birth Story (14)

145.

"Is it true, you of extensive wisdom, that with such glory, steadfastness and wisdom;

You do not protect what is brought by the power of existence, you who eat barley with little curry?"

146.

Ripening happiness through suffering, selecting from time to time, covered by desire;

Opening the doors of meaning, by that I am satisfied with barley rice.

147.

And having known the time for exertion, having developed the purpose through stratagems;

I shall display lion-like displays, by that supernormal power you will see me again.

148.

Some who are happy do not do evil, others again through fear of association with blame;

Being able, thinking of great benefit, why do you not cause me suffering?

149.

The wise do not practise evil actions for the sake of their own happiness;

Touched by suffering, even when stumbling, they do not give up the Teaching through desire or hate.

150.

By whatever reason, whether soft or harsh;

One should lift up one's wretched self, afterwards one should practise the Teaching.

151.

In the shade of whatever tree one might sit or lie down,

One should not break a branch of that tree, for a betrayer of friends is evil.

152.

From whom a person would learn the Teaching, and the peaceful ones who remove his uncertainty;

He is indeed his refuge and ultimate goal, a wise one should not let friendliness towards him decay.

153.

A lazy householder enjoying sensual pleasures is not good, an unrestrained one gone forth is not good;

A king not acting considerately is not good, whoever is a wise one prone to wrath, that is not good.

154.

A warrior should act considerately, a lord of the land not inconsiderately;

For a king who acts considerately, fame and renown increase.

The Bhūripañña Birth Story is the fourteenth.

453.

The Mahāmaṅgala Birth Story (15)

155.

What should a man recite having learnt at the proper time, which true knowledge or which of the learnings;

How should that mortal act in this world and the next, to be protected by safety?

156.

For whom gods and ancestors all, reptiles and all beings too;

Are constantly esteemed through friendliness, that indeed they call safety among beings.

157.

He who is humble in conduct towards the whole world, towards women and men together with children;

Patient, enduring harsh words, not speaking in opposition, that they call endurance, safety.

158.

Whoever does not despise friends and companions, by craft, by lineage, by wealth, or by birth;

Of pleasing wisdom, wise in times of need - that indeed they call safety among companions.

159.

For whom the peaceful become friends, intimate with one who speaks truth;

Not a betrayer of friends, generous with wealth, that indeed they call safety among friends.

160.

Whose wife is of equal age, harmonious, devoted, a lover of righteousness, and has borne children;

Of good family, virtuous, devoted to her husband - that indeed they call safety in wives.

161.

For whom the king, the lord of beings, the famous one, knows his purity and his exertion;

Through undivided loyalty, "He is a friend of mine" - that indeed they call safety among kings.

162.

The faithful one gives food and drink, garlands and odour and cosmetics;

With a gladdened mind, rejoicing, that indeed they call safety in the heavens.

163.

Those whom the seniors purify by the noble teaching, the peaceful ones who have been won over by righteous conduct;

Very learned sages, virtuous ones, that they call safety in the midst of Worthy Ones.

164.

These indeed are blessings in the world, praised by the wise, yielding happiness;

A wise man should resort to these here, for in blessings there is nothing true.

The Mahāmaṅgala Birth Story is the fifteenth.

454.

The Ghaṭapaṇḍita Birth Story (16)

165.

"Rise up, Kaṇha, why do you lie down? What use is sleeping to you?

He who is your own brother, your heart and right eye;

His winds are growing strong, Ghaṭa is muttering, Kesava.

166.

Having heard that word of his, of Rohiṇeyya, Kesava,

Being in a hurry, arose, distressed by sorrow for his brother.

167.

"Why, as if mad, throughout this whole Dvārakā,

Do you prattle 'A hare, a hare!' - who then took away your hare?

168.

Made of gold, made of jewels, made of copper, and also made of silver;

Made of conch, stone, and coral, I will have a hare made for you.

169.

There are also other hares, forest-dwellers roaming in the woods;

Those too I will bring for you - what kind of hare do you wish for?

170.

I do not wish for those, those hares dependent on the earth;

I wish for the hare from the moon, bring that down for me, Kesava.

171.

"Surely then, dear relative, you will give up your sweet life;

You who desire what ought not to be desired, you wish for the hare from the moon."

172.

"If you know thus, Kaṇha, as you instruct another;

Why do you still today grieve for your son who died before?"

173.

That which cannot be obtained by a human being, or even by a non-human being;

'May my son who was born not die' - how can the unobtainable be obtained?

174.

Not by spells, not by root medicines, not by remedies or by wealth;

Is it possible to bring back, Kaṇha, the departed one you grieve for.

175.

One who has such wise men as councillors,

As Ghaṭa, the wise man, convinced me today.

176.

"Indeed, as I was blazing, like a fire sprinkled with ghee;

Pouring down as if with water, he extinguished all my anguish.

177.

"He has indeed drawn out my dart, which was lodged in my heart;

He who, for me overcome with sorrow, dispelled my sorrow for my son.

178.

I have had the dart pulled out, free from sorrow, undisturbed;

I do not grieve, I do not weep, having heard you, young man.

179.

Thus do the wise act, those who are compassionate;

They turn one away from sorrow, as Ghaṭa did his elder brother.

The Ghaṭapaṇḍita Birth Story is the sixteenth.

The Decad Chapter is concluded.

Its summary:

Firm, Kaṇha, Dhanañjaya, Saṅkhavara, King, Week, Kassa, and Takkalina;

Dhamma, Cock, Earring-wearer, Food-giver, Ruddy Goose, Subhūrisa, Blessing, and Ghaṭa.

11.

The Book of the Elevens

455.

The Mātuposaka Birth Story (1)

1.

Due to the separation from that elephant, the sallakī trees and kuṭaja trees have grown;

Kuruvinda trees and karavīra plants and tisasāmā, and in the sheltered place the kaṇikāra trees have blossomed.

2.

Somewhere those with golden bracelets support the king of elephants with almsfood;

Whereon a king or a prince, unafraid, will strike through the armour.

3.

Take the mouthful, O noble one, do not become lean, O noble one;

Many are the royal duties, those you will perform, O noble one.

4.

She must be that wretched one, blind, without a guide;

She strikes a stump with her foot, towards the mountain Caṇḍoraṇa.

5.

Who is she to you, great elephant, blind, without a guide;

She strikes a stump with her foot, towards the mountain Caṇḍoraṇa.

6.

She is my mother, great king, blind, without a guide;

She strikes a stump with her foot, towards the mountain Caṇḍoraṇa.

7.

Release this great elephant, who supports his mother;

Let the elephant be reunited with his mother, together with all his relatives.

8.

And the elephant freed from bondage, the tusker having taken the lotus roots;

Having rested for a moment, went to where the mountain was.

9.

Then he, having gone to the lotus pond, cool, frequented by elephants;

Having drawn up water with his trunk, he sprinkled his mother.

10.

What ignoble sky, it rains even out of season;

Gone is my son born from myself, who was my attendant.

11.

"Rise up, mother, why do you lie down? I, your son, have come here;

I have been released by the King of Kāsi, the famous Vedeha.

12.

May that king live long, the increaser of the Kāsi realm;

Who released my son, always honouring the elders.

The Mātuposaka Birth Story is the first.

456.

The Juṇha Birth Story (2)

13.

Hear my word, lord of men, I have arrived here for a purpose in the moonlight;

When a brahmin traveller is standing, one should not depart, they say, O foremost lord of bipeds.

14.

I am listening, I stand here, speak, Brahmā, for what purpose have you arrived here;

Or what purpose are you desiring from me, that you came here, Brahmā? Please tell me that.

15.

Give me five excellent villages, a hundred female slaves, seven hundred cattle;

And more than a thousand gold coins, and give me two wives equal to myself.

16.

Is your austere asceticism, brahmin, of fearsome form? Are your spells, brahmin, of wondrous form?

Are there any demons loyal to you? Or do you recall some benefit done for me?

17.

I have no austere asceticism nor even spells, nor are there any demons loyal to me;

I do not recall any benefit done by you, but formerly there was just a meeting.

18.

This is the first seeing for me who knows, I do not directly know you from before here;

Tell me, being asked, this matter, when or where was our meeting?

19.

In the charming city of the Gandhāra king, we dwelt in Takkasīlā, O king;

There in the darkness of a very dark night, we rubbed shoulder against shoulder.

20.

We both stood there, O lord of men, and exchanged memorable talk there;

That very thing was just our meeting, after that there was none, nor before.

21.

Whenever, O Brahmā, among humans, there is a meeting with a good person;

The wise do not destroy associations and intimacies, nor what was done before.

22.

Fools indeed destroy associations and intimacies, and also what was done before;

Even much done for fools perishes, for thus fools are of ungrateful nature.

23.

The wise indeed do not destroy associations and intimacies, nor what was done before;

Even a little done for the wise does not perish, for thus the wise are of grateful nature.

24.

I give you five excellent villages, a hundred female slaves, seven hundred cattle;

And more than a thousand gold coins, and I give you two wives equal to yourself.

25.

Thus it is for the good when meeting, O king, like the king of stars among the stars;

The lord of Kāsi is fulfilled, so am I, and today a meeting with you has been obtained by me.

The Juṇha Birth Story is the second.

457.

The Dhammadevaputta Birth Story (3)

26.

I am a fame-maker, a merit-maker, always praised by ascetics and brahmins;

Worthy of the path, worshipped by gods and humans, I am the Teaching - give the path, O Unrighteous One.

27.

Having firmly mounted the vehicle of unrighteousness, not trembling, I am powerful;

For what reason should I today give to you, O Dhamma, the path never given before?

28.

The Teaching indeed appeared formerly, afterwards not the Teaching arose in the world;

The eldest and the best and the eternal, drive off from the road of the eldest, younger one.

29.

Not by entreaty, nor by fitting words, nor by worthiness would I give the path to you;

And let there be battle between us two today, whoever conquers in battle, his is the path.

30.

I have spread through all directions, of great power, of immeasurable fame, incomparable;

Endowed with all virtues, I am the Teaching - O Unrighteous One, how will you defeat me?

31.

Gold is indeed destroyed by copper, copper is not destroyed by gold;

If what is not the Teaching destroys the Teaching today, iron would be beautiful to behold like gold.

32.

If you are powerful in battle, O Unrighteous One, there are no elders and no venerable ones for you;

And I give you the path with what is dear and what is not dear, and I forgive you for your ill-spoken words.

33.

And having heard this word, Adhamma, head downward, fell with feet upward;

"If I, seeking battle, do not obtain battle," to that extent Adhamma is destroyed.

34.

The one with the power of patience, having conquered the power of war, having killed the unrighteous one, having struck him down to the ground;

Delighted, having ascended the chariot, he set forth by the path itself, exceedingly powerful, striving for truth.

35.

Mother, father, and ascetics and brahmins, not honoured in whose own home;

Having laid down the bodily form right here, upon the body's collapse, they go to hell;

Just as Adhamma fell headlong.

36.

Mother, father, and ascetics and brahmins, well honoured in whose own home;

Having laid down the bodily form right here, upon the body's collapse, they go to a fortunate destination;

Just as Dhamma, having ascended the chariot.

The Dhammadevaputta Birth Story is the third.

458.

The Udaya Birth Story (4)

37.

Seated alone, pure, with thighs composed, having ascended the palace, with blameless limbs;

I request you, O one with eyes like a kinnara's, let us both dwell here for one night.

38.

Strewn with moats in between, with firm watchtowers and gate-houses;

Protected by sword-bearing guards, this city is difficult to enter.

39.

For one young in years and also a youth, no approach is found;

Then for what reason do you desire a meeting with me?

40.

"I am a demon, beautiful one, I have come into your presence;

Delight me, venerable lady, I give you a full plate."

41.

I do not wish for a god or a demon or a human being, having passed beyond rise, for another;

Go indeed, demon of great majesty, and having gone, do not return here again.

42.

That delight which is the highest for those who enjoy sensual pleasures, because of which beings practise unrighteously;

Do not let that delight decay in you, pure one, I give you money, a plate full.

43.

A man, persuading a woman with wealth, praises her wherever he makes his desire;

Your divine nature is contrary, you came to me in person with less.

44.

Life span and beauty in the human world, decline for humans of good body;

By that very beauty your wealth too, declines - you are more aged today.

45.

Thus as I am looking on, O glorious king's daughter;

Your beauty diminishes, after the passing of days and nights.

46.

With this very youth, O wise king's daughter;

You should live the holy life, you would become even more beautiful.

47.

Gods do not grow old as human beings do, wrinkles do not appear on their bodies;

I ask you, demon of great majesty, how then is the bodily form of the gods?

48.

Gods do not grow old as human beings do, wrinkles do not appear on their bodies;

Day after day, even more so for them, divine beauty and abundant wealth.

49.

"Why here are many people frightened, and the path is declared with many bases;

I ask you, demon of great majesty, standing where would one not fear the world beyond?"

50.

Having directed speech and mind rightly, not doing evil deeds by body;

Dwelling in a house with abundant food and drink, faithful, gentle, generous, bountiful;

One who treats kindly, kindly in speech, of smooth speech, standing here one would not fear the world beyond.

51.

You instruct me, demon, just as a mother, just as a father;

I ask you of lofty beauty, who indeed are you, O noble one?

52.

I am Udaya, beautiful one, I have come here because of a promise;

Having informed you, I go, I am freed from your promise.

53.

If indeed you are Udaya, come here because of a promise;

Instruct me, prince, so that there may be a meeting again.

54.

Youth passes swiftly by, the moment likewise, there is no stable state, beings constantly pass away;

The unstable body decays, Udayā, do not be heedless, practise the Teaching.

55.

The whole earth full of wealth, might belong to one alone, not subject to another;

Even that one not free from lust gives up, Udayā, do not be heedless, practise the Teaching.

56.

Mother and father and brothers, and wife who is bought with wealth;

They too abandon one another, Udayā, do not be heedless, practise the Teaching.

57.

Having known the body is food for others, and in the round of rebirths both fortunate and unfortunate realms;

Having understood it is a brief dwelling, Udayā, do not be heedless, practise the Teaching.

58.

"Well does this demon speak, small is the life of mortals;

Difficult and small, and that is bound with suffering;

I alone shall go forth, having left Kāsi and Surundhana."

The Udaya Birth Story is the fourth.

459.

The Pānīya Birth Story (5)

59.

A friend's drinking water, not given, I consumed;

Because of that I afterwards felt disgust, that evil was done by me;

May I not do evil again, therefore I have gone forth.

60.

Having seen another's wife, desire arose in me;

Because of that I afterwards felt disgust, that evil was done by me;

May I not do evil again, therefore I have gone forth.

61.

Great king, thieves seized my father in the forest;

When asked by them, though knowing, I explained it otherwise.

62.

Because of that I afterwards felt disgust, that evil was done by me;

May I not do evil again, therefore I have gone forth.

63.

They killed living beings, when the soma sacrifice was at hand;

I approved of them, because of that I afterwards felt disgust.

64.

That evil was done by me, may I not do evil again;

Therefore I have gone forth.

65.

Those people who first in our village were fond of spirits, liquor and honey-drink;

They prepared the drinking of intoxicants for the harm of many.

66.

I approved of them, because of that I afterwards felt disgust;

That evil was done by me, may I not do evil again;

Therefore I have gone forth.

67.

Shame on the very many sensual pleasures, foul-smelling and full of thorns;

Which I, while indulging in, did not obtain such happiness.

68.

Sensual pleasures are of great enjoyment, pleasant; there is no happiness beyond sensual pleasures;

Those who indulge in sensual pleasures, they are reborn in heaven.

69.

Sensual pleasures are of little enjoyment, painful; there is no suffering beyond sensual pleasures;

Those who indulge in sensual pleasures, they are reborn in hell.

70.

Just as a sword well-sharpened, or a well-whetted scimitar;

Or a spear thrown into the chest, sensual pleasures are more painful than that.

71.

Like a blazing pit of embers, more than a man's height deep;

Or a ploughshare heated all day, sensual pleasures are more painful than that.

72.

Like deadly poison, like boiling oil;

Like molten copper, sensual pleasures are more painful than that.

The Pānīya Birth Story is the fifth.

460.

The Yudhañcaya Birth Story (6)

73.

Surrounded by friends and ministers, I pay homage to the bull among charioteers;

I shall go forth, O king, may Your Majesty approve of that.

74.

"If you are lacking in sensual pleasures, I will fulfil them for you;

Whoever harms you, I will prevent, do not go forth, Yudhañcaya.

75.

"There is no lack for me in sensual pleasures, no one who harms me is found;

And I wish to make a refuge, which ageing does not overwhelm.

76.

A son may request his father, or a father his own-begotten son;

The townspeople request you, dear son, do not go forth, Yudhañcaya.

77.

Do not prevent me, O king, as I go forth, O bull among charioteers;

May I not, intoxicated by sensual pleasures, come under the control of ageing.

78.

I request you, dear son, I would restrain you, son;

For a long time I wish to see you, do not go forth, Yudhañcaya.

79.

Like dew on the tip of grass, towards the rising of the sun;

So is the life of human beings, do not hinder me, mother.

80.

Crossing over, let him put this one on the vehicle, O bull among charioteers;

May my mother not be an obstacle-maker to me as I cross over.

81.

Run forth, venerable one, Rammaka will be empty;

Yudhañcaya has been permitted by King Sabbadatta.

82.

He who was the foremost of a thousand, a youth resembling gold;

This prince has gone forth, wearing ochre robes, the strong one.

83.

Both princes have gone forth, Yudhañcaya and Yudhiṭṭhila;

Having abandoned mother and father, having cut off attachment to Death.

The Yudhañcaya Birth Story is the sixth.

461.

The Dasaratha Birth Story (7)

84.

"Come, Lakkhaṇa and Sītā, both of you descend into the water;

Thus this Bharata said: 'King Dasaratha is dead.'"

85.

By what power of Rāma do you not grieve what should be grieved;

Having heard that your father has died, does not suffering oppress you?

86.

That which cannot be protected, even by a man lamenting much;

Why should the wise, the intelligent one, torment himself?

87.

Both the young and the old, those who are foolish and those who are wise;

The wealthy and the poor, all have death as their destination.

88.

Just as for ripe fruits, there is always fear from falling;

So for mortals who are born, there is always fear from death.

89.

In the evening some are not seen, who in the morning were seen as many people;

In the morning some are not seen, who in the evening were seen as many people.

90.

If by lamenting, one could bring about some benefit;

The discerning one would do it, though deluded, harming oneself.

91.

One becomes lean and discoloured, hurting oneself by oneself;

The ghosts are not protected by that, lamentation is useless.

92.

Just as a burning house might be extinguished with water;

So too the wise one, the learned, the intelligent, the wise man;

Should dispel quickly arisen sorrow, as the wind disperses cotton.

93.

A mortal passes on alone, alone he is born in a family;

The enjoyments of all living beings are supreme only through union.

94.

Therefore, for the wise one who is very learned, seeing this world and the next;

Having understood the Teaching, the heart and the mind, even great sorrows do not torment.

95.

I shall give and enjoy, and I shall support my relatives;

And I shall protect the rest, this is the function of one who understands.

96.

Ten thousand years, and sixty hundred years;

Rāma, with conch-marked neck and mighty arms, exercised kingship.

The Dasaratha Birth Story is the seventh.

462.

The Saṃvara Birth Story (8)

97.

Knowing, great king, your morality, the lord of men;

Honouring these princes, he did not think of you with anyone.

98.

Whether our great king was still living, or whether the lord had passed away;

Relatives approved of him, seeing his own welfare.

99.

By what duty of restraint do you stand above those of the same birth;

By what do the congregations of kinsmen assembled not surpass you.

100.

I am not jealous, prince, of the ascetics, the great sages;

I pay homage to them attentively, I venerate the feet of such ones.

101.

They instruct me, devoted to the qualities of the teaching, willing to listen and not envious;

Ascetics, sages delighting in the qualities of the teaching.

102.

Having heard their words, of the ascetics, the great sages;

I despise nothing, my mind delights in the Teaching.

103.

Elephant riders, royal bodyguards, charioteers, and infantry soldiers;

I do not withhold from them their established food and wages.

104.

And I have chief ministers, counsellors and attendants;

They trade in Bārāṇasī, with abundant meat and liquor and water.

105.

And also prosperous merchants, come from various countries;

For them protection has been arranged by me, know this thus, Uposatha.

106.

Truly, exercise kingship by the Teaching for your relatives, Saṃvara;

You are wise and learned, and also beneficial to your relatives.

107.

Him, surrounded by relatives, adorned with various jewels;

Enemies cannot overcome, like the lord of titans cannot overcome Indra.

The Saṃvara Birth Story is the eighth.

463.

The Suppāraka Birth Story (9)

108.

They emerge and they dive, humans with razor-like noses;

We ask you, Suppāraka, which sea is this?

109.

Of merchants seeking wealth, who had set out from Kurukaccha;

When the boat was lost, it is called Razor-Garland.

110.

Just as fire or the sun, the sea appears;

We ask you, Suppāraka, which sea is this?

111.

Of merchants seeking wealth, who had set out from Kurukaccha;

When the boat was lost, it is called Fire-Garland.

112.

Just as curds or milk, the sea appears;

We ask you, Suppāraka, which sea is this?

113.

Of merchants seeking wealth, who had set out from Kurukaccha;

When the boat was lost, it is called Curds-Garland.

114.

Just as kusa grass or corn, the sea appears;

We ask you, Suppāraka, which sea is this?

115.

Of merchants seeking wealth, who had set out from Kurukaccha;

When the boat was lost, it is called Kusa-Garland.

116.

Just as reeds or bamboo, the sea appears;

We ask you, Suppāraka, which sea is this?

117.

Of merchants seeking wealth, who had set out from Kurukaccha;

When the boat was lost, it is called Reed-Garland.

118.

Great fear, terrifying, a sound is heard, non-human;

Just as a pit or precipice, the sea appears;

We ask you, Suppāraka, which sea is this?

119.

Of merchants seeking wealth, who had set out from Kurukaccha;

When the boat was lost, it is called Mare's Mouth.

120.

"Since I remember myself, since I have attained discretion;

I do not know of having intentionally harmed even a single living being;

By this speaking of truth, may the boat return safely."

The Suppāraka Birth Story is the ninth.

The Book of Elevens is concluded.

Its summary:

Siri, Mother-Supporter, Noble Nāga, again Juṇhaka, Dhamma, Noble Udaya;

Then Pāṇi, Yudhañcaya, and Dasaratha, Saṃvara, with Gone Beyond, nine.

12.

The Book of the Twelves

464.

The Cūḷakuṇāla Birth Story (1)

1.

Of the greedy, the fickle-minded, the ungrateful, the treacherous;

A man not devoted to the gods does not deserve to trust women.

2.

They do not understand what is done nor what is to be done, nor mother, father, or brother;

Ignoble, having transgressed the Dhamma, they come under the control of their own mind.

3.

Even a husband long dwelt with, dear and agreeable, compassionate, dear as life itself;

They abandon him in household duties, therefore I do not trust women.

4.

For the mind of women is like that of a monkey, from branch to branch like the shadow of a tree;

Unstable is the heart of women, it turns round like the rim of a wheel.

5.

When they, looking carefully, see a man's wealth as acceptable,

They lead him with smooth words, like Kambojans lead a horse with a lotus.

6.

When they, looking carefully, do not see a man's wealth as acceptable;

They avoid him from all around, like a raft by one who has crossed to the far shore of a river.

7.

Like a riddle, all-consuming like fire, with sharp deceit, like a river with a swift current;

They serve both the dear and the unloved, just as a boat goes to the near shore and the far.

8.

They belong not to one nor to two, like a bazaar spread open;

Whoever would think "They are mine," would obstruct the wind with a net.

9.

Just as a river and a road, a drinking booth, an assembly hall, and a wayside water-shed;

So are women of the world indeed, no limit is found for them.

10.

These are like fire-eaters, like the heads of black snakes;

Like cattle with grass outside, they fondle downwards the choicest of the choicest.

11.

Fire, an elephant, a black snake, a king anointed on the head, and all women;

These a man should associate with from a distance, their entire nature is indeed hard to know.

12.

A woman who is a dancer, not lovely to many, not an offering, should not be associated with;

Nor another's wife, nor for the sake of wealth, these five women should not be associated with.

The Cūḷakuṇāla Birth Story is the first.

465.

The Bhaddasāla Birth Story (2)

13.

Who are you, in pure garments, standing in the sky in mid-air;

By what do your tears flow, from where has this fear come to you?

14.

In your very realm, O king, they knew me as Bhaddasāla;

For sixty thousand years, standing here, I have been venerated.

15.

While having cities built, and houses, O lord of the land;

And also various mansions, they did not disregard me;

Just as they venerated me, so too you should venerate.

16.

I do not see another tree as massive as yours in size;

In height and circumference, you are handsome by birth.

17.

I will have a mansion built, with a single pillar, delightful;

There I will bring you, long may your life be, demon.

18.

Thus this thought arose: "Separation from the body;

Having cut me up diversely, cut me into pieces."

19.

Having cut at the top and in the middle, afterwards cut at the root;

Thus for me being cut, death would not be painful.

20.

Just as one might cut off hands and feet, and ears and nose while living;

Then afterwards cut off the head, that death would be painful.

21.

Is being cut into pieces pleasant, O lord of the Bhaddasāla forest?

For what reason, clinging to what, do you wish to be cut into pieces?

22.

And whatever cause connected with the Teaching, with reference to the cause;

I wish it to be cut into pieces, great king, listen to me.

23.

My relatives, nurtured in happiness, born in the shelter on my side;

Even them I would harm, unhappiness gathered for others.

24.

You intended what was to be intended, O lord of the Bhaddasāla forest;

You desire the welfare of your relatives, I give you safety, my dear.

The Bhaddasāla Birth Story is the second.

466.

The Samuddavāṇija Birth Story (3)

25.

Those people plough and sow, humans living on the fruit of their actions;

We are not sharers in this small island, from Jambudīpa this alone is better for us.

26.

When the moon has reached the fifteenth night, the force of the ocean will be great;

It will flood this lofty island, let it not kill you - go to another shelter.

27.

Never will the force of the ocean's waters flood this lofty island;

That has been seen by me through many signs, do not fear, why do you grieve? Rejoice!

28.

With abundant food, with plentiful food and drink, you have attained this lofty residence;

I do not see any fear for you, rejoice with your sons and sons' sons.

29.

Whatever this god in the southern direction calls out as 'security', that is his truth;

The northern one knew not of fear and fearlessness, do not fear, why do you grieve? Rejoice!

30.

Just as these demons disagree, one speaks of danger, one of security;

So come, hear my word, quickly, swiftly, let us not all perish.

31.

All having assembled, let us make a boat, a sturdy canoe equipped with all machinery;

If this southern one spoke truth, this northern one protests in vain;

That very thing will be for our benefit in misfortune, and we shall not abandon this island.

32.

If this northern one spoke truth, this southern one protests in vain;

Having ascended that very boat, all of us, thus we may safely cross to the beyond.

33.

Indeed, one should not easily grasp the foremost by the first, having taken the youngest that has come into range;

Whoever here, having investigated, grasps the truth, he indeed, that man, attains the foremost state.

34.

Just as those merchants in the midst of the ocean waters, by their own action, carried themselves safely;

Having penetrated the future benefit, even a little he does not neglect, that one of extensive wisdom.

35.

And fools, greedy for flavour through delusion, not having penetrated the future benefit;

They sink when the need arises in the present, like those humans in the middle of the ocean.

36.

One should prepare beforehand the future task, "May the task not afflict me at the time of the task";

Such a one who does the task beforehand, that task does not afflict him at the time of the task.

The Samuddavāṇija Birth Story is the third.

467.

The Kāma Birth Story (4)

37.

For one desiring sensual pleasure, if that succeeds for him;

Surely he is joyful in mind, a mortal having obtained what he wishes.

38.

For one desiring sensual pleasure, if that succeeds for him;

From that, he finds yet another craving for sensual pleasures, for mental objects.

39.

Just as the horn of a horned ox grows as it grows;

Thus for a foolish man, an ignorant one not understanding;

Craving and thirst increase even more as he grows.

40.

Rice and barley fields on earth, cattle and horses, slaves and servants;

Having given, it is not enough for one, knowing this, one should live righteously.

41.

A king, having conquered the earth by force, dwelling in greatness up to the ocean's end;

Unsatisfied with this side of the ocean, he would desire even the far side of the ocean.

42.

As long as one remembers sensual pleasures, one does not find satisfaction in the mind;

Having turned back from that, having withdrawn, having seen, they indeed are well-satisfied who are satisfied with wisdom.

43.

Satisfaction through wisdom is foremost, he is not tormented by sensual pleasures;

The person satisfied through wisdom, craving does not bring under its control.

44.

One should diminish sensual pleasures, of few wishes, not covetous;

A person vast as the ocean, he is not tormented by sensual pleasures.

45.

Like a chariot-maker cutting leather for sandals;

Whatever sensual pleasures one abandons, that happiness arises;

If one should wish for all happiness, one should abandon all sensual pleasures.

46.

Eight verses have been spoken by you, all are worth a thousand;

Accept them, Great Brahmā, your saying is excellent.

47.

I have no need for thousands, for hundreds or for myriads;

Speaking the last verse, my mind is not delighted in sensual pleasures.

48.

Fortunate indeed is this young man, the sage who knows all worlds;

Who fully understands this craving, the producer of suffering - he is wise.

The Kāma Birth Story is the fourth.

468.

The Janasandha Birth Story (5)

49.

These ten are indeed the states, which not having done before;

He afterwards feels remorse, thus spoke Janasandha.

50.

Not having obtained wealth, he is tormented, what was not accumulated before;

"I did not seek wealth before," thus he feels remorse afterwards.

51.

"Though a craft was possible for me before, I did not learn a craft;

Difficult is the livelihood of one without a craft," thus he feels remorse afterwards.

52.

"I was formerly a fraudulent knower, divisive and a backbiter;

Fierce and also harsh," thus he feels remorse afterwards.

53.

Formerly I was a killer of living beings, cruel and also ignoble;

I did not honour beings, thus he feels remorse afterwards.

54.

"Though many women were available, unattached to others;

I resorted to another's wife," thus he feels remorse afterwards.

55.

"When there was indeed much, when food and drink was at hand;

I did not give a gift before," thus he feels remorse afterwards.

56.

Mother and father too, an old person past their youth;

"Though being able, I did not support them," thus he feels remorse afterwards.

57.

The teacher, the instructor, the one who brought all the flavours of sensual pleasures;

"I despised my father," thus he feels remorse afterwards.

58.

Towards ascetics and brahmins too, virtuous and very learned;

"I did not attend on them before," thus he feels remorse afterwards.

59.

Good it is when austere asceticism is practised, and a peaceful one is attended upon;

And when austere asceticism was not practised before, thus he feels remorse afterwards.

60.

And whoever wisely proceeds regarding these states;

Doing a man's duties, he afterwards does not feel remorse.

The Janasandha Birth Story is the fifth.

469.

The Mahākaṇha Birth Story (6)

61.

Black, black and terrible, with white fangs, radiant;

Bound by five ropes, why did your dog bark?

62.

This will not be for the benefit of the deer, O Usīnaka;

Having become a calamity for human beings, then the dark one will be released.

63.

With bowls in hand, petty ascetics, shaven-headed, wrapped in the double robe;

They will plough with ploughs, then the dark one will be released.

64.

Female ascetics gone forth, shaven-headed, wrapped in the double robe;

When they will go about in the world, then the dark one will be released.

65.

With long upper lips, matted-hair ascetics, with stained teeth, with dusty heads;

When they go demanding debts, then the dark one will be released.

66.

Having learnt the Vedas and the Sāvittī, and the sacrificial rites, the brahmins;

Will sacrifice for hire, then the dark one will be released.

67.

Mother and father too, an old person past their youth;

Though being able, they do not support them, then the dark one will be released.

68.

Mother and father too, an old person past their youth;

"You are fools," they will say, then the dark one will be released.

69.

The teacher's wife, a friend, the maternal uncle's wife, the father's sister;

When they will go about in the world, then the dark one will be released.

70.

Having taken up sword and shield, having raised the sword, brahmins;

Will commit highway robbery, then the dark one will be released.

71.

Fair-skinned, hostile to widows, thick-armed, without means;

Will cause the breaking of friendship, then the dark one will be released.

72.

Deceitful, fraudulent, with minds of bad persons;

When they will be in the world, then the dark one will be released.

The Mahākaṇha Birth Story is the sixth.

470.

The Kosiya Birth Story (7)

73.

I neither buy nor sell, nor do I have any accumulation;

This is indeed difficult to obtain and small, a bowl of rice is not enough for us, hard to obtain.

74.

From little one should give a little, from moderate a moderate amount;

From much one should give much, not giving is not fitting.

75.

This I say to you, Kosiya, give gifts and enjoy.

Having ascended the noble path, one who eats alone does not obtain happiness.

76.

Vain is his oblation, and vain too is his endeavour;

He who, while a guest is seated, eats food alone.

77.

This I say to you, Kosiya, give gifts and enjoy;

Having ascended the noble path, one who eats alone does not obtain happiness.

78.

True is his oblation, and true too is his endeavour;

He who, while a guest is seated, does not eat food alone.

79.

This I say to you, Kosiya, give gifts and enjoy;

Having ascended the noble path, one who eats alone does not obtain happiness.

80.

A man makes offerings at the lake, and at Gayā with its many bodies;

At Doṇa, at the Timbaru ford, in the swift-flowing, great torrent.

81.

Here is his oblation, here is his endeavour;

He who, while a guest is seated, does not eat food alone.

82.

This I say to you, Kosiya, give gifts and enjoy;

Having ascended the noble path, one who eats alone does not obtain happiness.

83.

For he swallows the hook, the long thread together with its binding;

He who, while a guest is seated, eats food alone.

84.

This I say to you, Kosiya, give gifts and enjoy;

Having ascended the noble path, one who eats alone does not obtain happiness.

85.

"These brahmins are indeed of noble beauty, and this dog of yours - for what reason?

It transforms into various colours and appearances; tell us, brahmins, who are you?"

86.

Both the moon and the sun have come here, and this is Mātali, the charioteer of the gods;

I am Sakka, the lord of the thirty-three, and this one is called Pañcasikha.

87.

Cymbals and small drums, tambourines and large drums;

They awaken him who is asleep, and having awakened, he rejoices.

88.

Those who are stingy here, miserly, abusive to ascetics and brahmins;

Having laid down the bodily form right here, upon the body's collapse, they go to hell.

89.

Those who hope for a fortunate destination, established in the Teaching, in self-control and sharing;

Having laid down the bodily form right here, upon the body's collapse, they go to a fortunate destination.

90.

You were not a relative in previous births, he was stingy, an irritator, of bad character;

We have come here for your very purpose, may this one of bad character not go to hell.

91.

Surely indeed you are desiring my welfare, in that you instruct me;

I shall act accordingly, all that is spoken by those who seek my benefit.

92.

This very day I shall desist, and I would not do anything evil;

And there is nothing of mine that should not be given, and I do not drink water without having given.

93.

And thus as I give at all times, these possessions, O Vāsava, will be exhausted;

Then I shall go forth, Sakka, having abandoned sensual pleasures, each according to its limit.

The Kosiya Birth Story is the seventh.

471.

The Meṇḍakapañha Birth Story (8)

94.

Those who never once in the past had friendship of even seven steps in this world;

Born as enemies, the two companions, having reconciled, they wander - for what reason?

95.

If today at breakfast time, you are not able to answer this question;

I will banish you all from the country, for I have no use for those born of poor wisdom.

96.

In the terrible assembly of the great multitude, when the tumultuous gathering of people has arisen;

With distracted minds, with various thoughts, we are not able to answer this question.

97.

With fully focused minds, each one, having gone to a secret place, having reflected on the meaning;

Having meditated in solitude, the wise, then they will speak, O lord of men, this matter.

98.

For the daughters of the princes of Ugga, the meat of a ram is dear and agreeable;

They do not give meat to the dog, then there would be friendship between the ram and the dog.

99.

They flay the hide of a goat, for the sake of the comfort of a horse-back rug;

And they do not spread one for the dog, then there would be friendship between the ram and the dog.

100.

For the ram has curved horns, but the dog has no horns;

One feeds on grass, the other eats meat, then there would be friendship between the ram and the dog.

101.

The ram eats grass and eats foliage, but the dog does not eat grass nor foliage;

The dog would catch a hare or a cat, then there would be friendship between the ram and the dog.

102.

The eight-and-a-half-footed one of the quadruped, the ram with eight claws, not being visible;

This one brings the hide for this one, this one brings the meat for that one.

103.

The chief of Videha, having gone to the excellent mansion, the exchange of mutual foods;

The lord of men, it is said, saw with his own eyes this, the full face of one who wished to eat.

104.

It is indeed a great gain for me, that such wise ones are in my family;

The wise penetrate the profound and subtle meaning of the question with well-spoken words.

105.

And a mule-drawn chariot to each one, and a prosperous excellent village to each one;

I give to all of you wise ones, supremely pleased in mind by the well-spoken words.

The Meṇḍakapañha Birth Story is the eighth.

472.

The Mahāpaduma Birth Story (9)

106.

Not having seen another's fault, subtle and gross, in every respect;

A lord should decree punishment, without examining for himself.

107.

And whoever, a warrior, without examining, inflicts punishment;

He swallows what is thorny, like one blind from birth swallows what has flies.

108.

He punishes the unpunishable, and the punishable he leaves unpunished;

Like a blind man on an uneven path, he does not know the righteous from the unrighteous.

109.

And whoever, having well seen these states, subtle and gross, in every respect;

Should instruct, he indeed deserves to administer.

110.

It is not possible by one who is entirely soft, or by one who is entirely harsh;

To establish oneself in greatness, therefore one should practise both.

111.

The soft one is despised, and the overly harsh one has enemies;

Having known both of these, one should practise the middle way.

112.

Even one infatuated might speak much, and one corrupted speaks much;

Not for the sake of a woman, O king, do you deserve to have your son slain.

113.

The whole world is on one side, and this woman is alone;

Therefore I shall proceed accordingly, go and throw her in.

114.

Into a purgatory of many levels, deep and very difficult to escape from;

Thrown into a mountain fortress, by what did you not die there?

115.

A serpent with raised hood was there, powerful, born on the mountain slope;

He received me with his coils, therefore I did not die there.

116.

Come, I will lead you back, prince, to your own house;

Exercise kingship, venerable sir, what will you do in the forest?

117.

Just as one who, having swallowed a hook, might pull it out with blood;

Having pulled it out, he would be happy - thus I see myself.

118.

What do you call the hook, what do you call the blood relation;

What do you call pulled out? Tell me this when asked.

119.

Sensual pleasures I call a hook, elephants and horses blood-relations;

What is given up I call pulled out, know this thus, O warrior.

120.

Ciñcāmāṇavikā was my mother, and Devadatta was my father;

Ānanda was the wise elephant, and Sāriputta was the deity;

I was the prince, thus remember the Jātaka.

The Mahāpaduma Birth Story is the ninth.

473.

The Mittāmitta Birth Story (10)

121.

Doing what actions, how should the wise one exert;

The intelligent one would know an enemy, having seen and having heard, the wise person.

122.

Having seen him, he does not smile at him, nor does he gladly accept him;

And he does not give him his eyes, and he acts in opposition.

123.

He associates with his enemies, he does not keep company with his friends;

He prevents those wishing to praise, he praises those who revile.

124.

He does not tell him his secrets, he does not conceal his secrets;

He does not praise his work, he does not commend his wisdom.

125.

He rejoices in his non-becoming, he does not rejoice in his becoming;

Having obtained marvellous food, mindfulness does not arise for him;

Therefore he does not have compassion for him, "Oh, may he too obtain from here."

126.

These sixteen signs are established in an enemy;

By which a wise person would know an enemy, having seen and having heard.

127.

Doing what actions, how should the wise one exert;

The intelligent one would know a friend, having seen and having heard, the wise person.

128.

He remembers one who has dwelt abroad, he delights in one who has come;

Thereupon he is affectionate, he gladly accepts with speech.

129.

He associates with his friends, he does not keep company with his enemies;

He prevents those who revile, he praises those wishing to praise.

130.

He tells him his secrets, and he conceals his secrets;

He praises his work, and he commends his wisdom.

131.

He rejoices in his becoming, he does not rejoice in his non-becoming;

Having obtained marvellous food, mindfulness arises for him;

Therefore he has compassion for him, "Oh, may he too obtain from here."

132.

These sixteen signs are firmly established in a friend;

By which a wise person would know a friend, having seen and having heard.

The Mittāmitta Birth Story is the tenth.

The Book of Twelves is concluded.

Its summary:

Light-minded, With Sal Tree, Ploughing, Again, then Sensual Pleasure, Ten, Indeed Rising, Excellent;

Then Kaṇha, Sukosiya, Excellent Ram, Lotus, Again, with Excellent Friend - ten.

13.

The Book of the Thirteens

474.

The Amba Birth Story (1)

1.

"You brought me mango fruits before, small and large, practitioner of the holy life;

With those very spells, now for you, tree fruits do not become manifest, Brahmā."

2.

I await the conjunction of the planets, not seeing a moment or minute in the charms;

And having obtained the conjunction of the planets and the moment, I shall certainly bring abundant mango fruit.

3.

He did not speak of the conjunction of the planets before, he did not tell of the moment or minute before;

He himself carried abundant mango fruit, endowed with colour, fragrance and flavour.

4.

For formerly by the mumbling of spells, tree fruits became manifest for you, Brahmā;

But today you cannot recite even the spell, what is this nature of yours today?

5.

The son of an outcast bestowed upon me, by the Teaching he declared the charms and their nature;

"Let not my name and clan be asked, if concealed, the charm would abandon its purpose."

6.

When I was asked by the lord of men among the people, overpowered by contempt, I spoke falsehood;

"These spells are from a brahmin," thus wrongly, having lost the spells, I cry miserably.

7.

Whether castor oil trees or margosa trees, or else coral trees;

One seeking honey may find honey, for that is the best tree for him.

8.

Warriors, brahmins, merchants, workers, outcasts and refuse-removers;

From whom one would learn the Teaching, for he is the highest of men for him.

9.

Having given this one punishment and beating, having seized him by the throat, drive out the contemptible one;

Who destroyed by conceit and arrogance the highest good obtained with difficulty.

10.

Just as one imagining it to be level might fall into a pit, a cave, a hell, or a rotten-footed place;

Or thinking "a rope" might tread upon a black snake, just as a blind man might step upon fire;

Thus too, knowing me to have stumbled, O wise one, give again to one whose charm has been abandoned.

11.

By the Teaching I gave you the sacred hymn, and you too received it by the Teaching;

Delighted, I also praised your nature, one established in the Teaching, the sacred hymn should not abandon him.

12.

The fool who destroyed the sacred hymn obtained with difficulty, which is rare today in the human world;

Although having obtained it, lacking wisdom to live, he destroyed it by speaking falsehood.

13.

To a fool, a confused one, an ungrateful one, one speaking falsehood, one unrestrained;

We do not give charms to such a one, whence charms? Go, you do not please me.

The Amba Birth Story is the first.

475.

The Phandana Birth Story (2)

14.

A man with axe in hand, having entered the forest you stand;

Being asked by me, my dear, tell me, what wood do you wish to cut?

15.

You, bear, roam the forests, both even and uneven;

Being asked by me, my dear, tell me, what wood is firm for the rim?

16.

Neither sal nor acacia, nor assakaṇṇa, whence then dhava;

But the tree named phandana, that wood is firm for the rim.

17.

What kind are its leaves, or else what kind is its trunk?

Being asked by me, my dear, tell me, so that we may know the phandana tree.

18.

Whose branches hang down, bend but do not break;

That tree is named phandana, at whose root I stood.

19.

For the spokes, the wheel-nave, and the pole, the rim, and the rest of the chariot;

For all of that, this phandana tree will be fit for work.

20.

Thus the Phandana tree too, at that very moment, spoke;

"I too have a word, Bhāradvāja, listen to me.

21.

From the shoulder of the bear, having cut off four inches;

With that he extended the rim, thus it would be stronger.

22.

Thus the Phandana tree too, revenged at that very moment;

And brought suffering to the bears, both born and unborn.

23.

Thus Phandana envied Issa, and Issa in turn envied Phandana;

Through mutual contention, they had each other killed.

24.

Just so among human beings, wherever a dispute arises;

They dance the peacock dance, as did those jealous quails.

25.

This I say to you, may you be blessed, as many as are assembled here;

Rejoice together, do not quarrel, do not be like jealous quails.

26.

One should train in concord, this is praised by the Buddha;

Delighting in concord, established in the Teaching, he does not fall from freedom from bondage.

The Phandana Birth Story is the second.

476.

The Javanahaṃsa Birth Story (3)

27.

Alight right here, O swan, your sight is dear to me;

You have arrived as lord, declare whatever is here.

28.

By hearing, some become dear to one, but having seen, for another desire departs;

Having seen and having heard, some become dear, I wonder, are you dear to me by seeing?

29.

By hearing you are dear to me, and even more so having come to seeing;

Thus agreeable to behold to me, dwell, O swan, near me.

30.

We would live in your house, always honoured and revered;

But once intoxicated you might say, "Let them cook the king of swans for me."

31.

Shame on that drinking of intoxicants, which was more dear to me than you;

And I shall not drink intoxicants, as long as you dwell in my house.

32.

Easily understood is the cry of jackals and of birds;

The cry of humans, O king, is more difficult to understand than that.

33.

Even if a man imagines, "A relative, a friend, or a companion";

He who formerly was glad, afterwards becomes an enemy.

34.

In whom the mind settles, even together he is not far;

Even near, indeed, he is far, in whom the mind does not settle.

35.

Even inside he is with a gladdened mind, across the ocean with a gladdened mind;

Even inside he is with a corrupted mind, across the ocean with a corrupted mind.

36.

Those who are enemies, though living together, live apart, O bull among charioteers;

The peaceful, though far away, live together in mind, O increaser of the realm.

37.

By dwelling too long, the dear one becomes disagreeable;

Having informed you, we go, before we become disagreeable to you.

38.

If thus, when we are entreating, you do not understand our joined palms;

You do not heed the word of us, your mindful attendants;

Thus we entreat you, may you again make a turn.

39.

If we dwell thus, there will be no obstacle;

For you too, great king, and for me, increaser of the realm;

Perhaps we may see each other, with the passing of days and nights.

The Javanahaṃsa Birth Story is the third.

477.

The Cūḷanārada Birth Story (4)

40.

No firewood has been split by you, no water has been brought by you;

The fire too has not been lit by you, why do you brood like a fool?

41.

I am not able to dwell in the forest, Kassapa, I address you;

Painful is dwelling in the wilderness, I wish to go to the country.

42.

So that I, having gone from here, dwelling in whatever province;

Might learn the good conduct, O Brahmā, instruct me in that teaching.

43.

If, having abandoned the forest, and the roots and fruits of the woods,

You prefer dwelling in the realm, listen to that teaching from me.

44.

Do not partake of poison, avoid the precipice;

And do not sink in the mud, wander cautiously near the venomous snake.

45.

What now is poison or a precipice, or mire for the practitioner of the holy life;

Whom do you call a venomous snake? Tell me this when asked.

46.

Mental corruption, dear son, in the world, is called intoxicating liquor;

Delightful, fragrant, lovely, sweet, like the flavour of honey;

That the noble ones call poison, Nārada, to the holy life.

47.

Women, dear son, in the world, they crush the heedless;

They carry away the mind of a youth, as the wind carries away fallen cotton;

This is declared a precipice to the holy life, Nārada.

48.

Material gain, praise, honour, and veneration among other families;

This is declared a mire to the holy life, Nārada.

49.

Dear son, kings bearing weapons dwell on this earth;

Such lords of men, great ones, dear son, Nārada.

50.

Of lords, of rulers, one should not walk at their feet;

This is declared a venomous snake to the holy life, Nārada.

51.

Needing food, at mealtime, whatever house one might approach;

Whatever one knows here to be wholesome, there one should wander seeking food.

52.

Having entered another's family, for the purpose of drink or for food;

One should eat measuredly, consume measuredly, and not set one's mind on form.

53.

The cow-shed, intoxicants, and the junglemen, assembly halls and gambling places;

Avoid from afar, like a charioteer an uneven path.

The Cūḷanārada Birth Story is the fourth.

478.

The Dūta Birth Story (5)

54.

I sent messengers to you, Brahmin, while you were meditating on the bank of the Ganges;

When asked by them, you did not explain; is your suffering considered a secret?

55.

If suffering should arise for you, O increaser of the Kāsi realm;

Do not tell it to one, who would not release you from suffering.

56.

Whoever could release him who is born to suffering, even from one factor in parts;

By the Teaching, surely declare it to him.

57.

Easily understood is the cry of jackals and of birds;

The cry of humans, O king, is more difficult to understand than that.

58.

Even if a man imagines, "A relative, a friend, or a companion";

He who formerly was glad, afterwards becomes an enemy.

59.

Whoever, without being asked, would declare his own suffering at an inappropriate time;

His friends become joyful, those seeking his welfare become unhappy.

60.

Having known the time for such a one, having understood the wise one to be of one mind;

The wise one should tell his sharp sufferings to another, he should utter smooth speech that is meaningful.

61.

And if one should know it unbearable for oneself, these indeed are not for my coming to happiness;

The wise one alone should endure sharp sufferings, looking to truth and shame and moral fear.

62.

I, wandering through countries, to market towns and royal cities;

Begging alms, great king, desiring wealth for my teacher.

63.

From householders, royal servants, and wealthy brahmins;

I obtained seven gold coins, O lord of people;

They are lost to me, great king, therefore I grieve exceedingly.

64.

Those men, great king, were considered in my mind;

They were not able to release me from suffering, therefore I did not speak to them.

65.

And you indeed, great king, were considered by me in mind;

You are able to release me from suffering, therefore I declared to you.

66.

To him, with a pleased mind, the increaser of the Kāsi realm gave;

Fourteen gold coins made of gold.

The Dūta Birth Story is the fifth.

479.

The Kāliṅgabodhi Birth Story (6)

67.

King Kāliṅga, the wheel-turning monarch, ruling the earth by the Teaching;

Went near the Bodhi tree, with a serpent of great majesty.

68.

Kāliṅga Bhāradvāja, having examined the region where King Kāliṅga, son of ascetics,

Was turning the wheel, with joined palms said this.

69.

Descend, great king, as this piece of ground has been praised by ascetics;

Here the unsurpassed Buddhas, the fully awakened ones, shine.

70.

Turned to the right, the grasses and creepers in this piece of land;

The ornament at the navel of the earth, thus have we heard in the charms, great king.

71.

Of the earth bounded by the ocean, the ground that supports all beings;

This is the ornament of the earth, having descended, pay homage.

72.

Those elephants that are well-born and noble tuskers;

To that extent, those elephants indeed do not approach that place.

73.

The elephant is well-born indeed, send forth the tusked elephant;

To this extent is the place that can be approached by the elephant.

74.

Having heard that, King Kāliṅga, having attended to the word of the interpreter;

Sent the elephant, "We shall know whether this word of his is true."

75.

And sent forth by the king, the elephant, having trumpeted like a heron;

Having drawn back, sat down, like one not enduring a heavy burden.

76.

Kāliṅga Bhāradvāja, having understood that the elephant's life was exhausted;

Hastening, he addressed King Kāliṅga;

"Mount another elephant, the elephant's life is exhausted, great king."

77.

Having heard that, Kāliṅga, crossing over, approached the elephant;

When he had crossed over to the wilderness, the elephant right there fell to the ground;

The word of the interpreter, just as it was, so was the elephant.

78.

King Kāliṅga said this to the brahmin Kāliṅga;

"You alone are the Self-enlightened One, omniscient, all-seeing."

79.

Not consenting to that, the brahmin said this to Kāliṅga;

"For we are interpreters of marks, the Buddhas are omniscient, great king.

80.

The omniscient, the all-knowing, the Buddhas do not know by characteristics;

For we know by the power of scripture, the Buddhas understand all.

81.

Having celebrated the highest enlightenment, with various musical instruments being played;

Having brought garlands and ointments, then the king approached his parents.

82.

Sixty thousand cartloads of flowers, he gathered together;

King Kāliṅga honoured the unsurpassed site of enlightenment.

The Kāliṅgabodhi Birth Story is the sixth.

480.

The Akitti Birth Story (7)

83.

Having seen Akitti meditating, Sakka, the lord of beings, spoke;

"Aspiring to what, Great Brahmā, do you meditate alone in the heat?"

84.

Rebirth is suffering, Sakka, and the breaking of the body;

Death in confusion is suffering, therefore I strive, Vāsava.

85.

Since this has been well spoken by you, fitting and well said;

I grant you a boon, Kassapa, whatever you wish in your mind.

86.

If you have given me a boon, Sakka, lord of all beings;

By which sons and wife, wealth and grain, and dear things;

Having obtained, men are not satisfied, may that greed not dwell in me.

87.

Since this has been well spoken by you, fitting and well said;

I grant you a boon, Kassapa, whatever you wish in your mind.

88.

If you have given me a boon, Sakka, lord of all beings;

Field, site, and unwrought gold, cattle and horses, slaves and servants;

That hate by which, when arisen, they decay - may it not dwell in me.

89.

Since this has been well spoken by you, fitting and well said;

I grant you a boon, Kassapa, whatever you wish in your mind.

90.

If you have given me a boon, Sakka, lord of all beings;

May I not see a fool, may I not hear one, may I not dwell with a fool;

May I not engage in conversation with a fool, may I not do so nor approve of it.

91.

What did the fool do to you, tell, Kassapa, the reason;

By what, Kassapa, do you not long for the seeing of the fool.

92.

The imprudent one leads to calamity, engages in what is not his duty;

He is hard to guide to what is better, when rightly spoken to he becomes angry;

He does not know the discipline, good is not seeing him.

93.

Since this has been well spoken by you, fitting and well said;

I grant you a boon, Kassapa, whatever you wish in your mind.

94.

If you have given me a boon, Sakka, lord of all beings;

May I see the wise, may I hear the wise, may I dwell together with the wise;

May I have conversation with the wise, may I do that and may I approve of that.

95.

What did the wise one do to you, tell, Kassapa, the reason;

By what, Kassapa, do you long for the seeing of the wise one.

96.

The wise one leads by the right method, does not engage in what is not his duty;

He is easy to guide to what is better, when rightly spoken to he does not become angry;

He understands the discipline, good is meeting with him.

97.

Since this has been well spoken by you, fitting and well said;

I grant you a boon, Kassapa, whatever you wish in your mind.

98.

If you have given me a boon, Sakka, lord of all beings;

Then at the end of the night, towards the rising of the sun;

May divine foods appear, and may the beggars be virtuous.

99.

"May my giving not be exhausted, having given may I not regret;

While giving may I gladden the mind, this boon I would wish for, Sakka."

100.

Since this has been well spoken by you, fitting and well said;

I grant you a boon, Kassapa, whatever you wish in your mind.

101.

If you have given me a boon, Sakka, lord of all beings;

May you not approach me again, this boon I would wish for, Sakka.

102.

Through many ascetic practices, men and also women;

Long for seeing me, what fear is there for me in being seen?

103.

Having seen such divine beauty, endowed with all sensual pleasures;

I might be negligent in austere asceticism, this is the fear for me in seeing you.

The Akitti Birth Story is the seventh.

481.

The Takkāriya Birth Story (8)

104.

I myself spoke insulting speech, a fool, like a frog in the forest calling out to a snake;

O Takkārī, I fall into this pit, indeed one who speaks excessively is not good.

105.

A mortal who speaks excessively attains imprisonment, murder, sorrow and lamentation;

You should censure only yourself here, teacher, for which reason they bury you in a pit.

106.

Why indeed did I inquire of Tuṇḍila, that he might make his own brother in Kāḷikā;

Naked indeed am I, having lost even a pair of clothes, this meaning too is just like many others.

107.

A quail, not fighting, flew down between the fighting rams;

It was crushed there by the rams' heads, this meaning too is just like many others.

108.

Four people grabbed a canvas, while guarding one man;

All of them lay with broken heads, this meaning too is just like many others.

109.

Just as a goat bound in a bamboo thicket, while throwing down her hind legs, went into the middle of a sword;

By that very thing her throat was cut, this meaning too is just like many others.

110.

These are not gods nor sons of gandhabbas, these beasts have come under my control;

Let them cook one for the evening meal, and let them cook one again for the morning meal.

111.

A hundred thousand insulting speeches are not worth even a fraction of a well-spoken word;

Insulting speech passing over is a defilement, therefore the kinnara women remain silent, not through folly.

112.

"She who spoke this to me, release her, and let them take her to the Himalaya mountain;

And let them give this one to the kitchen, right early let them cook her for the morning meal."

113.

Cattle have the rain-cloud as protector, this generation has cattle as protector;

You are my protector, great king, I am the protector of my wife;

Having known one of the two, freed one would go to the mountain.

114.

Indeed, blame cannot be easily avoided, various people should be cultivated, O lord of men;

By whatever one obtains praise, by that very thing another obtains a blamer.

115.

The whole world is encompassed by mind, surpassed by mind, the whole world is possessed of mind in its own mind;

All beings separately have their own minds, far and wide, who here does not come under the control of mind?

116.

The kinnara with his wife was silent, who now spoke out, frightened of fear;

He is now released, happy, healthy, speech indeed is beneficial for people.

The Takkāriya Birth Story is the eighth.

482.

The Rurumigarāja Birth Story (9)

117.

To him I give an excellent village, and adorned women;

Whoever tells me of this deer, the best of deer among deer.

118.

Give me an excellent village, and adorned women;

I will tell you of the deer, the best of deer among deer.

119.

In this jungle thicket, mango trees and sal trees are in bloom;

Covered with red insects, here this deer stands.

120.

Having made the bow unerring, he armed himself with an arrow and approached;

And the deer, having seen the king, addressed him from afar.

121.

Wait, great king, do not shoot me, O bull among charioteers;

Who then told you this, that here this deer stands?

122.

This man of evil conduct, my dear, stands far away;

He told me this, that here this deer stands.

123.

"Truly indeed thus they said, some men here;

A piece of wood rescued is better, but not indeed some men."

124.

What now, Ruru, do you censure among beasts, what among birds, or what among humans?

For fear, not small, finds me, having heard you speaking human speech.

125.

Whom I rescued while being carried along in the torrent, in the great water, the stream with swift current;

On that account fear has come to me, painful indeed, O king, is the meeting with the unvirtuous.

126.

I release this four-winged bird, the body-cutter, into the heart;

I kill that betrayer of friends, the wrongdoer, who does not know such a deed done.

127.

O lord of men, the peaceful do not ever praise the murder of the wise or the fool;

Let the one of bad character go freely to his home, and whatever was promised to him, give that to him;

And I will be one who does your will.

128.

Surely, Ruru, you are one among the good, who did not betray the man who betrayed;

Let the one of bad character go freely to his home, and whatever was promised to him, that I give to him;

And I grant you freedom to roam as you wish.

129.

Easily understood is the cry of jackals and of birds;

The cry of humans, O king, is more difficult to understand than that.

130.

Even if a man imagines, "A relative, a friend, or a companion";

He who formerly was glad, afterwards becomes an enemy.

131.

The country-folk have assembled, and the townspeople have assembled;

The beasts are eating the crops, may Your Majesty ward them off.

132.

Let the country be lost, and let the kingdom also perish;

But I would never betray the ruru deer, having given the gift of safety.

133.

Let the country be lost, and let the kingdom also perish;

But I would never speak falsely, having given a boon to the king of beasts.

The Rurumigarāja Birth Story is the ninth.

483.

The Sarabhamiga Birth Story (10)

134.

A person should indeed hope, a wise one should not become weary;

I see myself, as I wished, so it came to be.

135.

A person should indeed hope, a wise one should not become weary;

I see myself lifted from the water to dry land.

136.

A person should indeed strive, a wise one should not become weary;

I see myself, as I wished, so it came to be.

137.

A person should indeed strive, a wise one should not become weary;

I see myself lifted from the water to dry land.

138.

Even a wise man brought to suffering should not cut off hope for the coming of happiness;

For many contacts, harmful and beneficial, come upon a mortal unthought of.

139.

The unthought-of comes to be, the thought-out perishes;

For wealth is not made of thought, whether for woman or man.

140.

The deer in the mountain fortress, which you followed before;

You live by the heroism of one whose mind is not sluggish.

141.

He who lifted you up from the difficult passage of hell, the sarabha deer having made a contrivance with a stone;

Released you from the mouth of death when brought to suffering, you speak of that deer of unshrunken mind.

142.

Were you yourself there at that time, or did someone tell you this?

Are you one with the covering removed, all-seeing? Is your knowledge, brahmin, of fearsome form?

143.

I was not there at that time, nor did anyone tell me this;

The wise bring the meaning of well-spoken verses and stanzas, O lord of men.

144.

Having taken the arrow fitted with feathers, the destroyer of others' energy, on the bow, why do you doubt?

Let the released arrow quickly strike the deer, for this is food, O wise one, for the king.

145.

Surely I too understand this, the deer is food for the warrior, brahmin;

And honouring what was done before, therefore I do not kill the deer, the sarabha.

146.

This is not a deer, great king, this is a titan, a lord of the land;

Having killed him, O lord of men, may you become the lord of the immortals.

147.

And if you, O king, doubt whether to kill the deer, the sarabha, your friend;

Together with your sons and wife, O foremost hero among men, you will go to Yama's Vetaraṇī river.

148.

Surely I, and all the country-folk, sons and wives and groups of friends;

Let us go to that Vetaraṇī of Yama, but he who is my life-preserver should not be killed.

149.

This deer, to me who had fallen into distress, alone, was a helper in the terrible waterless place;

Remembering such a former service, knowing it, Great Brahmā, how could I kill him?

150.

Delighting friends, may you live long, govern this kingdom with the qualities of the teaching;

Attended upon by groups of women, may you rejoice in the realm like Vāsava in heaven.

151.

Without wrath, with a mind constantly serene, having become ready to comply with all guests' requests;

Having given and enjoyed according to one's ability, blameless, go to the heavenly state.

The Sarabhamiga Birth Story is the tenth.

The Book of Thirteens is concluded.

Its summary:

Vara, Amba, Kuṭhāri, with Haṃsa, Vara, then in the forest, with Dūtaka as the fifth;

Then Bodhi, Akitti, with Sutakkari, then Ruru, Miga, and after that Sarabha.

14.

The Book on the Miscellaneous

484.

The Sālikedāra Birth Story (1)

1.

Parrots consume the accomplished rice field, Kosiya;

I announce to you, brahmin, I am not able to prevent them.

2.

And there was one bird, who was the most beautiful of them all;

Having eaten rice as he wished, he takes it in his beak and goes.

3.

Let them set hair-snares, so that the bird may be caught;

And having seized him alive, bring him near me.

4.

These birds, having eaten and drunk, depart;

I alone am bound by a snare, what evil was done by me?

5.

The belly of others is surely just a belly, parrot, but yours is an excessive belly;

Having eaten rice as you wished, you take it in your beak and go.

6.

Did you fill your belly there, parrot, is there enmity between you and me?

Being asked by me, my dear, tell me, where did you store the rice?

7.

There is no enmity between me and you, no store-room exists for me;

I release debt, I give debt, having arrived at the Koṭa silk-cotton tree;

I also deposit treasure there, know this thus, Kosiya.

8.

What kind is your giving of debt, and what kind is your release from debt;

Declare the depositing of your treasure, then you will be freed from the snare.

9.

My little sons are young, with wings not yet grown, Kosiya;

They, when maintained, will support me, therefore I give them a debt.

10.

My mother and father are old, aged ones with youth gone;

Having carried to them with my beak, I would release the debt formerly made.

11.

And other birds there too, with broken wings, very weak;

Desirous of merit, I give to them, that treasure the wise have said.

12.

Such is my giving of debt, and such is my release from debt;

I declare the depositing of treasure, know this thus, Kosiya.

13.

"Good indeed is this bird, a twice-born one, supremely righteous;

Among some human beings, this principle is not found.

14.

Eat rice as you wish, together with all your relatives;

May we see you again, parrot, your sight is dear to me.

15.

Eaten and drunk in your hermitage, and delight for us, Kosiya, in your presence;

Give gifts to those who have laid down the rod, and support your aged mother and father.

16.

Good fortune indeed has arisen for me today, in that I have seen the most excellent of birds;

Having heard the well-spoken words of the parrot, I will make merit not trifling.

17.

That Kosiya, delighted and elated, having prepared food and drink;

With a gladdened mind through food and drink, he satisfied ascetics and brahmins.

The Sālikedāra Birth Story is the first.

485.

The Candakinnarī Birth Story (2)

18.

This is being carried away, methinks, O Candā, crusher of blood;

Today I give up life, my life ceases, O Candā.

19.

My suffering heart sinks, it burns, I am exhausted;

Because of you, Candī, grieving, not by other sorrows.

20.

Like grass, like a forest, I wither; like an unfilled river, I dry up;

Because of you, Candī, grieving, not by other sorrows.

21.

Like rain at the foot of a mountain, these tears of mine flow;

Because of you, Candī, grieving, not by other sorrows.

22.

You are evil, prince, who shot my desired husband of a wretched woman;

You pierced him at the forest's edge, he now lies wounded on the ground.

23.

May your mother, prince, receive this sorrow of my heart;

Which is the sorrow of my heart, while gazing upon the kimpurisa.

24.

May your wife, prince, receive this sorrow of my heart;

Which is the sorrow of my heart, while gazing upon the kimpurisa.

25.

May your mother, prince, not see her son nor her husband;

Who killed the kimpurisa, the blameless one, because of my desire.

26.

May your wife, prince, not see her son nor her husband;

Who killed the kimpurisa, the blameless one, because of my desire.

27.

Do not weep, Candā, do not grieve, you whose eyes are like the darkness of the forest;

You will be my wife, venerated by women in the royal family.

28.

"Surely I shall die, I shall not be yours, prince;

Who killed the kimpurisa, the blameless one, because of my desire.

29.

Even though timid, even though desiring life, kimpurisa, go to the Himalaya;

Feeding on tālīsa and tagara leaves, other deer will delight in you.

30.

Those mountains and those grottoes, and those mountain caves remain just so;

Not seeing you there, O kimpurisa, what shall I do?

31.

Those delightful leaf-strewn places, frequented by beasts of prey;

Not seeing you there, O kimpurisa, what shall I do?

32.

Those delightful flower-strewn places, frequented by beasts of prey;

Not seeing you there, O kimpurisa, what shall I do?

33.

Clear flow the rivers of the mountain forest, with streams strewn over with flowers;

Not seeing you there, O kimpurisa, what shall I do?

34.

The blue peaks of the Himalaya mountain, beautiful to behold;

Not seeing you there, O kimpurisa, what shall I do?

35.

The golden peaks of the Himalaya mountain, beautiful to behold;

Not seeing you there, O kimpurisa, what shall I do?

36.

The copper-coloured peaks of the Himalaya mountain, beautiful to behold;

Not seeing you there, O kimpurisa, what shall I do?

37.

The high peaks of the Himalaya mountain, beautiful to behold;

Not seeing you there, O kimpurisa, what shall I do?

38.

The white peaks of the Himalaya mountain, beautiful to behold;

Not seeing you there, O kimpurisa, what shall I do?

39.

The variegated peaks of the Himalaya mountain, beautiful to behold;

Not seeing you there, O kimpurisa, what shall I do?

40.

On Mount Gandhamādana, frequented by groups of demons, covered with medicinal herbs;

Not seeing you there, O kimpurisa, what shall I do?

41.

On Mount Gandhamādana, frequented by kimpurisas, covered with medicinal herbs;

Not seeing you there, O kimpurisa, what shall I do?

42.

I pay homage to you, noble Brahmā, who shot my desired husband of a wretched woman;

He sprinkled me with the deathless, I have come together with my most dear one.

43.

Now we wander among the rivers of the mountain forest, with streams strewn over with flowers;

Dwelling among various trees, speaking sweetly to one another.

The Candakinnarī Birth Story is the second.

486.

The Mahāukkusa Birth Story (3)

44.

Torches and firebrands they bind on the island, the generation desires to eat me;

Tell me of friend and companion, Senaka, explain the disaster regarding relatives of the birds.

45.

O bird, you are the most excellent of birds, O winged one, O king of ospreys, we go to you for refuge;

The generation desires to eat me, fierce ones with firebrands, be for my happiness.

46.

The wise make friend and companion, seeking happiness at the proper time and improper time;

I do this matter for you, Senaka, for a noble one does the function for a noble one.

47.

What should be done by one who is compassionate, this has been done by a noble one for a noble one by you;

Be one who protects oneself, do not be careless, we shall obtain sons while you are living.

48.

Making protection and shelter for you alone, I do not tremble even at the breaking up of the body;

Some friends do this for friends, giving up their lives - this is the principle of the virtuous.

49.

Very difficult to do was the deed done by this egg-born bird;

For the sake of his young, the osprey, when midnight had not yet come.

50.

Even some who have passed away, having stumbled by their own action, find support through compassion for a friend;

Sons, dear to me, I have come to this destination, work for my welfare, O water-dweller.

51.

With wealth and grain and with oneself, the wise make friend and companion;

I do this matter for you, Senaka, for a noble one does the function for a noble one.

52.

Living at ease, dear father, sit down, a son performs beneficent conduct for his father;

I shall perform this good for you, protecting the sons of the army.

53.

Surely indeed, dear father, this is the principle of the virtuous, that a son should perform beneficent conduct for his father;

It is well if, having seen me with a grown body, the sons of the army would not harass me.

54.

Beasts and humans, O best of deer-heroes, afflicted by fear, go to the best for refuge;

Sons, dear to me, I have come to this destination, you are indeed a king, be for my happiness.

55.

I do this matter for you, Senaka, I am coming for the murder of that enemy of yours;

For how indeed would a wise one, able and fully aware, not strive for the protection of his own offspring?

56.

One should make a friend and a good-hearted companion, and one should make a master for the coming of happiness;

Like one clothed in armour, having struck down with arrows, we rejoice endowed with sons.

57.

By the action of one's own friend, the ally who does not flee;

The hairy ones chirp back at the one chirping, pleasant to the heart.

58.

Having found a friend, a companion, the wise one, he enjoys sons, cattle, or wealth;

And I and my sons and my husband, through compassion for a friend, are endowed together.

59.

Benefit comes through having a king and having heroes, these exist for one accomplished in friendship;

He, having friends, having fame, of lofty nature, rejoices in this world, one who possesses sensual pleasures as desired.

60.

Friends are to be served, Senaka, even by the poor;

See, through compassion for a friend, we are united with relatives.

61.

A twice-born who makes friends with one valiant and powerful;

Thus he becomes happy, just as I and you, Senaka.

The Mahāukkusa Birth Story is the third.

487.

The Uddālaka Birth Story (4)

62.

With rough hides, matted-hair ascetics with stained teeth, of contemptible appearance, those who mutter charms;

Are they perhaps, in human endeavours, knowing this, released from the realms of misery?

63.

Evil actions would be done, O king, if one very learned would not practise the Teaching;

Even one knowing a thousand Vedas, dependent on that, would not be released from suffering, not having attained good conduct.

64.

Even one knowing a thousand Vedas, dependent on that, would not be released from suffering, not having attained good conduct;

I consider the Vedas are fruitless, good conduct with self-control alone is the truth.

65.

The Vedas are indeed not fruitless, good conduct with self-control alone is the truth;

For one attains fame having learnt the Vedas, one tamed by conduct reaches peace.

66.

Mother, father, and relatives are to be supported, by whom one is born, he himself is that;

I am Uddālaka, sir, of a family lineage of those learned in the Vedas.

67.

How, friend, does one become a brahmin, how does one become a consummate one;

And how does one attain final nibbāna, and how is one called established in the Teaching?

68.

Having rejected, having taken up fire, the brahmin, sprinkling water, sacrificing, raises the sacrificial post;

Acting thus, the brahmin enjoys security, established in the rule - by that they declared.

69.

There is no purity by sprinkling, nor is one a consummate brahmin;

Nor patience nor meekness, nor is he one who has attained final Nibbāna.

70.

How does one become a brahmin, how does one become a consummate one;

And how does one attain final nibbāna, and how is one called established in the Teaching?

71.

Without field or kin, unselfish, desireless, free from evil greed, with craving for existence eliminated;

Acting thus, the brahmin enjoys security, established in the rule - by that they declared.

72.

Warriors, brahmins, merchants, workers, outcasts and refuse-removers;

All indeed meek, tamed, all indeed attained final Nibbāna;

Among all who have become cooled, is there one better or one worse?

73.

Warriors, brahmins, merchants, workers, outcasts and refuse-removers;

All indeed meek, tamed, all indeed attained final Nibbāna;

Among all who have become cooled, there is not one better or one worse.

74.

Warriors, brahmins, merchants, workers, outcasts and refuse-removers;

All indeed meek, tamed, all indeed attained final Nibbāna.

75.

Among all who have become cooled, there is not one better or one worse;

You practise what is ruinous to the commitment to holy life, to the lineage of learned families.

76.

With cloths of various colours, the mansion is covered;

The shadow of those cloths, that colour does not follow.

77.

Just so among human beings, when young men become pure;

They release their birth, having understood the Teaching, those of good conduct.

The Uddālaka Birth Story, the fourth.

488.

The Lotus Root Birth Story (5)

78.

May he obtain here a horse, cattle, silver, gold, and a beloved wife;

May he be endowed with sons and wives, he who took your lotus roots, brahmin.

79.

May he wear garlands and Kāsi sandalwood, may there be many for his son;

May he have intense longing for sensual pleasures, he who took your lotus roots, brahmin.

80.

Abundant in grain from farming, famous, may he have sons, be a householder, wealthy, with all sensual pleasures;

Not seeing his decline, may he dwell at home, he who took your lotus roots, brahmin.

81.

May he be a warrior acting forcibly, a king of kings, powerful and famous;

May he rule the four quarters with greatness, he who took your lotus roots, brahmin.

82.

Let that brahmin be not free from lust, engaged in the paths of momentary constellations;

Let the famous lord of the country venerate him, he who took your lotus roots, brahmin.

83.

Let the whole world consider him a teacher, versed in all the Vedas, an austere ascetic;

Let the country-folk, having come together, venerate him, he who took your lotus roots, brahmin.

84.

May he enjoy the prosperous excellent village, abounding in four things, given by Vāsava;

May he who is not free from lust go to death, he who took your lotus roots, brahmin.

85.

May he be a village headman among companions, rejoicing with dancing and singing;

May he not obtain any disaster from the king, he who took your lotus roots, brahmin.

86.

May the sole king, having conquered the earth, place her at the head of a thousand women;

May she be the noble one among women, she who took your lotus roots, brahmin.

87.

For she, unwavering, should eat the sweet food among all the sages assembled;

Let her go about boasting of her gain, she who took your lotus roots, brahmin.

88.

May he be a resident in the great monastery, may he be a building work supervisor at Gajaṅgalā;

May he make a window in a day, he who took your lotus roots, brahmin.

89.

Let him be bound with six hundred snares, let him be led from the delightful forest to the royal city;

Let him be struck with pikes and goads, he who took your lotus roots, brahmin.

90.

With a rabid dog's garland, with lead-pierced ears, beaten with a stick, may he approach a snake's mouth;

Bound by his own skin, let him wander the streets, he who took your lotus roots, brahmin.

91.

He who indeed says what is not lost is lost, may he obtain and enjoy sensual pleasures;

May he meet death in the midst of a house, or whoever, sirs, suspects anyone at all.

92.

Seeking which they wander in the world, desirable and pleasant is this for many;

Dear and delightful here in the world of the living, why do the sages not praise sensual pleasures?

93.

In sensual pleasures indeed they are killed and bound, in sensual pleasures suffering and fear are born;

In sensual pleasures, O Lord of Beings, the heedless do evil actions through delusion.

94.

Those of bad character, having produced evil, upon the body's collapse, go to hell;

Having seen the danger in the types of sensual pleasure, therefore the sages do not praise sensual pleasures.

95.

Investigating the sage's lotus roots, having taken them from the bank, I deposited them on dry ground;

Pure, without evil, the sages dwell, these are your lotus roots, practitioner of the holy life.

96.

We are not your dancers, nor indeed your playthings, not your kinsmen, nor indeed your companions;

On what support, Thousand-eyed One, do you sport with sages, king of gods?

97.

You are my teacher and my father, this is the support for one who has stumbled, O Brahmā;

Forgive this one offence, O one of extensive wisdom, the wise do not have wrath as their power.

98.

Well-dwelt was the one night for the sages, in that we saw Vāsava, the lord of beings;

May all the venerable sirs be glad-minded, since the brahmin obtained lotus roots.

99.

I and Sāriputta, Moggallāna and Kassapa;

Anuruddha, Puṇṇa, Ānanda - these were the seven brothers then.

100.

Uppalavaṇṇā was a sister, and Khujjuttarā was then a female slave;

The householder Citta was a slave, and the demon Sātāgira was then.

101.

Pālileyya was then the elephant, Madhuda the chief monkey;

Kāḷudāyī was then Sakka, thus remember the Jātaka.

The Lotus Root Birth Story, the fifth.

489.

The Suruci Birth Story (6)

102.

The chief queen, wife of Suruci, I was brought first;

Ten thousand years, since Suruci honoured me.

103.

I, brahmin, do not know of the king, the Videhan, dwelling in Mithilā;

By body, by speech, or by mind;

Despising Suruci, whether openly or in secret.

104.

By this speaking of truth, may a son be born to me, O seer;

If I am speaking falsely, may my head split into seven pieces.

105.

My husband's mother was my mother-in-law, and his father too was my father-in-law;

They were my trainers, O Brahmā, as long as they lived.

106.

I, delighting in non-violence, willingly a practiser of the teaching;

I attended on you attentively, unwearied night and day.

107.

By this speaking of truth, may a son be born to me, O seer;

If I am speaking falsely, may my head split into seven pieces.

108.

Sixteen thousand women, wives together with me, brahmin;

Jealousy or anger towards them, was never mine at any time.

109.

I rejoice in their welfare, and none of them is disagreeable to me;

I have compassion for all co-wives always as for myself.

110.

By this speaking of truth, may a son be born to me, O seer;

If I am speaking falsely, may my head split into seven pieces.

111.

Slaves, labourers, servants, and whatever other dependents;

I employ with reason, always with delighted faculties.

112.

By this speaking of truth, may a son be born to me, O seer;

If I am speaking falsely, may my head split into seven pieces.

113.

Towards ascetics and brahmins too, and also other paupers;

I satisfy them with food and drink, always with purified hands.

114.

By this speaking of truth, may a son be born to me, O seer;

If I am speaking falsely, may my head split into seven pieces.

115.

The fourteenth, the fifteenth, and the eighth of the fortnight;

And the extra holiday, well endowed with the eight factors;

I observe the Observance, always restrained in morality.

116.

By this speaking of truth, may a son be born to me, O seer;

If I am speaking falsely, may my head split into seven pieces.

117.

All those qualities of nature, O glorious king's daughter;

Are found in you, dear lady, which you praised in yourself.

118.

A warrior accomplished in birth, well-born, possessed of fame;

A righteous king of the Videhas, a son will arise for you.

119.

O unkempt one, wearer of dust and dirt, standing in the sky in mid-air;

You speak delightful speech, which is pleasant to my heart.

120.

You have come from heaven as a deity, a sage you are, of great supernormal power;

Who are you that has arrived, declare yourself to me.

121.

Whom the hosts of gods venerate, assembled in Sudhammā;

I am that Sakka, the thousand-eyed, I have come into your presence.

122.

A woman in the world of the living, who is righteous in conduct;

Wise, virtuous, revering her mother-in-law as a god, devoted to her husband.

123.

To such a wise woman, of pure action;

Gods come for a sight of her, non-humans to the human woman.

124.

And you, dear lady, by well-practised deeds, by good conduct in the past;

Here born in a royal family, endowed with all sensual pleasures.

125.

And this, O king's daughter, is a winning throw in both respects;

Both rebirth in the heavenly world, and fame here in this life.

126.

For a long time, O wise one, may you be happy, protect the Teaching in yourself;

I go to the celestial abode, your sight is dear to me.

The Suruci Birth Story, the sixth.

490.

The Five Uposatha Observers Birth Story (7)

127.

Living at ease now are you, dove, bird, there is no need for food for you;

Enduring hunger and thirst, why are you one who observes fasting, dove?

128.

I formerly, attached with greed to a female dove, in this region we both delighted;

Then a fowler caught the female dove, unwillingly I was without her.

129.

Through separation from her in different existences, I experience mind-made feeling;

Therefore I observe the Observance, may lust not come to me again.

130.

Not going straight, a serpent, two-tongued, with fangs as weapons, you are a snake with terrible poison;

Enduring hunger and thirst, why are you one who observes fasting, Long One?

131.

There was a powerful bull belonging to a villager, with a trembling hump, endowed with beauty and strength;

He trampled me, and angered I bit him, overwhelmed by suffering he went to death.

132.

Then the people, having gone out from the village, crying and lamenting, departed;

Therefore I observe the Observance, may wrath not come to me again.

133.

Much meat of the dead in the cemetery, that is delightful food for you;

Enduring hunger and thirst, why are you one who observes fasting, jackal?

134.

He entered the belly of a great elephant, delighted in the carcass, greedy for elephant-meat;

Hot wind and sharp rays, they dried up his anus.

135.

"I was lean and pale, venerable sir, there was no path for me to go out;

And a great cloud suddenly shed rain, it moistened his anus.

136.

From there I went out, venerable sir, like the moon released from Rāhu's mouth;

Therefore I observe the Observance, may greed not come to me again.

137.

At the ant-hill mound, devouring ants, you formerly wandered;

Enduring hunger and thirst, why are you one who observes fasting, Bear?

138.

Despising my own abode, through excessive greed I went to a Malla village;

Then the people, having gone out from the village, beat me with bows.

139.

With broken head and limbs smeared with blood, I returned to my own abode;

Therefore I observe the Observance, may excessive greed not come to me again.

140.

What you asked us, venerable sir, all that we answered as ones who understand;

We too ask you, venerable sir, why are you one who observes fasting, Brahmā?

141.

Untainted, in my hermitage, the Individually Enlightened One sat for a moment;

He made known to me both destination and origin, and name and clan and all conduct.

142.

Thus I did not pay homage at his feet, nor did I ask him with conceit;

Therefore I observe the Observance, may conceit not come to me again.

The Five Uposatha Observers Birth Story, the seventh.

491.

The Great Peacock Birth Story (8)

143.

If indeed I have been seized by you for the sake of wealth, do not kill me, having taken me alive;

And take me to the presence of the king, my dear, methinks you will obtain no small amount of wealth.

144.

This razor-tipped arrow set on the bow's front is not for your murder today;

And I will cut the snare for you, let the peacock king go as he pleases.

145.

For seven years you followed me, enduring hunger and thirst night and day;

Then why do you wish to release me, brought under the power of the snare, from bondage?

146.

Abstaining from killing living beings today, was safety given by you to all beings?

Why do you wish to release me, brought under the power of the snare, from bondage?

147.

Tell me of one who abstains from killing living beings, and who gives safety to all beings;

I ask you, O king of peacocks, about this matter, passed away from here, what happiness does he obtain?

148.

I speak of one who abstains from killing living beings, and who gives safety to all beings;

He obtains praise in this very life, and he goes to heaven at the breaking up of the body.

149.

"There are no gods," thus some say, "right here the soul goes to non-existence;

Likewise the fruit of good and bad deeds, and they say giving is laid down by fools;

Believing the word of those worthy ones, therefore I kill birds."

150.

Both the moon and the sun, beautiful to see, go illuminating the sky;

Are they of this world or of the other, how do they speak of them in the human world?

151.

Both the moon and the sun, beautiful to see, go illuminating the sky;

They are not of the other world nor of this, they call them gods in the human world.

152.

Here indeed those of inferior doctrine are destroyed, the rootless ones who do not speak of action;

Likewise the fruit of good and bad deeds, and who say giving is laid down by fools.

153.

Surely indeed this word of yours is true, for how could giving be fruitless?

Likewise the fruit of good and bad deeds, and how could what is laid down by fools come to be?

154.

How acting, for what reason acting, what conduct, associating with what, by what virtue of austerity;

Tell me, O king of peacocks, this matter, so that I might not fall into hell.

155.

Whatever ascetics there are on earth, wearing ochre robes, homeless ones;

They go for almsfood right early at the proper time, for the peaceful are abstaining from wandering at improper times.

156.

Having approached them there at the proper time, ask whatever would be dear to your mind;

They will tell you according to their understanding, the welfare of this world and the next.

157.

As a snake its worn-out old skin, as a green tree its withered leaf;

This cruel nature of mine is abandoned, today I give up the hunter's nature.

158.

And whatever birds of mine are bound, many hundreds in my dwelling;

To them I give life today, and having attained freedom, may they go to their own abode.

159.

A fierce hunter roamed with snare in hand in the forest, to ensnare the famous king of peacocks;

Having bound the famous king of peacocks, he was freed from suffering just as I am freed.

The Great Peacock Birth Story, the eighth.

492.

The Carpenter and Boar Birth Story (9)

160.

Seeking which we wandered, mountains and forests;

Searching I wandered for relatives, these have been found by me.

161.

There is much root-fruit here, and this food is not trifling;

These mountain rivers are delightful, the dwelling will be comfortable.

162.

Right here I shall dwell, together with all my relatives;

Living at ease, unsuspicious, sorrowless, free from fear from any quarter.

163.

Seek another rock cell, an enemy exists for us here;

He, Taccha, kills the boars, having come here, the choicest of the choicest.

164.

Who here is our enemy, who is a relative among those well assembled?

He assaults the hard to assault; tell me this when asked.

165.

The king of beasts with upward-pointing stripes, the strong beast with fangs as weapons;

He, Taccha, kills the boars, having come here, the choicest of the choicest.

166.

It is not that we have no fangs, strength is gathered in our bodies;

All being united, we shall bring the solitary one under our control.

167.

You speak speech pleasant to the heart, pleasant to the ear, carpenter;

Even one who would flee in battle, him too we shall kill afterwards.

168.

Abstaining from killing living beings today, was safety given by you to all beings?

Have you no fangs for killing deer, you who, having arrived at the herd, brood like a miserable wretch?

169.

It is not that I have no fangs, strength is gathered in my body;

And having seen relatives in concord together, therefore I meditate alone in the forest.

170.

These formerly went in every direction, afflicted by fear, seeking shelter far and wide;

They now, having assembled, dwell together, where standing they are hard to overcome by me.

171.

Endowed with a leader, united, speaking as one;

They, being in unity, would harm me, therefore I do not wish for them.

172.

Inda alone conquers the titans, the hawk alone kills the birds by force;

The tiger alone, having reached the herd of deer, kills the choicest of the choicest, for such is its power.

173.

Neither Inda nor a hawk, nor a tiger, lord of beasts;

When relatives are united, together, the tiger does not bring them under control.

174.

The kumbhīlaka birds, having followings, moving in groups;

Being joyful together, they fly up and soar.

175.

And as they are flying, one here moves aside;

And that one the hawk strikes down, that destination is just like that of tigers.

176.

Incited by the matted-hair ascetic, the cruel one with eyes for material gains;

The tusked one sprang forward among the tusked ones, imagining as before.

177.

Good are many relatives, even trees born in the forest;

By pigs in unity, the tiger was slain on the one-way path.

178.

Having killed both the brahmin and the tiger, the pigs,

Joyful and greatly delighted, uttered a great roar.

179.

Those pigs, well assembled at the foot of the fig tree;

Consecrated the carpenter, "You are our king, the lord."

The Carpenter and Boar Birth Story, the ninth.

493.

The Great Merchant Birth Story (10)

180.

Merchants having made an assembly, come from various countries;

Wealth-seekers departed, having made one the headman.

181.

Having come to that wilderness, with little food and no water,

They saw a great banyan tree, with cool shade, delightful.

182.

And they, having sat down there, in the shade of that tree;

The merchants considered together, fools wrapped in delusion.

183.

This tree appears moist, as if water flows from it;

Come, let us merchants cut its first branch.

184.

And when it was cut, it flowed forth, clear water, undisturbed;

Having bathed and drunk there, the merchants took as much as they wished.

185.

For the second time they considered together, fools wrapped in delusion;

"Come, let us merchants cut its southern branch."

186.

And when it was cut, it flowed forth, abundant rice with meat;

Food made with flour resembling little water, ginger and split-pea soups.

187.

Having eaten and chewed there, the merchants took as much as they wished;

For the third time they considered together, fools wrapped in delusion;

"Come, let us merchants cut its last branch."

188.

And when it was cut, it flowed forth, women fully adorned;

With variegated clothes and ornaments, adorned with jewelled earrings.

189.

And for each merchant, twenty-five women;

They surrounded him all around, in the shade of that tree.

190.

Having enjoyed themselves with them, the merchants took as much as they wished;

They considered together a fourth time, fools wrapped in delusion;

"Come, let us merchants cut its northern branch."

191.

And when it was cut, it flowed forth, many pearls and lapis lazuli;

Silver and gold, carpets and woollen covers.

192.

And cloths from Kāsi, and woollen blankets from Uddiya;

Having bound them into loads there, the merchants took as much as they wished.

193.

The fools, wrapped in delusion, considered together a fifth time:

"Come, let us cut at its root, perhaps we may obtain even more."

194.

Then the caravan leader stood up, begging with joined palms;

"What harm does the banyan tree do? Merchants, may there be good fortune for you."

195.

The eastern branch gave water, and the southern food and drink;

The western branch gave women, and the northern all sensual pleasures;

"What harm does the banyan tree do? Merchants, may there be good fortune for you."

196.

In the shade of whatever tree one might sit or lie down,

One should not break a branch of that tree, for a betrayer of friends is evil.

197.

And they, the many, not heeding the word of that one;

With sharpened axes, they attacked it from the root.

198.

Then elephants came forth, twenty-five armoured;

Three hundred archers, and six thousand wearing armour.

199.

Kill them, bind them, let none of you release their life;

Except for the caravan leader, reduce them all to ashes.

200.

Therefore a wise man, seeing his own welfare;

Should not come under the control of greed, should destroy the hostile mind.

201.

Having known this danger, craving as the origin of suffering;

Free from craving, without grasping, a mindful monk wanders forth.

The Great Merchant Birth Story, the tenth.

494.

The Sādhina Birth Story (11)

202.

"Wonderful indeed in the world, terror arose;

A divine chariot appeared, for the famous Videhan.

203.

The young god of great supernormal power, Mātali, the charioteer of the gods;

Invited the king, the Videhan, dwelling in Mithilā.

204.

"Come, having ascended this chariot, O foremost king, lord of the land;

The gods of the Thirty-three with Inda wish to see you;

For those gods, remembering you, are gathered in Sudhammā."

205.

Then the king, the achiever, the Videhan, lord of Mithilā;

Having mounted the chariot yoked with a thousand, went to the presence of the gods;

The gods welcomed him, having seen the king arrived.

206.

"Welcome to you, great king, and also your coming is not unwelcome;

Sit down now, royal sage, near the king of gods."

207.

Sakka too welcomed the Videhan, dwelling in Mithilā;

Vāsava invited him with sensual pleasures and with a seat.

208.

Good! You have arrived, at the abode of those who wield power;

Dwell among the gods, royal sage, endowed with all sensual pleasures;

Among the Tāvatiṃsa gods, enjoy non-human sensual pleasures.

209.

I formerly, gone to heaven, delighted with dancing, singing, and music;

Now today I do not delight in heaven, is my life span eliminated or is death near;

Or am I confused, O best of lords of men.

210.

Your life span is not eliminated and death is not far, and also you are not deluded, O foremost hero among men;

And your merits are small, the result of which you experience here.

211.

Dwell by divine power, O foremost king, lord of the land;

Among the Tāvatiṃsa gods, enjoy non-human sensual pleasures.

212.

Just as a borrowed vehicle, just as borrowed wealth;

Such is this accomplishment, which is due to another's giving.

213.

And I do not desire this, which is due to another's giving;

Meritorious deeds done by oneself, that is my own wealth.

214.

Having gone among human beings, I will do much wholesome;

By giving, by righteous conduct, by self-control and by taming;

Which having done one is happy, and does not feel remorse afterwards.

215.

These are those fields, this is the sluice with a beautiful ring;

These are those green marshlands, these are the flowing rivers.

216.

These are those delightful ponds, resounding with the singing of ruddy geese;

Covered with mandālaka flowers, and with lotuses and waterlilies;

Those who cherished these, to which direction have they gone?

217.

These are those fields here, that piece of ground, those very precincts of the park and forest;

Not seeing that very populace of mine, the direction appears empty to me, Nārada.

218.

I have seen mansions, illuminating the four directions;

In the presence of the king of gods, and in the presence of the deities.

219.

I dwelt in a divine dwelling, non-human sensual pleasures were enjoyed;

Among the Tāvatiṃsa gods, endowed with all sensual pleasures.

220.

Having abandoned such as this, I have come here for merit;

I shall practise only the Teaching, I am not desirous of kingship.

221.

The path traversed by those without punishment, taught by the perfectly Self-awakened One;

That path I shall proceed upon, by which the virtuous go.

The Sādhina Birth Story, the eleventh.

495.

The Ten Brahmins Birth Story (12)

222.

The king said to Vidhura, the lover of the Teaching, Yudhiṭṭhila;

"Vidhura, seek brahmins, virtuous and very learned."

223.

Abstaining from sexual intercourse, those who would eat my food;

We will give the offering, my dear, where what is given is of great fruit.

224.

Rare are brahmins, O king, moral and very learned;

Abstaining from sexual intercourse, those who would eat your food.

225.

There are indeed ten, great king, those brahmin castes;

Hear from me in detail their analysis and investigation.

226.

Having taken bags, full of roots, with mouths tied shut;

They compose verses on medicinal plants, they bathe and they mutter.

227.

Like physicians, O king, they too are called brahmins;

They have been declared to you, great king, should we approach such ones?

228.

They have departed from commitment to holy life,

(Thus said King Korabya)

They are not called brahmins;

Vidhura, seek others, virtuous and very learned.

229.

Abstaining from sexual intercourse, those who would eat my food;

We will give the offering, my dear, where what is given is of great fruit.

230.

Having taken jingling bells, they proclaim in front of them;

They also go on errands, they train in chariot-driving.

231.

Like servants, O king, they too are called brahmins;

They have been declared to you, great king, should we approach such ones?

232.

They have departed from commitment to holy life,

(Thus said King Korabya)

They are not called brahmins;

Vidhura, seek others, virtuous and very learned.

233.

Abstaining from sexual intercourse, those who would eat my food;

We will give the offering, my dear, where what is given is of great fruit.

234.

Having taken the water-pitcher and the crooked staff, the brahmins;

Will attend upon kings, in villages and towns;

We will not depart without receiving, whether in village or in forest.

235.

Like seizers, O king, they too are called brahmins;

They have been declared to you, great king, should we approach such ones?

236.

They have departed from commitment to holy life,

(Thus said King Korabya)

They are not called brahmins;

Vidhura, seek others, virtuous and very learned.

237.

Abstaining from sexual intercourse, those who would eat my food;

We will give the offering, my dear, where what is given is of great fruit.

238.

With overgrown armpit hair, nails, and body hair, with stained teeth, with dusty heads;

Covered with dust and dirt, those beggars wander about.

239.

Like stump-diggers, O king, they too are called brahmins;

They have been declared to you, great king, should we approach such ones?

240.

They have departed from commitment to holy life,

(Thus said King Korabya)

They are not called brahmins;

Vidhura, seek others, virtuous and very learned.

241.

Abstaining from sexual intercourse, those who would eat my food;

We will give the offering, my dear, where what is given is of great fruit.

242.

Yellow myrobalan, emblic myrobalan, mango, rose-apple and beleric myrobalan;

Breadfruit, tooth-bangles, wood-apples and jujube fruits.

243.

The rājāyatana tree, sugar-cane and molasses containers, smoking pipes, honey and eye ointment;

They sell various high and low goods, O lord of people.

244.

Like merchants, O king, they too are called brahmins;

They have been declared to you, great king, should we approach such ones?

245.

They have departed from commitment to holy life,

(Thus said King Korabya)

They are not called brahmins;

Vidhura, seek others, virtuous and very learned.

246.

Abstaining from sexual intercourse, those who would eat my food;

We will give the offering, my dear, where what is given is of great fruit.

247.

They engage in farming and trade, they rear goats;

They give away daughters in marriage, and take in brides as well.

248.

Like the Ambaṭṭha merchants, they too are called brahmins;

They have been declared to you, great king, should we approach such ones?

249.

They have departed from commitment to holy life,

(Thus said King Korabya)

They are not called brahmins;

Vidhura, seek others, virtuous and very learned.

250.

Abstaining from sexual intercourse, those who would eat my food;

We will give the offering, my dear, where what is given is of great fruit.

251.

Some village chaplains eat reserved almsfood;

Many people interrogate them, castrators and branders.

252.

Cattle too are killed there, buffaloes, pigs, and goats;

Like butchers, O king, they too are called brahmins;

They have been declared to you, great king, should we approach such ones?

253.

They have departed from commitment to holy life,

(Thus said King Korabya)

They are not called brahmins;

Vidhura, seek others, virtuous and very learned.

254.

Abstaining from sexual intercourse, those who would eat my food;

We will give the offering, my dear, where what is given is of great fruit.

255.

Having taken up sword and shield, having raised the sword, brahmins;

Stand on the merchants' paths, and even escort caravans through.

256.

Like cowherds and hunters, they too are called brahmins;

They have been declared to you, great king, should we approach such ones?

257.

They have departed from commitment to holy life,

(Thus said King Korabya)

They are not called brahmins;

Vidhura, seek others, virtuous and very learned.

258.

Abstaining from sexual intercourse, those who would eat my food;

We will give the offering, my dear, where what is given is of great fruit.

259.

Having made a hut in the forest, they build peaked structures;

They harm hares and cats, iguanas, fish and turtles.

260.

Like hunters, O king, they too are called brahmins;

They have been declared to you, great king, should we approach such ones?

261.

They have departed from commitment to holy life,

(Thus said King Korabya)

They are not called brahmins;

Vidhura, seek others, virtuous and very learned.

262.

Abstaining from sexual intercourse, those who would eat my food;

We will give the offering, my dear, where what is given is of great fruit.

263.

Others, desiring wealth, crept under the bed;

Kings bathe above, when the soma sacrifice is at hand.

264.

Like stain-washers, O king, they too are called brahmins;

They have been declared to you, great king, should we approach such ones?

265.

They have departed from commitment to holy life,

(Thus said King Korabya)

They are not called brahmins;

Vidhura, seek others, virtuous and very learned.

266.

Abstaining from sexual intercourse, those who would eat my food;

We will give the offering, my dear, where what is given is of great fruit.

267.

There are indeed brahmins, O king, moral and very learned;

Abstaining from sexual intercourse, those who would eat your food.

268.

They eat one meal, and they do not drink intoxicants;

They have been declared to you, great king, should we approach such ones?

269.

These indeed are brahmins, Vidhura, moral and very learned;

Vidhura, seek these out, and quickly invite them.

The Ten Brahmins Birth Story, the twelfth.

496.

The Succession of Almsfood Birth Story (13)

270.

Having seen one of delicate form, come from the country to the forest;

Endowed with an excellent pinnacle building, attended upon a great bed.

271.

Out of love for you, I gave an excellent rice meal;

Food of fine rice, selected, pure, with meat sauce.

272.

Having received that meal, you gave it to the brahmin;

Without eating yourself, what is this principle? Homage to you.

273.

The brahmin is my teacher, zealous in duties and non-duties;

He is respected and worthy of being addressed, I deserve to give him food.

274.

Now I ask the brahmin, Gotama, venerated by the king;

The king gave you food, pure, with meat sauce.

275.

Having received that meal, you gave food to the sage;

You do not know the field for giving, what is this principle? Homage to you.

276.

I support sons and wife, bound to the household I am;

I enjoy human sensual pleasures, I instruct kings.

277.

To the forest-dwelling sage, the long-practising ascetic;

To the senior one of developed self, I deserve to give food.

278.

And now I ask the sage, lean, with veins spread over the body;

With overgrown armpit hair, nails and body hair, with muddy teeth and dusty head.

279.

You dwell alone in the forest, you do not long for life;

By what is this monk better than you, to whom you gave food.

280.

Digging up yams and tāla tubers, bilāli and buttermilk plants;

Shaking millet and wild rice, gathering and spreading them out.

281.

Vegetables, lotus roots, honey, meat, jujube and emblic myrobalan;

Having brought those, I eat, that is my possession.

282.

Cooking for one who does not cook, having possessions for one who is unselfish;

Having attachment for one without attachment, I deserve to give him food.

283.

And now I ask the monk, sitting silently, of good conduct;

The sage gave you food, pure, with meat sauce.

284.

Having received that meal, you eat silently alone;

You do not invite anyone else, what is this principle? Homage to you.

285.

I do not cook, I do not cause to cook, I do not cut, I do not cause to cut;

Having known me as one who owns nothing, abstaining from all evil.

286.

Having taken almsfood in his left hand, the water-pitcher in his right;

The sage gave me food, pure, with meat sauce.

287.

For these are worthy to give, the righteous ones with possessions;

Methinks it is opposition, whoever should invite the giver.

288.

Indeed for my benefit today, the bull among charioteers came here;

I today understand where what is given is of great fruit.

289.

Kings are greedy for countries, brahmins for duties and non-duties;

Sages are greedy for roots and fruits, and monks are free.

The Succession of Almsfood Birth Story, the thirteenth.

Its summary:

Parrot, Kinnara, Released, Rough-hide, Lotus-born, Great Sage, Excellent Pigeon;

Then Peacock, Carpenter, Merchant, then King with Brahmin, Almsfood Succession.

The Miscellaneous Section is concluded.

15.

The Book of the Twenties

497.

The Mātaṅga Birth Story (1)

1.

"From where do you come, you poorly dressed one, a wretched one like a dust-goblin;

With a refuse-rag fastened at your neck, who, you, are you, unworthy of offerings?"

2.

This food of yours has been prepared, O glorious one, that is eaten, consumed, and drunk;

You know me as one who lives on what is given by others, may the outcast obtain almsfood by standing up.

3.

"This food of mine is prepared for brahmins, this of mine is for one who has faith for his own benefit;

Go away from here, why are you standing here? Those like me do not give to you, wretch."

4.

On high ground and in low places they sow seed, in watery fields, hoping for fruit;

With this faith give a gift, it is well if one may succeed with those worthy of offerings.

5.

"Fields are known to me in the world, in which I plant seeds;

Those brahmins endowed with birth and sacred hymns, these are the well-behaved fields here."

6.

Vanity of birth and arrogance, and greed and hate and vanity and delusion;

These are faults, and in whomsoever all these exist, those fields here are ill-behaved.

7.

Vanity of birth and arrogance, and greed and hate and vanity and delusion;

These are faults, and in whomsoever all these do not exist, those fields here are well-behaved.

8.

"Where have Upajoti and the preceptor or Gaṇḍakucchi gone here?

Having given this one punishment and beating, having seized him by the throat, drive out the contemptible one."

9.

You dig a mountain with fingernails, you chew iron with teeth;

You strive against fire, whoever abuses a sage.

10.

Having said this, Mātaṅga, the sage with true exertion,

Departed into the sky, while the brahmins looked on.

11.

His head curved backwards, he stretches out his arm, unfit for action;

His eyes are white like those of the dead, who has made my son thus?

12.

An ascetic came here, poorly dressed, a wretched one like a dust-goblin;

With a refuse-rag fastened at his neck, he has made this son of yours thus.

13.

To which direction did the one of extensive wisdom go, tell me, young men, this matter;

Having gone there, may we make amends for the transgression, perhaps, son, we may obtain his life.

14.

The one of extensive wisdom went through the sky, like the moon on the fifteenth day in the middle of its path;

And he also went to the eastern direction, the sage of good disposition, one who acknowledged truth.

15.

His head curved backwards, he stretches out his arm, unfit for action;

His eyes are white like those of the dead, who has made my son thus?

16.

Demons indeed there are of great majesty, endowed with sages of good dispositions;

Having known your son's malicious mind, angered, the demons indeed did thus to him.

17.

Demons indeed did thus to my son, do not you yourself be angry with me, practitioner of the holy life;

I have gone for refuge at your very feet, overcome by sorrow for my son, monk.

18.

For that same thing even now is mine, there is no ill-will in me towards anyone;

And your son, intoxicated by pride in the Vedas, does not know the meaning, having learnt the Vedas.

19.

Surely indeed, monk, in a moment, a person's perception becomes bewildered;

Forgive this one offence, O one of extensive wisdom, the wise do not have wrath as their power.

20.

"And this my almsfood obtained by standing up, may your Maṇḍabya, lacking wisdom, eat it;

And demons would not harm him for you, and your son will be healthy.

21.

Maṇḍabya, you are a fool of limited wisdom, who are unskilled in fields of merit;

You give gifts to those with great corruptions, to those of defiled deeds, to the unrestrained.

22.

With matted hair and locks, clothed in antelope hides, face overgrown like a decayed well;

See this generation of ugly appearance, matted hair and antelope hide do not protect one lacking wisdom.

23.

"Those for whom lust and hate and ignorance have faded away;

Those who have eliminated the mental corruptions, the Worthy Ones, what is given to them is of great fruit."

The Mātaṅga Birth Story, the first.

498.

The Citta and Sambhūta Birth Story (2)

24.

All that is well practised by people is fruitful, nothing done by action is in vain;

I see Sambhūta of great majesty, endowed with the fruit of merit by his own action.

25.

All that is well practised by people is fruitful, nothing done by action is in vain;

I wonder whether for Citta too it is just so, whether his mind is prosperous just as mine.

26.

All that is well practised by people is fruitful, nothing done by action is in vain;

Know that his mind too is likewise, O king, his mind is prosperous just as yours.

27.

Did you, Citta, hear this from another, or did someone tell you this?

The verse is well sung, I have no uncertainty, I give you a hundred excellent villages.

28.

And I, Citta, did not hear this from another, but a sage told me this matter;

"Having gone, recite a verse to the king, perhaps he, delighted, would give you a boon."

29.

Let them harness the royal chariots, well-made, with variegated coverings;

Bind the girths on the elephants, fasten on the neck ornaments.

30.

Let them beat the drums, kettledrums, and conches, and let them harness the swift vehicles;

Today itself I will go to that hermitage, where I shall see the sage seated.

31.

It is indeed a well-gained gain for me, the verse was well sung in the midst of the assembly;

I, having seen the sage possessed of moral conduct, am delighted and glad at heart.

32.

A seat, water, foot-ointment, may you accept from us;

We ask you concerning the guest-offering, may you accept our guest-offering.

33.

Let them make a charming residence for you, let women attend upon you;

Make leave for assistance, let us both exercise sovereignty.

34.

Having seen the fruit of misconduct, O king, and also the great result of what is well practised;

I would restrain myself alone, I do not wish for son, cattle, or wealth.

35.

These are but ten decades of years, the life of mortals here;

Not having reached that limit, like a cut reed one withers away.

36.

What delight is there, what amusement, what pleasure, what search for wealth;

What use are sons and wife to me, O king, I am freed from bondage.

37.

Thus I understand, Death does not neglect me;

For one overcome by the Ender, what pleasure, what search for wealth?

38.

Birth among men is low, O lord of men, the outcast womb is the lowest among bipeds;

Through our own very evil actions, we dwelt in an outcast's womb formerly.

39.

We were outcasts among the Avantis, deer towards the Nerañjarā;

Ospreys on the Nammadā's bank, today we are brahmin and warrior.

40.

Life is being carried away, of little lifespan, for one brought to ageing there are no shelters;

Do this word of mine, O Pañcāla, do not do actions with painful consequences.

41.

Life is being carried away, of little lifespan, for one brought to ageing there are no shelters;

Do this word of mine, O Pañcāla, do not do actions with painful results.

42.

Life is being carried away, of little lifespan, for one brought to ageing there are no shelters;

Do this word of mine, O Pañcāla, do not do actions with defilement-covered heads.

43.

Life is being carried away, of little lifespan, ageing destroys the beauty of a man who is decaying;

Do this word of mine, O Pañcāla, do not do action for rebirth in hell.

44.

Surely indeed this word of yours is true, just as you speak, sage, so it is;

And my sensual pleasures are not insignificant, they are difficult to give up by one like me, monk.

45.

Just as an elephant stuck in the middle of the mud, seeing dry land, is unable to go there;

So I, stuck in the mire of sensual pleasures, do not follow the path of the monk.

46.

Just as a mother and father would instruct their son, so that he might be happy;

Thus too, instruct me, venerable sir, so that for a long time after death I might be happy.

47.

If you are not able, O lord of men, to abandon these human sensual pleasures;

Establish a righteous tax, O king, let there be no wrongdoing in your realm.

48.

Let messengers run about to the four directions, inviters of ascetics and brahmins;

Attend upon them with food and drink, with cloth and with lodging requisites.

49.

With a gladdened mind through food and drink, satisfy ascetics and brahmins;

Having given and enjoyed according to one's ability, blameless, go to the heavenly state.

50.

And if vanity should overcome you, O king, while being attended upon by groups of women;

Keep this very verse in mind, and speak it in the midst of the assembly.

51.

The creature who slept in the open air, suckled by her as she went about;

Surrounded by dogs, he is today called a king.

The Citta and Sambhūta Birth Story, the second.

499.

The Sivi Birth Story (3)

52.

"Not seeing from afar, O elder, I have come to ask for an eye;

We shall each have one eye, give me an eye, I entreat you."

53.

Advised by whom have you come here, pauper, to ask for the eyes;

You ask for the head, very difficult to give up, which they call the eye, difficult for a person to give up.

54.

Whom they call Sujampati among the gods, Maghavā they call him in the human world;

Advised by him I have come here, a pauper, to ask for the eyes.

55.

To one who begs, give my unsurpassed request, give your eyes when asked;

Give me the unsurpassed eye, which they call the eye, difficult for a person to give up.

56.

Whatever purpose you came for, whatever benefit you desired;

May those thoughts of yours succeed, receive the eyes, brahmin.

57.

To you who are entreating for one, I give both;

Go, endowed with eyes, while the people look on, whatever you wish, may that succeed for you.

58.

Do not give us your eye, O king, do not abandon us all;

Give wealth, great king, many pearls and lapis lazuli.

59.

Give, O king, chariots yoked with thoroughbreds adorned with ornaments;

Give elephants, great king, clothed in golden caparisons.

60.

Just as all the Sivis, with their vehicles and chariots, always;

Would surround you on all sides, so give, O bull among charioteers.

61.

He who indeed, having said "I will give", sets his mind on not giving;

He fastens around his neck the snare that has fallen on the ground.

62.

He who indeed, having said "I will give", sets his mind on not giving;

He becomes more evil than the evil one, having arrived at Yama's realm.

63.

What one would request, that one should give; what one would not request, that one should not give;

I will give that very thing, which the brahmin requests of me.

64.

Is it life span, or beauty, or happiness, or power, desiring what, O lord of men, did you give;

How indeed could the unsurpassed king of the Sivis give his eyes for the sake of the world beyond?

65.

I do not give this for the sake of fame, I do not wish for a son, nor wealth, nor a country;

But the teaching of the virtuous practised of old, thus indeed my mind delights in giving.

66.

You are my companion and friend, Sīvika, well-trained, do well my word;

Having pulled out my eyes as I look on, place them in the hands of this pauper.

67.

Accused by the Sivi king, the Sivi man was obedient to his word;

Having extracted the king's eyes, he offered them to the brahmin;

The brahmin had eyes, the blind king sat down.

68.

Then he, after a few days, when the eyes had healed;

The king addressed the charioteer, the increaser of the Sivi realm.

69.

Harness the vehicle, charioteer, and announce when it is yoked;

Let us go to the pleasure ground, and to the lotus pond forests.

70.

And he sat down cross-legged on the bank of the pond;

To him Sakka appeared, the king of gods, husband of Sujā.

71.

I am Sakka, the lord of gods, I have come into your presence;

Choose a boon, royal sage, whatever you wish in your mind.

72.

Abundant is my wealth, Sakka, my power and treasury are small;

For me who am blind and mindful now, only death is pleasing.

73.

Whatever truths there are, lord of bipeds, speak those, O warrior;

As you speak the truth, your eye will be restored again.

74.

Those who come to beg from me, paupers of various clans;

Whoever requests from me there, he too is dear to my mind;

By this speaking of truth, may an eye arise for me.

75.

That brahmin who came to beg from me, saying "Give me your eyes";

I gave my eyes to that brahmin who was begging.

76.

Joy entered me even more, and pleasure not small;

By this speaking of truth, may a second arise for me.

77.

The verse has been spoken by the Teaching, increaser of the Sivi realm;

These eyes of yours, divine, are appearing.

78.

Through walls, through rocks, having passed over mountains;

All around for a hundred yojanas, may they experience vision.

79.

Who here, when asked, would not give wealth, even the most excellent and dear to oneself?

Come now, all you Sivis assembled, behold my divine eyes today.

80.

Through walls, through rocks, having passed over mountains;

All around for a hundred yojanas, they experience my vision.

81.

There is nothing higher than generosity for mortals here in life;

Having given my human eye, I obtained a non-human eye.

82.

Having seen this too, O Sivis, give gifts and enjoy;

Having given and enjoyed according to one's ability, blameless, go to the heavenly state.

The Sivi Birth Story, the third.

500.

The Sirīmanta Birth Story (4)

83.

One endowed with wisdom but lacking in glory, or one famous but devoid of wisdom;

I ask you, Senaka, about this matter, which here do the skilled say is better?

84.

The wise and the foolish indeed, O lord of men, those possessed of craft and those without craft;

Even those of good birth become weavers for one of no birth who is famous;

Having seen this too, I declare: one who is wise though low is better than one who is merely glorious.

85.

I ask you too, of superior wisdom, Mahosadha, consummate one who sees the Teaching;

A fool with fame, a wise one with little wealth, which here do the skilled say is better?

86.

The fool does evil deeds, imagining "this alone is better";

Seeing this world, not seeing the world beyond, the fool in both places sought the path of misfortune;

Having seen this too, I declare: one who is wise is better, not the fool though glorious.

87.

Neither craft nor this arranges wealth, nor kinsmen, nor whoever has bodily beauty;

See the drooling idiot thriving in happiness, for fortune attends him, the lord of cattle;

Having seen this too, I declare: one who is wise though low is better than one who is merely glorious.

88.

Having obtained happiness, the one lacking wisdom becomes intoxicated, and even when touched by suffering, he becomes deluded;

Touched by adventitious suffering and happiness, he trembles like a water creature in the heat;

Having seen this too, I declare: one who is wise is better, not the fool though glorious.

89.

Just as birds flock together from all around to a tree with sweet fruit in the forest;

Thus too many people associate with one who is wealthy, with riches, with possessions, for the sake of benefit;

Having seen this too, I declare: one who is wise though low is better than one who is merely glorious.

90.

A powerful fool is not good, by force he finds wealth;

They drag this weeping fool to hell exceedingly;

Having seen this too, I declare: one who is wise is better, not the fool though glorious.

91.

Whatever rivers flow into the Ganges, all of them give up their name and clan;

The Ganges proceeding to the ocean, even one who is wise does not appear with supernormal power in the world;

Having seen this too, I declare: one who is wise though low is better than one who is merely glorious.

92.

Into which great ocean the rivers flow at all times innumerable;

That sea, the great ocean, with constantly lofty force, does not transgress its boundary.

93.

Thus too are the prattlings of a fool, glory never surpasses wisdom;

Having seen this too, I declare: one who is wise is better, not the fool though glorious.

94.

Even if an unrestrained famous one, having come to an agreement, speaks for the benefit of others;

That very thing grows for him among relatives, for fortune causes him to act, not wisdom;

Having seen this too, I declare: one who is wise though low is better than one who is merely glorious.

95.

For the sake of another or even for oneself, the fool speaks falsely, lacking wisdom;

He is blamed in the midst of the assembly, and afterwards too he goes to an unfortunate realm;

Having seen this too, I declare: one who is wise is better, not the fool though glorious.

96.

Even if one of extensive wisdom speaks what is beneficial, being without wealth, with little property, poor;

That does not grow for him among relatives, and fortune does not belong to the one endowed with wisdom;

Having seen this too, I declare: one who is wise though low is better than one who is merely glorious.

97.

For the sake of another or even for oneself, the one of extensive wisdom does not speak falsehood;

He is venerated in the midst of the assembly, and afterwards too he goes to a fortunate realm;

Having seen this too, I declare: one who is wise is better, not the fool though glorious.

98.

Elephants, cattle and horses, jewelled earrings, and women born in prosperous families;

All of these become enjoyments for the prosperous man, while those without prosperity have none;

Having seen this too, I declare: one who is wise though low is better than one who is merely glorious.

99.

One whose activities are not arranged, a fool, an imprudent counsellor;

Fortune gives up the imprudent, as a snake its worn-out skin;

Having seen this too, I declare: one who is wise is better, not the fool though glorious.

100.

We five wise ones, venerable sir, all stand with joined palms;

You, having overcome us, are lord, like Sakka, the lord of beings, the king of gods;

Having seen this too, I declare: one who is wise though low is better than one who is merely glorious.

101.

A fool though glorious is but a slave to the wise, when such needs arise;

What the wise one skilfully arranges, therein the fool falls into confusion;

Having seen this too, I declare: one who is wise is better, not the fool though glorious.

102.

Surely indeed wisdom alone is praised by the good, lovely is fortune, humans are delighted in wealth;

And the knowledge of the Buddhas is of incomparable form, glory never surpasses wisdom.

103.

What we asked you, you declared to us, Mahosadha, seer of the consummate teaching;

A thousand cattle and a leading bull, an elephant, and these ten chariots yoked with thoroughbreds;

Satisfied by the explanation of the question, I give you sixteen excellent villages.

The Sirīmanta Birth Story, the fourth.

501.

The Rohaṇa Deer Birth Story (5)

104.

These herds are fleeing, frightened of death, O Cittaka;

Go, you too, do not doubt, they will live together with you.

105.

I will not go, Rohaṇa, my heart draws me back;

I will not abandon you, here I will give up life.

106.

They will surely die, blind, without a guide;

Go, you too, do not doubt, they will live together with you.

107.

I will not go, Rohaṇa, my heart draws me back;

I will not abandon that captive, here I will give up life.

108.

Go, timid one, flee, I am bound in an iron trap;

Go, you too, do not doubt, they will live together with you.

109.

I will not go, Rohaṇa, my heart draws me back;

I will not abandon you, here I will give up life.

110.

They will surely die, blind, without a guide;

Go, you too, do not doubt, they will live together with you.

111.

I will not go, Rohaṇa, my heart draws me back;

I will not abandon that captive, here I will give up life.

112.

This hunter comes, fierce in appearance, with weapon;

Who will kill us today, with arrow or with spear.

113.

She, having fled for a moment, oppressed by fear, threatened by fear;

Did what is very difficult to do, timid one, she turned back towards death.

114.

Why indeed are these deer, released, attending upon the captive;

They do not wish to abandon him, even for the sake of life.

115.

My brothers are fierce, huntsman, born of the same mother, of one mother;

They do not wish to abandon me, even for the sake of life.

116.

They will surely die, blind, without a guide;

Give life to the five, release my brother, O hunter.

117.

I release for you the deer who supports his mother and father;

May the mother and father rejoice, having seen the great deer released.

118.

Thus, O hunter, may you rejoice, together with all your relatives;

Just as I rejoice today, having seen the great deer released.

119.

How were you released, when life was brought near to death;

How, son, did the hunter release you from the deceitful snare?

120.

Speaking speech pleasant to the ear, charming, connected with the heart;

With well-spoken words, Cittaka released me.

121.

Speaking speech pleasant to the ear, charming, connected with the heart;

With well-spoken words, Sutanā released me.

122.

Having heard speech pleasant to the ear, charming, connected with the heart;

Having heard the well-spoken words, the hunter released me.

123.

May the hunter be thus delighted, together with his wives;

Just as we today rejoice, having seen Rohaṇa arrived.

124.

Did you not say, huntsman, "I will bring deer hides"?

Then for what reason did you not bring deer hides?

125.

That deer came within reach of the hand, and to the hidden snare;

It caught that king of beasts, and the released ones attended upon him.

126.

For me there was spiritual urgency, wonderful and terrifying;

If I should kill this deer, today I will give up life.

127.

What are those beasts like, huntsman, what are those righteous beasts like;

Of what beauty, of what character, very much indeed you praise them.

128.

With white horns and pure tail-hair, with skin like gold;

Their feet were red, with anointed eyes, delightful.

129.

Such are those beasts, O king, such are those righteous beasts;

They support their mother and father, O king, he cannot be brought to you.

130.

I give you a hundred gold coins, huntsman, and a large jewelled earring;

And a divan with four posts, resembling flax flowers in a stream.

131.

And two wives of equal status, and a leading bull with a hundred cattle;

I shall exercise kingship by righteousness, you have been of great service to me, O hunter.

132.

Farming, trading, giving of loans, and gleaning, O hunter;

By this support your wife, do not do evil again.

The Rohaṇa Deer Birth Story, the fifth.

502.

The Lesser Swan Birth Story (6)

133.

These swans depart, crooked-limbed, driven by fear;

O golden-skinned one, golden-coloured one, surely, O fair-faced one, depart.

134.

Having left me, the group of relatives, gone into the power of a single snare;

Without looking back they go, why do you lag behind?

135.

Fly away, O foremost among birds, there is no companionship with one who is bound;

Do not neglect your effort for freedom from trouble, surely, O fair-faced one, depart.

136.

"Not because you are 'afflicted by suffering', Dhataraṭṭha, would I give you up;

Whether life or death for me, will be together with you."

137.

This is good for a noble one, what you, Sumukha, speak;

And investigating that, I let go "let it fall."

138.

By footlessness a footprint goes, the bird moving through the sky;

From afar you did not perceive the snare, O most excellent of swans.

139.

When ruin comes, a man at the end of life;

Then even having encountered the net and the snare, he does not understand.

140.

These swans depart, crooked-limbed, driven by fear;

O golden-skinned one, golden-coloured one, you alone are left behind.

141.

These birds, having eaten and drunk, depart;

Without looking back, O crooked-limbed ones, you alone attend.

142.

Why indeed is this one a bird to you, freed you attend upon the captive;

Having left it, the birds go - why do you alone lag behind?

143.

That twice-born is my friend, the king, and he is my companion dear as life;

I will indeed not abandon him, until the end of time.

144.

And you who wish to give up your life for the sake of a friend;

I release that companion for you, let the king be your follower.

145.

Thus, O hunter, may you rejoice, together with all your relatives;

Just as I rejoice today, having seen the lord of birds released.

146.

"Is it that you are well, is it that you are free from illness;

Is it that this country is prosperous, do you govern by the Teaching?"

147.

"Is it well with me, O swan, and also, O swan, free from illness?

And also is this country prosperous, do I govern by the Teaching?"

148.

Is it that among your councillors, no fault is found in anyone;

Is it that your enemies are far away, like a shadow from the south.

149.

And also among my councillors, no fault is found in anyone;

And also my enemies are far away, like a shadow from the south.

150.

Is your wife equal to yourself, loyal, speaking pleasantly;

Endowed with sons, beauty and fame, following your wish and will?

151.

And also my wife is equal to myself, loyal, speaking pleasantly;

Endowed with sons, beauty and fame, following my wish and will.

152.

Are your many sons well-born, increaser of the realm;

Accomplished with the speed of wisdom, do they rejoice here and there?

153.

A hundred and one sons of mine, Dhataraṭṭha, are heard of through me;

Tell them their duty, they do not oppose your word.

154.

Even if one is well-born, by birth or by discipline;

Then afterwards makes exertion, in difficulty, in misfortunes, he sinks.

155.

For one of wavering wisdom, a great flaw arises;

Like one night-blind, he sees only gross forms.

156.

One who thinks the unessential is connected with essence, does not find wisdom;

Like a sarabha deer in a mountain fortress, he sinks right there in obstacles.

157.

Even if a man is of low birth, if he is energetic and resolute;

Accomplished in good conduct and morality, he shines at night like fire.

158.

Having made this simile for me, teach your sons in the branches of knowledge;

The wise one would grow, like a seed in a field with rain.

The Lesser Swan Birth Story, the sixth.

503.

The Spear Thicket Birth Story (7)

159.

The deer hunter, the great king, the bull among charioteers of the Pañcālas;

Having gone forth together with his army, separated from his group, he came to the forest.

160.

There he saw in the forest, a hut made for thieves;

Having gone out from that hut, the parrot speaks cruel words.

161.

A man with an excellent vehicle, a youth with polished earrings;

He shines with a red turban, like the sun shining by day.

162.

At midday just now, the king is asleep with his charioteer;

Come, let us forcibly take all his ornaments.

163.

Even at midnight it is secret now, the king is asleep with his charioteer;

Having taken the cloth and jewelled earrings, having killed, let us cover him with branches.

164.

"Why, as if mad, do you speak of a thicket of spears?

For kings are difficult to approach, like a blazing fire."

165.

Then you, Patikolamba, intoxicated, roar rough words;

Towards my mother who is naked, why indeed do you feel disgust?

166.

Rise up, my dear, hurrying, harness the chariot, charioteer;

The bird does not please me, let us go to another hermitage.

167.

The chariot is yoked, great king, and the powerful steed is yoked;

Mount up, great king, let us go to another hermitage.

168.

Where indeed have all gone, those who were attendants here?

This Pañcāla goes, freed from their sight.

169.

Take up the bows, the spears and lances;

This Pañcāla goes, let none of you release him alive.

170.

Then another welcomed him, a parrot with a red beak;

"Welcome to you, great king, and also your coming is not unwelcome;

You have arrived as lord, declare whatever is here."

171.

Tinduka fruits, piyāla fruits, madhuka fruits and kasumāra fruits;

Small fruits, enjoy, O king, the choicest of the choicest.

172.

"This drinking water too is cool, brought from the mountain cave;

Drink from it, great king, if you so wish.

173.

Those who are attendants here have gone to the forest for gleanings;

Rise up yourselves and take, I have no hands to give.

174.

"Good indeed is this bird, a twice-born one, supremely righteous;

But this other bird, the parrot, speaks cruel words."

175.

'Kill this one, bind him, let none of you release him alive';

Thus as he was wailing, I safely reached the hermitage.

176.

"We are brothers, great king, born of the same mother, of one mother;

Grown up on one tree, both gone to different fields.

177.

Sattigumba among thieves, and I among sages here;

He of the wicked, I of the good, not without that teaching.

178.

There murder and imprisonment, fraud and cheating;

Snatching morsels, acts of violence, these he learns there.

179.

Here there is truth and the Teaching, non-violence, self-control, taming;

I was raised in the lap of those who give seats and water, O Bhāradha.

180.

For whatever king associates with, whether a virtuous man or not;

Whether moral or immoral, he comes under that one's control.

181.

Whatever kind of friend one makes, whatever kind one associates with;

One too becomes such, for such is living together.

182.

"One associating with one who associates, touched by one touching another;

Like a poisoned arrow in a quiver, it taints the untainted;

Fearing defilement, the wise one should never be a friend of the evil.

183.

Whatever man wraps a rotten fish with the tip of kusa grass;

Even the kusa grass smells rotten, thus is association with fools.

184.

"Whatever man wraps tagara incense with a leaf;

Even the leaves smell fragrant, thus is association with the wise.

185.

Therefore, like a leaf-container, knowing one's own outcome;

One should not associate with the bad, the wise one should associate with the good;

The bad lead to hell, the good bring one to a good destination.

The Spear Thicket Birth Story, the seventh.

504.

The Bhallātiya Birth Story (8)

186.

There was a king named Bhallātiya, who, having abandoned his country, went hunting;

He went to the excellent mountain Gandhamādana, fully in bloom, frequented by kimpurisas.

187.

Having held back the pack of hounds, and having put down the bow and quiver, he

Approached, wishing to speak a word, where the kinnara people were standing.

188.

At the passing of winter, on the bank of the Hemavatā, why do you stand here consulting repeatedly?

I ask you, having human body and beauty, how then do they know in the human world?

189.

We roam about Malla mountain, Paṇḍaraka, and Tikūṭa, and rivers with cool water;

The beasts know us as kimpurisas, resembling humans in appearance, O huntsman.

190.

You lament as though in great distress, and the beloved was embraced by his beloved;

I ask you, having human body and beauty, why do you weep here in the forest, displeased?

191.

You lament as though in great distress, and the beloved was embraced by his beloved;

I ask you, having human body and beauty, why do you wail here in the forest, displeased?

192.

You lament as though in great distress, and the beloved was embraced by his beloved;

I ask you, having human body and beauty, why do you grieve here in the forest, displeased?

193.

We stayed apart for one night, huntsman, unwillingly, remembering each other;

Regretting that one night, we grieve, "That night will not come again."

194.

That one night you would regret, like wealth lost or a father who has died;

I ask you, having human body and beauty, how did you manage to live without?

195.

This river which you see with swift current, covered with various trees, with rocky banks;

That my beloved crossed in the rainy season, thinking me to be following behind.

196.

And I was picking aṅkolaka flowers, atimuttaka and sattali creepers;

"My beloved will be a garland-bearer, and I, garlanded, will approach him."

197.

I am picking these kuravaka flowers, uddālaka trees, trumpet-flower trees, and sindhuvāraka trees;

"My beloved will be a garland-bearer, and I, garlanded, will approach him."

198.

And I, having picked flowers from the sal tree in full bloom, make a garland;

"My beloved will be a garland-bearer, and I, garlanded, will approach him."

199.

And I, having picked flowers from the sal tree in full bloom, make a burden;

And this will be for us for the purpose of a covering, where we shall dwell this night today.

200.

And I indeed grind aloe wood and sandalwood, on a stone, heedlessly;

"My beloved will have an anointed body, and I, anointed, will approach him."

201.

Then came the water with swift current, sweeping away the sal trees, salaḷa trees, and kaṇṇikāra trees;

It filled up in that moment, in the evening the river was very difficult to cross by me.

202.

We both stood then on both banks, seeing each other mutually;

Once we wept, once we laughed, with difficulty that night came to us.

203.

Right early when the sun had risen, having crossed the shallow river, O huntsman;

Embracing each other, we two, once we wept, once we laughed.

204.

Seven hundred less three, huntsman, that we here stayed apart before;

This life is but one year, O protector of the earth, who here would live without his beloved?

205.

And how long is your life span, my dear, if you know, tell me your life span;

Whether from oral tradition or from elders or from scripture, tell me that, unwavering.

206.

And our life span is a thousand years, huntsman, and in between there is no evil disease;

And little is suffering, happiness is more, not free from lust we give up life.

207.

Having heard this from the non-humans, Bhallātiya thought: "Life is short";

He turned back, did not go hunting, gave gifts, and enjoyed his wealth.

208.

Having heard this from the non-humans, rejoice together, do not make a dispute;

Let not the offence of one's own action burn you, just as it did those kimpurisas for one night.

209.

Having heard this from the non-humans, rejoice together, do not make a contention;

Let not the offence of one's own action burn you, just as it did those kimpurisas for one night.

210.

With a devoted mind I hear your various way of speaking, connected with the goal;

Uttering your word, you dispel my anguish, ascetic, bringer of happiness, may you live long for me.

The Bhallātiya Birth Story, the eighth.

505.

The Somanassa Birth Story (9)

211.

Who hurts you, who harasses you, why do you grieve unhappy and displeased;

Whose mother and father should weep today, where today is a bridge destroyed on the earth?

212.

"I am satisfied, O king, by seeing you, at long last I see you, O protector of the earth;

Having entered Reṇu as a harmless one, I have been harassed by your son, O king.

213.

Let the doorkeepers with swords bound come, let the executioners go to the inner palace;

Having killed that prince Somanassa, having cut off his head, let them bring the excellent one.

214.

The messengers sent by the king said this to the boy;

You have been abandoned by the lord, you have reached murder, O warrior.

215.

That prince, lamenting, having raised joined palms with ten fingers;

I too wish to see the lord of men, having led me while living, may you show me to him.

216.

Having heard that word of his, they showed the son to the king;

And the son, having seen his father, spoke from afar as one condemned to death.

217.

The doorkeepers with swords bound came, the executioners to kill me, O lord of men;

Tell me, being asked, this matter, what offence is there here for me today.

218.

Evening and morning he enters the water, always diligently tending the fire;

Why do you call such a restrained practitioner of the holy life a householder?

219.

Palmyra trees and roots and fruits, O king, various possessions are his;

He protects them, guards them diligently, therefore I call him a householder.

220.

"You speak the truth, young man, various possessions are his;

He protects them, guards them diligently, that brahmin is a householder because of that.

221.

Let my assembly gathered here hear me, townspeople and all the country-folk;

Having heard the words of this fool, the foolish one, the lord of men has me killed without cause.

222.

When the root is firm, spread out and grown, the bamboo with branches grown is hard to remove;

I pay homage to your feet, O lord of men, permit me, I shall go forth, O king.

223.

Enjoy extensive wealth, young man, and I give you all sovereignty;

This very day become king of the Kurus, do not go forth, for going forth is suffering.

224.

"What wealth is there here for you, O king? Formerly I delighted in the heavenly world;

With delightful forms, sounds, and also flavours, odours, and contacts."

225.

And my pleasures have been enjoyed in the celestial abode, O king, surrounded by a company of nymphs;

And having known you to be foolish, one to be led by another, I would not dwell in such a royal family.

226.

If I am a fool, one who needs to be guided by another, forgive this one offence of mine, son;

And if again such a thing should occur, do as you see fit, Somanassa.

227.

Action done without consideration, thought out without deliberation;

Like the failure of medicine, the result is evil.

228.

Action done with consideration, thought out with proper deliberation;

Like the success of medicine, the result is fortunate.

229.

A lazy householder enjoying sensual pleasures is not good, an unrestrained one gone forth is not good;

A king not acting considerately is not good, whoever is a wise one prone to wrath, that is not good.

230.

A warrior should act considerately, a lord of the land not inconsiderately;

For a king who acts considerately, fame and renown increase.

231.

Having considered, a lord should decree punishment; what is done in haste torments, O protector of the earth;

And a man's purposes rightly established, they become without remorse afterwards.

232.

For those who, having analysed the fields of action in the world, do what is without remorse;

Praised by the wise, yielding happiness, these are approved by the Buddhas.

233.

The doorkeepers with swords bound came, the executioners to kill me, O lord of men;

And while I was seated on my mother's lap, I was dragged away forcibly by them, O king.

234.

For I have met with painful confinement and distress, though life is sweet, having obtained it, O king;

With difficulty today I am released from murder, I am inclined only towards the going forth.

235.

This son of yours, young Sudhamma, the compassionate prince Somanassa;

Begging him, I do not obtain him today, you too are worthy to beg him.

236.

Delight in going about for alms, son, having considered, wander forth among the teachings;

Having laid aside the rod towards all beings, blameless, go to the supreme state.

237.

What a marvellous thing indeed, you cause me suffering when I am already suffering, Sudhamma;

Being told "Request your son," you encourage the boy even more.

238.

Those who are free, enjoying what is blameless, who have attained final Nibbāna, wander in this world;

The boy entering upon that noble path, I do not endeavour to prevent.

239.

Surely indeed those with wisdom should be cultivated, very learned, who are thinkers on many grounds;

Having heard their well-spoken words, living at ease, free from sorrow, of good teaching.

The Somanassa Birth Story, the ninth.

506.

The Campeyya Birth Story (10)

240.

Who are you that shines like lightning, like the healing star among the stars?

Are you a deity or a female gandhabba? I do not consider you a human woman.

241.

I am not a goddess nor a female gandhabba, nor a human woman, great king;

I am a serpent maiden, venerable sir, I have come here for a purpose.

242.

Your mind is confused, your faculties are agitated, streams of water flow from your eyes;

What have you lost, or what are you desiring, that you came here, woman? Please tell me that.

243.

Whom they call a snake of fierce radiance, a serpent they call him, O lord of men;

That one a man seized for the sake of livelihood, release him from bondage, this is my husband.

244.

How did this one, possessed of power and energy, come within reach of the hand of a pauper?

Tell me, nāga maiden, that matter, how may we understand the captured nāga.

245.

The elephant could reduce even a city to ashes, for thus he is possessed of power and energy;

And the elephant, honouring the Teaching, therefore having exerted, practises austere asceticism.

246.

On the fourteenth and fifteenth, O king, at the crossroads the king of serpents is appeased;

That one a man seized for the sake of livelihood, release him from bondage, this is my husband.

247.

Sixteen thousand women, adorned with jewelled earrings;

A lady who sleeps in a water-house, she too has gone to him for refuge.

248.

Release him righteously, without violence, with a village, a gold coin, and a hundred cattle;

Let the snake go about with body released, let the one desirous of merit release him from bondage.

249.

I release him righteously, without violence, with a village, a gold coin, and a hundred cattle;

Let the snake go about with body released, let the one desirous of merit release him from bondage.

250.

I give you a hundred gold coins, huntsman, and a large jewelled earring;

And a divan with four posts, resembling flax flowers in a stream.

251.

And two wives of equal status, and a leading bull with a hundred cattle;

Let the snake go about with body released, let the one desirous of merit release him from bondage.

252.

Even without a gift, your word, lord of men, let us release this snake from bondage;

Let the snake go about with body released, let the one desirous of merit release him from bondage.

253.

The released Campeyyaka serpent said this to the king:

"Homage to you, King of Kāsi, homage to you, increaser of Kāsi;

I raise my joined palms to you, may you see my dwelling."

254.

Surely indeed they have said this is hard to trust, that a human should trust in a non-human;

And if you request me for this matter, we shall see your dwellings, O noble one.

255.

Even if the wind were to carry away the mountain, and the moon and the sun were to fall to the ground;

And all the rivers were to flow against the stream, still I would not speak falsely, O king.

256.

Though the sky should split, though the ocean should dry up, though the earth that bears beings should roll up;

Though the rock Meru should fly up with its roots, still I would not speak falsely, O king.

257.

Surely indeed they have said this is hard to trust, that a human should trust in a non-human;

And if you request me for this matter, we shall see your dwellings, O noble one.

258.

You are indeed of deadly venom, eminent, of great power and quick to anger;

Released from bondage because of me, you are worthy to know what has been done.

259.

May he be cooked in a hell of terrible form, may he not obtain any bodily comfort;

Bound in a box, may he go to death, whoever does not know such a deed done.

260.

May this acknowledgment of yours be true to me, be without wrath, be without resentment;

And may the supaṇṇas avoid your entire serpent clan, like fire in the summer.

261.

You had compassion for the serpent clan, O lord of men, just as a mother for her dear only son;

And I together with the serpent clan will render you lofty service.

262.

Let them harness the royal chariots, well-painted, the well-tamed mules from Kamboja;

And let them harness the elephants with golden caparisons, we shall see the dwellings of the noble one.

263.

Drums, small drums, tabors and conch shells, they sounded for King Uggasena;

The king set forth, greatly resplendent, honoured in the midst of the group of women.

264.

The Kāsi king saw the ground strewn with gold,

In golden mansions spread with lapis lazuli planks.

265.

That king entered the divine mansion, the dwelling of Campeyya;

Resembling the colour of the sun, luminous like golden lightning.

266.

Covered with various trees, stirred by various odours;

That King of Kāsi entered the dwelling of Campeyya.

267.

When the king of Kāsi had entered the dwelling of Campeyya;

Divine musical instruments were played, and serpent maidens danced.

268.

That dwelling frequented by a company of serpent maidens, the King of Kāsi, with faith, ascended;

He sat down on a golden chair, with a bolster smeared with sandalwood essence.

269.

He, having eaten there and also having delighted, the King of Kāsi said to the Campeyyaka:

"These foremost mansions of yours, sun-coloured, luminous;

Such does not exist in the human world, aspiring to what, O noble one, do you practise austere asceticism?"

270.

They wear conch-shell bracelets and armlets, well-clothed, with rounded fingers, endowed with copper-coloured palms and soles;

Having raised up, they give drink, of superior beauty, such does not exist in the human world;

Aspiring to what, O noble one, do you practise austere asceticism?

271.

And these rivers with broad-scaled fish, resounding with birds, with good landing places;

Such does not exist in the human world, aspiring to what, O noble one, do you practise austere asceticism?"

272.

"Herons, peacocks, and divine swans, sweet-voiced cuckoos fly about;

Such does not exist in the human world, aspiring to what, O noble one, do you practise austere asceticism?"

273.

Mango trees and sal trees and tilaka trees and rose-apple trees, uddālaka trees and trumpet-flower trees in bloom;

Such does not exist in the human world, aspiring to what, O noble one, do you practise austere asceticism?"

274.

And these lotus ponds of yours all around, and divine odours constantly blow forth;

Such does not exist in the human world, aspiring to what, O noble one, do you practise austere asceticism?"

275.

Not for the sake of a son, not for the sake of wealth, nor for the sake of life span, O lord of men;

Longing for the human realm, therefore having exerted, I practise austere asceticism.

276.

You are red-eyed, with space between shoulders exposed, adorned, with hair and beard trimmed;

Well-anointed with red sandalwood, like a king of gandhabbas you illuminate the directions.

277.

You have attained divine power, of great majesty, endowed with all sensual pleasures;

I ask you, king of serpents, about this matter, by what is the human world better than here.

278.

O lord of men, not apart from the human world, is purity found or self-control;

And I, having obtained the human realm, will make an end of birth and death.

279.

Surely indeed those with wisdom should be cultivated, very learned, who are thinkers on many grounds;

And having seen the women and you, O noble one, I will make merit not trifling.

280.

Surely indeed those with wisdom should be cultivated, very learned, who are thinkers on many grounds;

And having seen the women and me, O king, make merit not trifling.

281.

And this abundant gold of mine, heaps of gold as tall as palm trees;

Having taken from here, let them make golden houses, let them make a wall of silver.

282.

And five thousand cartloads of pearls, mixed with lapis lazuli, having carried from here;

Let them spread on the ground in the inner palace, it will be free from mud and free from dust.

283.

"Dwell in such a foremost mansion, O foremost king, exceedingly shining;

The city of Bārāṇasī, prosperous and flourishing, exercise kingship, O one of superior wisdom."

The Campeyya Birth Story, the tenth.

507.

The Great Enticement Birth Story (11)

284.

Having fallen away from the Brahma world, the young god of great supernormal power;

Was born as a son of the king, endowed with all sensual pleasures.

285.

Sensual pleasures or perception of sensuality do not exist in the Brahma world;

That young man, by that very perception, became disgusted with sensual pleasures.

286.

For him in the inner palace there was a meditation dwelling, well built;

There he, in seclusion, alone in a secret place, meditated.

287.

That king lamented, distressed by sorrow for his son;

"This only son of mine does not enjoy sensual pleasures."

288.

Who now here is that means, or who knows anything;

Who might entice my son, so that he would desire sensual pleasures.

289.

There was a girl right there, endowed with beauty and form;

Skilled in dancing and singing, and adept in music.

290.

She, having approached there, said this to the king:

"I could indeed entice him, if he will become my husband."

291.

To her who spoke thus, the king said this to the maiden:

"You yourself entice him, he will become your husband."

292.

And she, having gone to the inner palace, much connected with sensual pleasure;

Spoke verses that were charming, affectionate, and variegated.

293.

And having heard the sound of her singing, the woman;

Sensual desire arose in him, he inquired of the people.

294.

Whose is this sound, or who is he, who speaks much high and low;

Pleasant to the heart, affectionate, oh, pleasant to my ear.

295.

This indeed is a woman, O king, this is no small amusement;

If you were to enjoy sensual pleasures, more and more they would please you.

296.

Come, let her come near, let her sing not far away;

Near the hermitage, let her sing close to me.

297.

Having sung outside the wall, she entered the meditation chamber;

She bound him gradually, like a forest elephant.

298.

Having known the taste of sensual pleasure, the quality of jealousy arose in him;

"I alone should enjoy sensual pleasures, let there not be another man."

299.

Then having taken a sword, he began to kill the men;

"I alone shall enjoy, let there not be another man."

300.

Then all the country-folk, assembled, cried loudly;

"This son of yours, great king, harasses the innocent people."

301.

And the king banished her, the warrior from his kingdom;

As far as my realm extends, you should not dwell there at that moment.

302.

Then he, having taken his wife, approached the ocean;

Having made a leaf-hut, he entered the forest for gleaning.

303.

Then here a sage came, over and above the ocean;

He entered that dwelling, when mealtime had arrived.

304.

And his wife seduced him, see how extremely dreadful;

He fell from the holy life, he declined from supernormal power.

305.

And the prince, from gleaning, forest roots and fruits in abundance;

In the evening, having taken them with a carrying pole, approached the hermitage.

306.

And the sage, having seen the warrior, approached the ocean;

"I shall go through the sky," he sinks in the great ocean.

307.

And the warrior, having seen the sage sinking in the great ocean;

Out of compassion for him, spoke these verses.

308.

On the water not breaking, having come by oneself through supernormal power;

Having gone to intimacy with a woman, you sink in the great ocean.

309.

Enticing, a great illusion, corrupting the holy life;

Knowing that they sink, one should avoid them from afar.

310.

Insatiable, soft-spoken, hard to fill, they are like rivers;

Knowing that they sink, one should avoid them from afar.

311.

Whoever these women associate with, whether through desire or through wealth;

Like fire, they quickly burn up his own state.

312.

Having heard the word of the warrior, disenchantment arose in the sage;

Having obtained the ancient path, he goes through the sky.

313.

And the warrior, having seen the sage going through the sky;

The wise one gained anxiety, he delighted in the going forth.

314.

Then he, having gone forth, removed sensual lust;

Having removed sensual lust, was reborn in the Brahma world.

The Great Enticement Birth Story, the eleventh.

508.

The Five Wise Men Birth Story (12)

315.

Five wise ones have assembled here, a question occurs to me, listen to that;

Whether a blameworthy matter or a praiseworthy one, to whom would one reveal a secret matter?

316.

You make it known, O protector of the earth, you are the husband, the burden-bearer, you speak that;

Having considered your desires and preferences, then the five wise ones will speak, O lord of men.

317.

She who is virtuous, not stealing from another, obedient to her husband's desire and will, dear and agreeable;

Whether a blameworthy matter or a praiseworthy one, a wife would not reveal a secret matter.

318.

Whoever becomes a refuge, a destination and an ultimate goal for one who has fallen into distress, for one who is afflicted;

Whether a blameworthy matter or a praiseworthy one, or would reveal a secret matter of a friend.

319.

Whether the eldest, the middle, or the youngest, whoever is concentrated in morality, of established self;

Whether a blameworthy matter or a praiseworthy one, would reveal a brother's secret matter.

320.

He who indeed is a follower of his father's heart, born after his father, of superior wisdom;

Whether a blameworthy matter or a praiseworthy one, would reveal to his son a secret matter.

321.

A mother, O best lord of the two-footed people, who nourishes him with desire and love;

Whether a blameworthy matter or a praiseworthy one, to a mother one would reveal a secret matter.

322.

For a secret, secrecy alone is good, for a secret, disclosure is not praised;

While unaccomplished, the wise one should endure, only when accomplished should he speak as he pleases.

323.

Why are you displeased, O foremost king, O lord of two-footed people, let me hear this word;

Thinking of what are you unhappy, surely, O king, there is an offence of mine.

324.

"Mahosadha is to be executed for the questions," the one of extensive wisdom has been commanded for my murder;

Thinking of that I am unhappy, for indeed, O queen, there is no offence of yours.

325.

Having gone last evening, now you come, having heard what, about what is your mind uncertain?

Who said what to you, O one of extensive wisdom, come, let us hear the word, tell me this.

326.

"Mahosadha is to be executed for the questions," if that is your counsel, O lord of men, a fault;

Gone to a private place with his wife, he told her, this secret of mine heard has been made manifest.

327.

That which Senaka did in the sal grove, an evil deed, an improper act;

Gone to a private place with a friend, he told her, this secret of mine heard has been made manifest.

328.

Pukkusa, a disease has arisen in your man, O lord of men, not befitting a king;

Gone to a private place with his brother, he told him, this secret of mine heard has been made manifest.

329.

This illness is unseemly, the lord of sensual pleasures is afflicted by the king;

Gone to a private place with his son, he told him, this secret of mine heard has been made manifest.

330.

The lofty jewel gem with eight bends, Sakka gave to your grandfather;

That has today come into the hand of the lord of gods, and gone to a private place with his mother, he told her;

This secret of mine heard has been made manifest.

331.

For a secret, secrecy alone is good, for a secret, disclosure is not praised;

While unaccomplished, the wise one should endure, only when accomplished should he speak as he pleases.

332.

One should not reveal a secret matter, one should guard it like a treasure;

For a secret matter made manifest is not good for one who understands.

333.

A wise person should not share secrets with a woman, nor with an enemy;

Whoever is won over by material gains, and whoever is a man who is a thief of the heart.

334.

Whatever man enlightens one who has not understood a secret matter;

Out of fear of betrayal of counsel, he endures as one who has become a slave.

335.

As many as know a man's secret, the counsellor's hidden matter;

So many are his fears, therefore one should not divulge a secret.

336.

One should speak in secret during the day in private, at night one should not utter a word excessively;

For eavesdroppers hear the counsel, therefore the counsel quickly comes to ruin.

The Five Wise Men Birth Story, the twelfth.

509.

The Elephant Keeper Birth Story (13)

337.

"At long last indeed we see a brahmin of divine appearance;

With great matted hair, carrying a basket, with muddy teeth and dusty head.

338.

"At long last indeed we see a sage delighting in the qualities of the teaching;

Wearing an ochre robe as garment, with a bark garment as covering.

339.

A seat, water, foot-ointment, may you accept from us;

We ask you concerning the guest-offering, may you accept our guest-offering.

340.

Having learnt the Vedas, having sought wealth, dear son, having established sons in the house;

Having experienced all odours and flavours, the forest is good, that sage is praised.

341.

The Vedas are not truth, nor is the gaining of wealth; by gaining sons they do not ward off ageing;

Release from odours and flavours, the good have said; by one's own action there is the attainment of fruit.

342.

Surely indeed this word of yours is true, by one's own action there is the attainment of fruit;

And these aged mother and father of yours, may they see you healthy for a hundred years.

343.

For whom there is friendship with death, O king, friendliness with ageing, O foremost hero among men;

And whoever might know 'I shall never die,' may they see him healthy for a hundred years.

344.

Just as a man in the water moves a boat, if he stirs it, he brings it to the shore;

So too illness and ageing constantly bring a mortal under the control of Death.

345.

Sensual pleasures are mire and sensual pleasures are marsh, captivating, difficult to cross, the realm of Death;

Sunk in this mire and marsh, those of inferior nature do not cross to the beyond.

346.

This one formerly did cruel action, that one is seized, for there is no release for me;

By restraining him I will protect, may this one not again do cruel action.

347.

Just as a man in the forest, not seeing, searches for a lost cow, O king;

Thus my purpose is lost, Esukārī, how could I not search for it, O king.

348.

"Tomorrow," he declines, a man; "the day after," he falls away;

Having known the future as "this does not exist," what wise one would dispel the desire that has arisen?

349.

I see a young maiden, like one intoxicated, with eyes like ketaka flowers;

Having not enjoyed pleasures in the first stage of life, Death takes away the maiden.

350.

A youth, well-born, fair-faced, handsome, dark-complexioned, with beard scattered like safflower;

Having abandoned sensual pleasures, having left home beforehand, permit me, I shall go forth, O king.

351.

A tree obtains its designation by its branches, but one with branches removed they call a stump;

For me whose sons have departed, today, dear lady Vāseṭṭhi, is the time for going about for alms.

352.

Just as herons in the sky at the passing of winter, swans having burst open the nets that were made;

My sons and my husband go, how then should I, understanding, not follow?

353.

These birds, having eaten and vomited, depart;

And those who, having eaten, vomited, they have come within reach of my hand.

354.

The brahmin vomited out sensual pleasures, you will consume them again;

A person who eats vomit, O king, he is not praiseworthy.

355.

And just as a strong one might lift up a weak man sunk in a miry marsh,

Thus too you have raised me up, dear lady, Pañcālī, with well-spoken verses.

356.

Having said this, the great king, Esukārī, lord of the land;

Having abandoned the country, he went forth, like an elephant having cut its bond.

357.

The king delighted in going forth, having abandoned the country, the foremost hero among men;

You too be for us just as the king, protected by us, instruct the kingdom.

358.

The king delighted in going forth, having abandoned the country, the foremost hero among men;

I too shall wander alone in the world, having abandoned delightful sensual pleasures.

359.

The king delighted in going forth, having abandoned the country, the foremost hero among men;

I too shall wander alone in the world, having abandoned sensual pleasures, each according to its limit.

360.

"Times pass by, nights hurry on, the stages of life gradually give up;

I too shall wander alone in the world, having abandoned delightful sensual pleasures.

361.

"Times pass by, nights hurry on, the stages of life gradually give up;

I too shall wander alone in the world, having abandoned sensual pleasures, each according to its limit.

362.

"Times pass by, nights hurry on, the stages of life gradually give up;

I too shall wander alone in the world, having become cooled, having overcome all attachment.

The Elephant Keeper Birth Story, the thirteenth.

510.

The Iron House Birth Story (14)

363.

From the first night that a young man dwells in the womb;

Having arisen, he goes on, and going does not turn back.

364.

Not by fighting, not by relying on strength, do men not grow old, nor do they not die;

All this indeed is afflicted by birth and ageing, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

365.

The fourfold army of terrifying form, the lords of the realm conquer by force;

They do not endeavour to conquer Death, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

366.

Surrounded by elephants, horses, chariots and infantry, some escape;

They do not endeavour to escape from Death, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

367.

With elephants, horses, chariots and infantry, heroes destroy and plunder;

They do not endeavour to destroy Death, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

368.

Intoxicated elephants, with flowing temples, in rut, trample cities and kill people;

They do not endeavour to trample Death, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

369.

Archers, trained in hand, heroes, shooting far, hitting as quickly as lightning;

They do not endeavour to pierce Death, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

370.

Lakes are exhausted, forests with rocks, all this indeed is exhausted after a long interval;

All this indeed breaks in the course of time, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

371.

For all alike, of men and women, the life of living beings here is unstable;

Like the cloth of a drunkard, like a tree grown on a riverbank, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

372.

Just like fruits from a tree, young men fall, both the young and the old, at the breaking up of the body;

Women, men and those of middle stature, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

373.

This youth is not like the king of stars, what has passed is now gone indeed;

For one who is old there is no delight, whence happiness? That is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

374.

Demons, goblins, or else ghosts, when angered they breathe upon human beings;

They do not endeavour to breathe upon Death, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

375.

Demons, goblins, or else ghosts, even when angered, they make appeasement;

They do not make appeasement of Death, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

376.

Offenders, corrupters and harassers, kings punish having known the fault;

They do not endeavour to punish Death, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

377.

Offenders, corrupters and oppressors, they obtain kings to appease;

They do not make appeasement of Death, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

378.

"Not a warrior" nor "a brahmin", not the wealthy, the powerful or the majestic;

The King of Death has no regard for anyone, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

379.

Lions and tigers and also panthers, having overcome by force, eat the trembling one;

They do not endeavour to eat Death, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

380.

Jugglers performing in the midst of the stage, deceive the eyes of people at that moment;

They do not endeavour to deceive Death, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

381.

Venomous snakes, angry, of fierce heat, they bite and even kill those human beings;

They do not endeavour to bite Death, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

382.

Venomous snakes, angry, whomever they bite, physicians destroy their poison;

They do not destroy the poison of one bitten by Death, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

383.

Dhammantarī and Vettaraṇī and Bhoja, having destroyed the poisons of snakes;

They too are heard to have died likewise, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

384.

Sorcerers learning terrible spells, go to invisibility by means of medicines;

They cannot escape the sight of the King of Death, that is my understanding, I practise the teaching.

385.

The Teaching indeed protects one who practises the Teaching, the Teaching well practised brings happiness;

This is the benefit when the Teaching is well practised, one who practises the Teaching does not go to an unfortunate realm.

386.

For the Teaching and what is not the Teaching, both do not have similar results;

What is not the Teaching leads to hell, the Teaching causes one to reach a good destination.

The Iron House Birth Story, the fourteenth.

Its summary:

Mātaṅga, Sambhūta, Sivi, Sirimanta, Rohaṇa, Haṃsa, Sattigumba, Bhallātiya;

Somanassa, Campeyya, Brahma, the Five Wise Ones, Cirassaṃvata, and Ayoghara.

The Twenty Section is concluded.

16.

The Book of the Thirties

511.

The What Desire Birth Story (1)

1.

"What is your desire, what is your intention, alone you meditate in the heat;

What are you wishing for, what are you seeking, for what purpose, brahmin?"

2.

Just as a great water-pot, well-rounded, holding water;

So too is the ripe mango, excellent in colour, fragrance and flavour.

3.

Seeing it floating in the stream, in the stainless middle;

Having taken it with my hands, I brought it to the fire sanctuary.

4.

Then having placed it on plantain leaves, I myself;

Having cut it up with a knife, it removed my hunger and thirst.

5.

I, free from disturbance, having come to an end, enduring suffering;

I do not attain gratification in any other fruits whatsoever.

6.

Having dried me up, death will surely bring that to me;

The mango whose fruit was sweet, with the sweetest portion, delightful;

Which I rescued while it was being carried along, from the ocean, in the great sea.

7.

All has been declared to you by me, why I am fasting;

I am seated towards the charming river, teeming far and wide with broad fish.

8.

And you indeed tell me about yourself, O fearless one;

Who are you, beautiful one, or for what reason are you here, O slender-waisted one?

9.

Like a polished sheet of gold, like a tigress on a mountain slope;

Whatever women there are among the gods, attendants of the gods.

10.

And whatever women in the human world, endowed with beauty;

There is none equal to you in beauty, among the gods, gandhabbas, and the human world;

You have been asked by me, O one with beautiful limbs, tell me your name and relatives.

11.

Towards which you are seated, the charming Kosikī, brahmin;

I dwell in a fierce torrent, with a flood of excellent water-streams.

12.

Many mountain caves, strewn with various groups of trees;

They have me as their chief, they flow forth in the rainy season.

13.

And also many forest streams, bearing blue water currents;

Many elephant-wealth streams, flow forth with water.

14.

Those mango, rose-apple, breadfruit, nīpa, palmyra, and fig trees;

They bring many kinds of fruits repeatedly.

15.

Whatever fruit falls into the water from both banks,

Without doubt, that fruit of the stream becomes subject to its control.

16.

Having understood this, O wise one, of broad wisdom, listen to me;

Do not approve of attachment, ward it off, O lord of people.

17.

I do not think you wise, you who are the growth of the realm;

Being nourished, O royal seer, you long for death.

18.

His ancestors know this, and the gandhabbas together with the gods;

And also whatever sages in the world, self-restrained austere ascetics;

Without doubt they too know, those famous ones who have become established.

19.

Thus having known, the wise one, all phenomena, the destruction, the passing away of life;

Evil does not accumulate for that man, if he does not intend the murder of that one.

20.

Though designated by a group of sages, thus known to the world;

With ignoble reproach, you seek evil deed.

21.

If I shall die, on your riverbank, O broad-hipped one;

Without doubt, that ill repute will come to you when I am dead.

22.

Therefore, protect yourself from evil action, O slender-waisted one;

Lest all people afterwards revile you when I am dead.

23.

This is known by me, O you who endure the unbearable, I give you myself and that mango;

He, having abandoned the hard-to-abandon types of sensual pleasure, you are determined upon peace and the Teaching.

24.

Whoever, having abandoned the former bond, stands in a later fetter;

He practises what is not the Teaching, and evil increases for him.

25.

Come, I will bring you there, surely be living at ease;

I am leading you to the cool place, dwell without worry.

26.

That place, resounding with curved-necked birds intoxicated by flower nectar, O tamer of enemies;

Herons, peacocks, divine ones, jujube-seed birds and honey mynas;

Chirped by flocks of swans, here cuckoos awaken.

27.

Mango trees here with drooping branch-tips, resembling a threshing floor of straw;

Kosamba, Salala, Nīpa trees, hanging with ripe palmyra fruits.

28.

Garlanded, crowned, with armlets, with bracelets, full of sandalwood;

At night you indulge yourself, by day you experience feeling.

29.

Sixteen thousand women, who are these attendants of yours;

Thus you are of great majesty, wonderful and terrifying.

30.

What evil action did you do before, bringing suffering to yourself;

Having done which among human beings, you eat the flesh of your own back.

31.

Having received the Vedas, bound to sensual pleasures I was;

I wandered for a long course of time, for the harm of others I was.

32.

Whoever is a backbiter, thus having cut off he eats;

Just as I today eat the flesh of my own back.

The What Desire Birth Story, the first.

512.

The Water-Pot Birth Story (2)

33.

Who appeared from the celestial realm in the sky, illuminating the night like the moon;

Rays emanate from your limbs, with a hundred spokes, like lightning in the sky.

34.

You, with wind cut off, move through the sky, you go through the air and you stand;

Is your supernormal power made a basis, well developed, even of deities who do not travel?

35.

You stand having come through the sky, "Buy the pot" - whatever this meaning is;

Who are you, or whose is that pot? Tell me this matter, brahmin.

36.

Not a pot of ghee, nor a pot of oil, not a pot of molasses, nor a pot of honey;

The faults of the pot are not trifling, hear of the many hates in what has gone into the pot.

37.

Having drunk which one would stumble at every step and fall into a precipice, a pit, a cave, a sewer or a cesspool;

Even much that is unfit to be eaten one might eat, buy this full pot of hers.

38.

Having drunk which, not being master of one's mind, one wanders about like a cow seeking fodder;

Thinking oneself helpless, one sings along and dances, buy this full pot of hers.

39.

Having drunk which, like one without clothes, naked, one might wander through the streets in the village;

With deluded mind, sleeping excessively, buy this full pot of hers.

40.

Having drunk which, rising up trembling, shaking both head and arms;

He dances like a wooden puppet, buy this full pot of hers.

41.

Having drunk which, burnt by fire they lie, and also eaten by jackals;

They undergo imprisonment, murder and loss of wealth, buy this full pot of hers.

42.

Having drunk which one might speak what should not be spoken, sitting in the assembly without clothes;

Smeared, gone to one's own vomit, fallen into misfortune, buy this full pot of hers.

43.

Having drunk which, one becomes superior, with bloodshot eyes, methinks "All the earth is mine alone";

Not even a king of the four quarters is my equal, buy this full pot of hers.

44.

Conceit and arrogance, quarrelsome and slanderous, ugly, going about naked, running away;

The destination and abode of thieves and cheats, buy this full pot of hers.

45.

Prosperous and opulent families there may be, with wealth of many thousands in the world;

Made destitute of inheritance by her, buy this full pot of hers.

46.

Grain, wealth, silver, gold, field, and cattle - whereby they destroy;

The annihilator of wealthy families, buy this full pot of hers.

47.

Whom indeed, having drunk, a man like one intoxicated, reviles mother and father;

He might even seize his mother-in-law and also his daughter-in-law, buy this full pot of hers.

48.

Whom indeed, having drunk, a woman like one intoxicated, reviles father-in-law and husband;

Even a slave she might take, even an attendant, buy this full pot of hers.

49.

Having drunk which, a man might kill an ascetic or brahmin established in the Teaching;

On that account one might even go to a realm of misery, buy this full pot of hers.

50.

Having drunk which, they practise misconduct, by body, by speech, and by mind;

Having practised misconduct, they go to hell, buy this full pot of hers.

51.

What those begging do not obtain before, even giving up much gold;

He, having drunk that, speaks falsehood, buy this full pot of hers.

52.

Whom indeed, having drunk, when being sent on an errand, when an urgent task has arisen;

Even the meaning spoken he does not understand, buy this full pot of hers.

53.

Even those with shame manifest shamelessness, intoxicated by intoxication to drink;

Even the wise, being peaceful, speak much, buy this full pot of hers.

54.

Whom indeed, having drunk, like a heap they lie, without food, on the hard ground in uncomfortable sleep;

They come to ugliness and disgrace, buy this full pot of hers.

55.

Having drunk which indeed, with drooping shoulders they lie, like cattle struck by a yoke, not indeed by spirituous liquor;

Its force is as if easily endured by a man, buy this full pot of hers.

56.

That which human beings avoid, like a snake with terrible poison;

That which is similar to poison in the world, what man deserves to drink it?

57.

Whom indeed, having drunk, the sons of Andhakavenda, while serving on the ocean shore;

Attacked each other with pestles, buy this full pot of hers.

58.

Whom indeed, having drunk, the ancient gods became heedless, fallen from the celestial realm together with eternity;

Such an intoxicant as this is useless, knowing this, great king, how could one drink it?

59.

"There is neither curds nor honey in this pot, having understood thus, buy it, O king;

For thus what is in the pot has been declared by me to you in its true nature, O friend of all."

60.

Neither my father nor my mother is such as you are;

Compassionate for welfare, desiring the highest good, I shall do your word today.

61.

I give you five excellent villages, a hundred female slaves, seven hundred cattle;

And these ten chariots yoked with thoroughbreds, be my teacher, you who desire my welfare.

62.

Let the hundred female slaves be yours alone, O king, and let the villages and cattle be yours alone;

And the chariots yoked with thoroughbreds be yours alone, I am Sakka, the lord of the thirty-three.

63.

Eat rice with meat and milk-rice with ghee, and you should eat cakes of honey and beans;

Thus you, delighting in the Dhamma, O lord of men, blameless, go to the heavenly state.

The Pot Birth Story, the second.

513.

The Jayaddisa Birth Story (3)

64.

"At long last indeed there has arisen for me today, great food at the meal time of the seventh day;

From where are you, who are you? Please tell me that, declare your birth, as you are known."

65.

The king of Pañcāla has entered for hunting, Jayaddisa by name, as you have heard;

I wander through marshlands and forests, eat this pasada deer and release me today.

66.

With my own army you sell yourself, harming yourself, this pasada deer you speak of is my food;

Having eaten that pasada deer, wishing to devour, I shall eat afterwards - this is not the time for lamenting.

67.

If there is no release for me through ransom, having gone, promise to return for the questions;

Having given that pledge to the brahmin, guarding the truth, I shall return again.

68.

What action do you regret, having reached the proximity of death, O king;

Tell me that, perhaps we may be able, to allow the questions for your coming.

69.

The brahmin's desire for wealth has been fulfilled by me, that pledge has been fastened on, not released;

Having given that pledge to the brahmin, guarding the truth, I shall return again.

70.

The desire for wealth of the brahmin that was made by you, that pledge has been fastened on, not released;

Having given that pledge to the brahmin, guarding the truth, return again.

71.

And he, released from the man-eater's hand, having gone to his own palace, one who possesses sensual pleasures as desired;

Having given that pledge to the brahmin, he addressed his son Alīnasattu.

72.

This very day be consecrated to the kingdom, practise righteousness towards the rest and others too;

And let there be no wrongdoing in your realm, I go to the presence of the man-eater.

73.

What deed doing to you, O king, was wicked, did not please you? That I wish to hear;

By which today in the kingdom you would cast me out, I would reject even the kingdom without you.

74.

Not by action or by speech, dear father, do I remember any offence from you;

And having made an agreement with the man-eater, guarding the truth, I shall go again.

75.

I shall go, remain here, there is no release from him while living;

If you go indeed, O king, I too shall go, both of us would not exist.

76.

Surely indeed, dear father, this is the principle of the virtuous, but that would be more painful for me than death;

When Kammāsapāda, having cooked him, would forcibly eat him, split on a wooden stake.

77.

With my life I shall exchange your life, do not go to the presence of the man-eater;

And this life of yours I shall exchange, therefore I praise death for the sake of life.

78.

Then indeed the resolute prince, having paid homage to the feet of mother and father;

The sorrowful mother fell upon the earth, and his father, having raised his arms, wails.

79.

Knowing him going thus, the father, with face turned away, salutes with joined palms;

King Soma and King Varuṇa, Pajāpati, the moon and the sun;

Protected by these from the man-eater, permitted, return safely, dear son.

80.

What the mother of Daṇḍaki's king, when he had gone, did for Rāma's safety, well protected;

That safety I make for you, by this truth may the gods remember;

Permitted, return safely, son.

81.

Openly or in secret, ill-will in the mind, I do not remember ever towards my brother of pure heart;

By this truth may the gods remember, permitted, return safely, brother.

82.

And because you have not set your mind above me, husband, nor are you unpleasant to me in mind;

By this truth may the gods remember, permitted, return safely, husband.

83.

Lofty, upright, fair-faced, from where are you? You do not understand me dwelling in the forest;

Having known me as a fierce man-eater, who knowing safety would come here?

84.

I know you, fierce one, are a man-eater, I do not not know you dwelling in the forest;

And I am the son of Jayaddisa, eat me today for the release of my father.

85.

"I know you are the son of Jayaddisa, for thus the features of you both are alike;

This deed of yours is very difficult to do, who would wish for death for the release of his father.

86.

I think nothing here is difficult to do, for one who would wish for death for the release of his father;

And for the sake of his mother, having gone to the world beyond, associated with happiness and heaven.

87.

And I indeed do not ever remember any evil deed of my own, whether openly or in secret;

I am one who has discerned birth and death, just as it is for me here, so too in the hereafter.

88.

Eat me now, O one of great majesty, do your duties with this body;

Or I fall from the top of the tree for you, covering me you gave me meat.

89.

"And this pleases you, prince, you give up your life for the release of your father;

Therefore you, being in a hurry, break up the firewood and kindle the fire."

90.

Then indeed the resolute prince, having gathered wood for a great fire;

Having kindled it, announced, "Now the great twin fire is ablaze."

91.

Eat me now, O one acting forcibly, why do you look at me moment by moment with bristling hairs;

In such a way I do for you, in whatever way, covering me, you instructed me.

92.

Who deserves to eat such a one, established in the Teaching, a speaker of truth, bountiful?

His head would split into seven pieces, whoever would not accept such a speaker of truth.

93.

For this hare, imagining him to be a brahmin, made him dwell in his own body;

By that very thing, that moon, the young god, praised with the hare, is today a wish-granting demon.

94.

Just as the moon released from Rāhu's mouth, shines like the radiant sun on the fifteenth day;

Thus you, released from the man-eater, shine in Kapila, O one of great majesty;

Gladdening your father and mother, and may all your kinsmen's side rejoice.

95.

Then indeed the resolute prince, with joined palms, approached the man-eater;

Permitted, safely, happy, healthy, he returned from the beings defiled by tawny.

96.

Him the townspeople and all the country-folk, elephant riders, charioteers, and infantry soldiers;

Paying homage with joined palms, approached, "Homage to you, doer of what is difficult to do."

The Jayaddisa Birth Story, the third.

514.

The Six-Tusked Birth Story (4)

97.

Why do you grieve, O golden-bodied one, why are you pale, O fair-complexioned one;

You wither, O large-eyed one, like a garland crushed by hands.

98.

Great king, a longing came to me in a dream;

It is not of an easily obtainable nature, such as is my longing.

99.

Whatever human sensual pleasures there are, here in the world, in the Nandana grove;

All of them are abundant for me, I give you your longing.

100.

"Let the hunters come together, O king, whoever are in your realm;

To them I shall declare what my longing is like."

101.

These are your hunters, goddess, skilled with their hands, confident;

Knowers of forests and knowers of deer, who have sacrificed their lives for my purpose.

102.

Sons of hunters, listen, as many as are assembled here;

A white elephant with six tusks, I saw in a dream;

I have need of its tusks, without obtaining them there is no life for me.

103.

Neither by our fathers nor by our grandfathers, has an elephant with six tusks been seen or heard of;

What the king's daughter saw in a dream, tell us what kind of noble elephant it was.

104.

Four directions and four intermediate directions, above and below, these ten directions;

In which direction dwells the king of serpents, the six-tusked one that was seen in a dream?

105.

From here straight in the northern direction, having passed beyond the seven vast mountains;

There is an eminent mountain named Suvaṇṇapassa, fully in bloom, frequented by kimpurisas.

106.

Having ascended the rock, the dwelling of the kinnaras, look at the foot of the mountain;

Then you will see the king banyan tree, cloud-like in colour, and with a thousand roots.

107.

There stands an elephant with six tusks, all white, difficult to overcome by others;

Eight thousand elephants protect him, with tusks as long as plough-poles, strikers swift as the wind.

108.

They stand breathing out tremendously, they become agitated even by the stirring of the wind;

But having seen a human being there, they would reduce him to ashes, not even his dust would remain.

109.

Many are these ornaments of gold in the royal family, O queen;

And those made of pearls, gems, and lapis lazuli, what will you do with an ornament of tusks;

Do you wish to kill the elephant with six tusks, or will you have the hunter's sons slain?

110.

I am jealous and afflicted, huntsman, and I wither away recollecting;

Do this matter for me, hunter, I will give you five excellent villages.

111.

Where does he dwell, where does he go to his place, what is the path of one gone to bathe;

How indeed does that king of serpents bathe, how may we understand the destination of the elephant.

112.

Right there is that pond not far away, delightful, with good landing places, and with abundant water;

In full bloom, frequented by swarms of bees, for here that king of serpents bathes.

113.

Having bathed his head, bearing a garland of waterlilies, all white, with limbs like the skin of a white lotus;

Rejoicing, he goes to his abode, having put in front the great queen, the entirely auspicious one.

114.

Having learnt that saying right there, having taken his quiver and bow, the hunter;

Weighs up the seven vast mountains, the lofty mountain named Golden-Flank.

115.

Having ascended the rock, the dwelling of the kinnaras, he looked at the foot of the mountain;

There he saw the king banyan tree, cloud-like in colour, with eight thousand roots.

116.

There he saw an elephant with six tusks, all white, difficult to overcome by others;

Eight thousand elephants protect him, with tusks as long as plough-poles, strikers swift as the wind.

117.

There he saw a pond not far away, delightful, with good landing places, and with abundant water;

In full bloom, frequented by swarms of bees, where that king of serpents bathes.

118.

Having seen the elephant's destination and presence, the path of one gone to bathe;

The ignoble one approached the pitfall, engaged by one obedient to the mind's control.

119.

Having dug a pit, he covered it with planks, the hunter placed himself inside with his bow;

He struck the elephant that had come to the side with a broad arrow, the doer of wrongful deeds.

120.

And the pierced elephant trumpeted a terrible cry, and all the elephants roared terribly;

Making conflict with grass and wood, they ran in the eight directions all around.

121.

Thinking "I shall kill him," while fondling, he saw the ochre robe, the banner of the sages;

Though touched by suffering, perception arose: "The arahant's banner is not to be harmed by the virtuous."

122.

Whoever, not free from corruption, will put on the ochre robe;

Devoid of self-control and truth, he does not deserve the ochre robe.

123.

But whoever has left behind corruption, well concentrated in morality;

Endowed with self-control and truth, he indeed deserves the ochre robe.

124.

The elephant, struck with a broad arrow, with uncorrupted mind addressed the hunter:

"For what purpose, or for what reason, my dear, did you kill me, or whose is this undertaking?"

125.

"The chief queen of the king of Kāsi, venerable sir, she was venerated in the royal family, Subhaddā;

She saw that and she informed me, and she said to me 'there is need for the tusks'."

126.

For many are my lofty pairs of tusks, which belonged to my fathers and grandfathers;

That princess prone to wrath knows them, the fool desiring murder made enmity.

127.

Rise up, huntsman, having taken the saw, cut off these tusks before I die;

You should tell that wrathful princess, "The elephant is slain, come, here are his tusks."

128.

Having risen, that fierce huntsman, having taken the saw, having cut off the tusks of the noble elephant;

Lovely, beautiful, incomparable on earth, having taken them, he departed from there quickly.

129.

Afflicted by fear, distressed by the slaughter of the elephant, those elephants that ran through the eight directions;

Not seeing the man, the enemy of the elephant, they returned to where that king of elephants was.

130.

Those elephants there, having cried and lamented, having scattered dust on their own heads;

They all went to their own abode, having put in front the great sage, the entirely auspicious one.

131.

Having taken the tusks of the noble elephant, lovely, beautiful, incomparable on earth;

With golden streaks illuminating all around, that hunter approached the city of Kāsi;

He presented the tusks to the princess, "The elephant is slain, come, here are his tusks."

132.

Having seen the tusks of the noble elephant, dear to her husband in a former birth;

Right there her heart split, and by that very thing the foolish woman died.

133.

He who had attained the highest enlightenment, of great majesty, smiled in the midst of the assembly;

The monks with well-liberated minds asked, "The Buddhas do not manifest without a reason."

134.

The young maiden whom you saw, wearing the ochre robe, practising homelessness;

She was then a princess, I was then the king of serpents.

135.

Having taken the tusks of the noble elephant, lovely, beautiful, incomparable on earth;

The hunter who approached the city of Kāsi, he indeed was Devadatta at that time.

136.

Before the sun set, wandered for a long time, this ancient conduct high and low;

Free from anguish, free from sorrow, free from the dart, having directly known by himself, the Buddha spoke.

137.

I was there at that time, monks;

A king of serpents I was then, thus remember the Jātaka.

The Six-Tusked Birth Story, the fourth.

515.

The Sambhava Birth Story (5)

138.

We have attained kingship and sovereignty, O pure one delighting in purity;

I wish to attain greatness, to conquer this earth.

139.

By the Teaching, not by what is not the Teaching, not the Teaching does not please me;

The Teaching practised is indeed the function, for a king it is, O pure one delighting in purity.

140.

By which we are blameless here, and by which blameless after death;

By which we may attain fame among gods and humans, brahmin.

141.

I who wish to do what is beneficial and what is right, brahmin;

That benefit and that right, when asked, declare, brahmin.

142.

Not apart from Vidhura, O king, is one worthy to declare this;

That benefit and right which you wish to accomplish, O warrior.

143.

Come indeed, sent one, go to the presence of Vidhura;

Carrying this gold coin, go, O pure one delighting in purity;

Give this offering, for the instruction in meaning and teaching.

144.

Bhāradvāja went well to the presence of Vidhura;

The great brahmin saw him eating in his own house.

145.

I am sent as a messenger of the king, of the famous Korabya;

"Ask the meaning and the Teaching," thus spoke Yudhiṭṭhila;

That meaning and that Teaching, when asked, declare, Vidhura.

146.

"They will block the Ganges for me, I am not able, brahmin,

To block the great ocean, how will that be possible?"

147.

I am not able to declare to you the meaning and the Teaching when asked;

But Bhadrakāra is my son, legitimate, my own offspring;

Having gone, ask him about the meaning and the Teaching, brahmin.

148.

Bhāradvāja went well to the presence of Bhadrakāra;

The great brahmin saw him seated in his own house.

149.

I am sent as a messenger of the king, of the famous Korabya;

"Ask the meaning and the Teaching," thus spoke Yudhiṭṭhila;

That meaning and that Teaching, Bhadrakāra, tell me.

150.

Having abandoned the meat-pole, I pursue the iguana;

I am not able to declare to you the meaning and the Teaching when asked.

151.

My brother named Sañcaya, my youngest, delighting in purity;

Having gone, ask him about the meaning and the Teaching, brahmin.

152.

Bhāradvāja went well to the presence of Sañcaya;

The great brahmin saw him seated in his own house.

153.

I am sent as a messenger of the king, of the famous Korabya;

"Ask the meaning and the Teaching," thus spoke Yudhiṭṭhila;

That meaning and that Teaching, when asked, declare, Sañcaya.

154.

Death always swallows me, in the evening and morning, O Sucīrata;

I am not able to declare to you the meaning and the Teaching when asked.

155.

My brother named Sambhava, my youngest, delighting in purity;

Having gone, ask him about the meaning and the Teaching, brahmin.

156.

"Wonderful indeed, sir, is this matter, this does not please us;

Three persons, father and sons, among them none knew by wisdom.

157.

You are not able to declare that, the meaning and the Teaching when asked;

How then would a young boy know, the meaning and the Teaching when asked?

158.

Do not despise him as young, without having asked Sambhava;

Having asked Sambhava you would know, the meaning and the Teaching, brahmin.

159.

Just as the spotless moon, going through the space element;

Outshines all the hosts of stars in the world with its radiance.

160.

Thus too, though endowed with youth, Sambhava shines through exertion in wisdom;

Do not despise him as young, without having asked Sambhava;

Having asked Sambhava you would know, the meaning and the Teaching, brahmin.

161.

Just as the month of Rammaka, in summer, brahmin;

More than other months, shines with tree blossoms.

162.

Thus too, though endowed with youth, Sambhava shines through exertion in wisdom;

Do not despise him as young, without having asked Sambhava;

Having asked Sambhava you would know, the meaning and the Teaching, brahmin.

163.

Just as the Himalaya, O Brahmā, the mountain Gandhamādana;

Covered with various trees, a dwelling place for hosts of great beings;

And with divine medicines, it shines in the directions and wafts fragrance.

164.

Thus too, though endowed with youth, Sambhava shines through exertion in wisdom;

Do not despise him as young, without having asked Sambhava;

Having asked Sambhava you would know, the meaning and the Teaching, brahmin.

165.

Just as fire, O Brahmā, garlanded with flames, possessed of glory;

Blazing, goes through the forest, the fire, the black-pathed one.

166.

The ghee-eater, the smoke-bannered one, the burner of the highest forest;

At night on the mountain peak, with abundant fuel, he shines.

167.

Thus too, though endowed with youth, Sambhava shines through exertion in wisdom;

Do not despise him as young, without having asked Sambhava;

Having asked Sambhava you would know, the meaning and the Teaching, brahmin.

168.

By speed they know a good horse, and an ox when there is a load to carry;

By milking they know a cow, and a wise one when speaking.

169.

Thus too, though endowed with youth, Sambhava shines through exertion in wisdom;

Do not despise him as young, without having asked Sambhava;

Having asked Sambhava you would know, the meaning and the Teaching, brahmin.

170.

Bhāradvāja went well to the presence of Sambhava;

The great brahmin saw him playing outside the city.

171.

I am sent as a messenger of the king, of the famous Korabya;

"Ask the meaning and the Teaching," thus spoke Yudhiṭṭhila;

That meaning and that Teaching, when asked, declare, Sambhava.

172.

Truly I shall declare to you, just as the skilled one does;

And the king indeed knows that, whether he will do it or not.

173.

"Today or tomorrow," he might say, when asked by the king, O Sucīrata;

Let not the king Yudhiṭṭhila, having done so, be negligent when a matter has arisen.

174.

"One should speak only of internal matters, when asked by the king, O Sucīrata;

One should not establish a wrong path, like one who is deluded and mindless.

175.

One should not overcome oneself, one should not practise what is not the teaching;

One should not lead others to an unsuitable place, one should not be given to harm.

176.

And whatever warrior knows how to do these things;

That king always grows, like the moon in the bright fortnight.

177.

And he is dear to relatives, and shines among friends;

Upon the collapse of the body, the wise one is reborn in heaven."

The Sambhava Birth Story is the fifth.

516.

The Great Monkey Birth Story (6)

178.

In Benares there was a king, the increaser of the Kāsi realm;

Surrounded by friends and ministers, he went to Migājina.

179.

There he saw a brahmin, white, mottled, afflicted with skin disease;

Demolished like a koviḷāra tree, lean, with veins spread over the body.

180.

Having seen the man fallen into distress, who had reached the state of utmost compassion;

The frightened king said, "Which of the demons are you?

181.

"Your hands and feet are white, and whiter still is your head;

Your body is of spotted colour, you are full of skin disease.

182.

"Your back, with its hollows and bumps, resembles a row of wheels;

Your limbs are like black joints, I do not see another such as this.

183.

"With bruised feet, thirsty, emaciated, with veins spread over you;

Hungry, with scorched appearance, from where are you, where are you going?

184.

"You are hard to look at, of poor appearance, discoloured, dreadful to behold;

Even your mother who bore you would not wish to see you.

185.

"What deed did I do before, whom not to be killed did I slay;

Having done what wrong-doing, did I come to this suffering?"

186.

Truly I shall declare to you, just as the skilled one does;

For the wise here praise the truth-speaker in the world.

187.

Wandering alone, searching for cattle, confused I went beyond in the forest;

In the forest, in the wilderness, in the uninhabited place, frequented by various elephants.

188.

In the forest frequented by beasts of prey, I was lost;

I wandered there for a week, afflicted by hunger and thirst.

189.

There I saw a tinduka tree, standing on uneven ground, being hungry;

Hanging over a precipice, bearing accomplished fruit.

190.

I ate those fallen by the wind, they pleased me exceedingly;

Unsatisfied, I climbed the tree, there I shall be, having eaten.

191.

One was eaten by me, the second was longed for;

Then that branch broke, as if cut by a hatchet.

192.

I, together with the branches, feet upward, head downward;

Fell into the mountain fortress, without a footing, without a support.

193.

And because the water was deep, therefore I did not attain it;

There I lay joyless, for no less than ten nights.

194.

Then here a monkey came, with a tail like an ox's, dwelling in caves;

Wandering from branch to branch, eating tree fruits.

195.

He, having seen me lean and pale, showed compassion towards me;

"Hey, who is this here, thus distressed by suffering?"

196.

Whether human or non-human, declare yourself to me;

Having extended joined palms in salutation to him, I spoke these words.

197.

I am a human being who has met with misfortune, there is no destination for me from here;

This I say to you, may you be blessed, and may you be my refuge.

198.

Having taken up a heavy stone, the monkey wandered on the mountain;

Having made a contrivance with the stone, the best of men said this.

199.

Come, having mounted my back, grasp my neck with your arms;

I will pull you out, from the mountain precipice, with speed.

200.

Having heard that word of his, of the glorious monkey-king;

Having mounted the back of the wise one, I grasped his neck with my arms.

201.

He raised me up from there, the radiant, powerful monkey;

Suffering hardship with difficulty, from the mountain precipice, with speed.

202.

Having lifted me up, the peaceful one, the best of men said this:

"Come, my dear, protect me, I will sleep for a moment."

203.

Lions, tigers and panthers, bears, wolves and hyenas;

They would harm me when heedless, having seen them, ward them off.

204.

Thus having made me his protection, he slept for a moment;

Then I, unwisely, acquired an evil view.

205.

This one is food for human beings, just as other beasts in the forest;

What if, having killed this monkey, I, hungry, should eat it.

206.

Having eaten, I shall go, taking meat as provision;

I shall cross over the wilderness, it will be my provisions for the journey.

207.

Then having taken up a stone, I struck his head;

As my body was weary, the blow was weak.

208.

And he, the monkey, struck by the force, smeared with blood;

With eyes full of tears, weeping, looks at me.

209.

"Do not do this to me, venerable sir, and you indeed did such a thing;

And you indeed, long-lived one, are worthy to prevent others."

210.

Oh indeed, hey man, such a doer of difficult deeds;

Such uneven difficult passes, from the precipice I was raised by me.

211.

Brought as if from the other world, he thought me one to be betrayed;

That evil was thought by him of evil character, evil by the evil one.

212.

May you not, you who stand against the Teaching, experience bitter feeling;

May that evil deed not kill you, like its fruit kills the bamboo.

213.

In you there is no trust, of bad character, unrestrained;

Come, go behind me, visible near.

214.

You are released from the grasp of fierce beasts, you have reached the human realm;

This is the path, you who stand against the Teaching, go by it as you please.

215.

Having said this, the mountain-dweller, having washed his head in the lake;

Having wiped away his tears, then he ascended the mountain.

216.

I am cursed by him, afflicted by fever;

With burning body, I approached to drink water.

217.

Heated as if by fire, a lake smeared with blood;

Resembling pus and blood, all arose for me.

218.

As many drops of water as fell upon my body;

So many boils arose, like half a wood-apple.

219.

Having burst, they oozed from me, corpse-like, with pus and blood;

Wherever I go, in villages and towns.

220.

With sticks in hand they ward me off, women and men alike;

Covered with putrid stench, "Do not come near," they say.

221.

Such is this suffering, for seven years now for me;

I experience my own action, wrong-doing by myself in the past.

222.

"This I say to you, venerable ones, as many as are assembled here;

Do not be a betrayer of friends, for a betrayer of friends is evil."

223.

One becomes a leper, one with skin disease, whoever here is treacherous to friends;

Upon the body's collapse, the one who betrays friends is reborn in hell.

The Great Monkey Birth Story is the sixth.

517.

The Water-Sprite Birth Story (7)

224.

If, while you seven were floating on the ocean,

A demon seeking human sacrifice should seize the boat;

Having given a gradual discourse, you released them from the water-sprite.

225.

I would give my mother first, having given my wife, then my brother;

Then having given my companion, I would give a brahmin as fifth;

Sixth I would give myself, but I would never give Mahosadha.

226.

Your mother who nurtured you, compassionate for a long time;

The wise one, seeing the benefit, wrongs you with six;

Having made another likeness, she freed him from murder.

227.

Such a one who gives life, your own mother who bore you in her womb;

For what fault would you give your mother to the water demons?

228.

Like a young girl she wears ornaments, without adornment;

At the doorkeeper and the royal guard, she laughs loudly for too long a time.

229.

And also to hostile kings, he himself sends messengers;

For that fault, I would give my mother to the water demons.

230.

The noble one among the group of women, speaking pleasantly exceedingly;

Virtuous, following along, like a shadow that does not depart.

231.

Not prone to wrath, possessing merit, wise, seeing the benefit;

For what fault would you give Ubbarī to the water demons?

232.

Engrossed in playful delight, come under the sway of harm;

She requests wealth from me, who does not request, for her own sons.

233.

I, filled with lust, give much wealth, high and low;

Having given up what is very difficult to give up, afterwards I grieve, unhappy;

For that fault, I would give Ubbarī to the water demons.

234.

By which the countries were gathered, and brought as a receptacle;

Conveyed from foreign kingdoms, having amassed much wealth.

235.

The excellent among archers, the hero with sharp counsel;

For what fault would you give your brother to the water demons?

236.

By which the countries were gathered, and brought as a receptacle;

Conveyed from foreign kingdoms, having amassed much wealth.

237.

The foremost of archers, a hero with sharp spells;

This king, made happy by me, the boy despises.

238.

"Even my attendance, lady, he does not come as before;

For that fault, I would give my brother to the water demons."

239.

In one night both, you and the archery student;

Both born here as Pañcālas, friends well united.

240.

By conduct he has been devoted to you, sharing one suffering and happiness with you;

Zealous for you day and night, appointed in all duties;

For what fault would you give your companion to the water demons?

241.

"By conduct this one, lady, laughed loud together with me;

Even today with that beauty, she laughs loudly for too long a time.

242.

"Even with Ubbarī, lady, I consult gone to a private place;

Without being invited he enters, not having been announced before.

243.

Having gained access, having been given permission, the shameless, disrespectful one;

For that fault, I would give that companion to the water demons.

244.

Skilled in all signs, knowing sounds, one who has learnt the collections;

Engaged in omens and dreams, in departures and in entrances.

245.

Versed in the earth and sky, skilled in the constellations and their courses;

For what fault would you give a brahmin to the water demons?

246.

"Even in the assembly, lady, having opened his eyes, he looks at me;

Therefore I would give the cruel one who has gone beyond the eyebrow to the water demons.

247.

The earth with its surrounding ocean, girdled by the sea;

You dwell upon the earth, surrounded by ministers.

248.

A great kingdom bounded by four quarters, victorious, of great power;

You were the sole king on earth, your fame has spread far and wide.

249.

Sixteen thousand women, adorned with jewelled earrings;

Ladies from various countries, beautiful like heavenly maidens.

250.

Thus accomplished in all qualities, endowed with all sensual pleasures;

Dear to the happy is long life, they say, O warrior.

251.

Then by what beauty, or else by what reason;

Guarding the wise one, do you give up life, hard to give up.

252.

From when the great medicine came into my hand, lady;

I do not directly know of even the slightest wrong-doing by the wise one.

253.

And if at any time, death should come to me before;

He, Mahosadha, would bring happiness to my sons and grandsons.

254.

He sees the future and the present, and every purpose too;

One whose actions are faultless should not be given to the water demons.

255.

Hear this, Pañcālas, the saying of Cūḷaneyya;

Guarding the wise one, he gives up life, hard to give up.

256.

For mother, wife, and brother, for friend and brahmin;

And also for himself, Pañcāla abandons the life of six.

257.

Thus wisdom is of great benefit, subtle, thinking of what is good;

For welfare and benefit in this present life, and for happiness in the future.

The Water-Sprite Birth Story is the seventh.

518.

The White Nāga King Birth Story (8)

258.

One of scattered speech, not concealing the secret counsel, unrestrained, unable to discern;

Fear follows that unwise one, self-made, as the supaṇṇa follows the white serpent Paṇḍaraka.

259.

Whoever, through delusion, laughing, tells a secret counsel that should be protected;

Fear quickly follows that one whose counsel is broken, as the supaṇṇa follows the white serpent Paṇḍaraka.

260.

A friend in name only does not deserve to know a serious matter, a secret;

And a true friend who is unwise, or wise but harmful.

261.

I entered into trust with the naked ascetic, thinking 'This ascetic is esteemed, self-developed';

To him I told, I revealed the secret matter, now that the matter is past, I cry miserably.

262.

To him I told the supreme secret, O Brahmā, for I was not able to restrain my speech;

For from his side fear has come to me, now that the matter is past, I cry miserably.

263.

He who indeed, imagining one to be a friend, tells a secret matter to one of low birth;

Through hate, fear, or infatuated with lust, that fool is without doubt overthrown.

264.

One of concealed speech, who has entered among the wicked, who utters words in assemblies;

They call that man a venomous snake, foul-mouthed, far, far from such a one should one restrain oneself.

265.

Food and drink, Kāsi cloth and sandalwood, agreeable women, garlands and ointments;

Having left behind all sensual pleasures, we go, O supaṇṇa, we have come to you for our lives.

266.

Who here among the three incurs blame, in this world, O living nāga king?

The ascetic, the supaṇṇa, or you yourself - why was Paṇḍaraka seized?

267.

"An ascetic," I thought, "he is esteemed by me, dear to me, self-developed in mind;

To him I told, I revealed the secret matter, now that the matter is past, I cry miserably.

268.

There is no being on earth who is immortal, there is no lack of kinds of wisdom, it should not be blamed;

By truth, by the Teaching, by resolution, by self-control, a man here brings about what is hard to obtain.

269.

Mother and father are the supreme among relatives, there is no third compassionate one for him;

Even to them he should not tell the highest secret, considering the breach of counsel.

270.

Mother and father and sister and brothers, or friends who are his allies;

Even to them he should not tell the highest secret, considering the breach of counsel.

271.

If a wife should speak to a man, a maiden speaking pleasantly;

Endowed with sons, beauty and fame, honoured by the congregation of kinsmen, even to her he should not tell the highest secret;

Considering the breach of counsel.

272.

One should not reveal a secret matter, one should guard it like a treasure;

For a secret matter made manifest is not good for one who understands.

273.

A wise person should not share secrets with a woman, nor with an enemy;

Whoever is won over by material gains, and whoever is a man who is a thief of the heart.

274.

Whatever man enlightens one who has not understood a secret matter;

Out of fear of betrayal of counsel, he endures as one who has become a slave.

275.

As many as know a man's secret, the counsellor's hidden matter;

So many are his fears, therefore one should not divulge a secret.

276.

One should speak in secret during the day in private, at night one should not utter a word excessively;

For eavesdroppers hear the counsel, therefore the counsel quickly comes to ruin.

277.

Just as there may be a great city, without doors, made of iron, with excellent halls;

Surrounded by moats dug all around, so too are my secret counsellors here.

278.

Those men who keep secret counsel, of unscattered speech, firm in their own welfare, O two-tongued one;

Enemies stay far away from them, like groups of foes from venomous snakes.

279.

Having left the house, gone forth, clotheless, naked, shaven, he wanders for the sake of food;

To him indeed I revealed the secret matter, from benefits and teachings we have departed.

280.

How acting is the supaṇṇa king, of what morality, by what ascetic practice is the practice;

An ascetic walking, having abandoned what is cherished, how acting does one go to the heavenly state.

281.

Endowed with shame, endurance, and self-control, without wrath, having abandoned slander;

An ascetic walking, having abandoned what is cherished, acting thus one goes to the heavenly state.

282.

As a mother pervades her young son, born of her body, with contact throughout all his limbs;

Thus indeed you appeared to me, lord of birds, having compassion as a mother for her son.

283.

"Well then, today release from murder, O serpent, for there are three sons, there is no other;

A pupil, an adopted son, and a son born from oneself - delight in one of the sons who was mine."

284.

Thus indeed the supaṇṇa released the serpent with these words, having established himself upon the ground, the twice-born one to the forked-tongued one;

"Released today, you have gone beyond all fears, on land and in water may you be protected by me."

285.

Just as a skilled physician for the sick, like a cool lake for the thirsty;

Just as a dwelling for those afflicted by snow and cold, thus too I become a refuge for you.

286.

Having made a pact with an enemy, O womb-born one, with the egg-born;

Having opened your fangs you lie down, from where has this fear come to you?

287.

One should doubt even an enemy, and should not trust even a friend;

Fear arisen from the fearless, even cuts the roots.

288.

How could one trust in him, with whom a dispute was made;

One should stand with constant readiness, he does not find pleasure with enemies.

289.

He should inspire trust but should not trust that one, unsuspected yet suspicious he should be;

In such a way the wise one should strive, so that the other would not know his nature.

290.

They, of divine beauty, of delicate form, both similar, Sujā and the mass of merit;

Approached the naked ascetic Karampiya, having become united like horse-drawing noble ones.

291.

Then indeed Paṇḍaraka, having himself approached the naked ascetic, said this:

"Released today, I have gone beyond all fears; surely we are not dear to your mind."

292.

The supaṇṇa king was indeed dear to me, without doubt this is true, O Paṇḍaraka;

He, infatuated with lust, did this evil deed, fully aware, not through delusion.

293.

Neither dear nor disagreeable is there for me, seeing this world and the next;

But with the appearance of the well-restrained, unrestrained you wander in this world.

294.

You have the appearance of a noble one but are ignoble, unrestrained with the semblance of the restrained;

You are of dark birth, of ignoble form, you have practised much evil misconduct.

295.

You betrayed one who was not hateful, and you are treacherous and divisive;

By this speaking of truth, may your head split into seven pieces.

296.

Therefore, one should not betray friends, there is no one more sinful than a betrayer of friends;

The one smeared with poison was struck down from the earth, for by the word of the serpent-king, the restrained one was destroyed.

The White Nāga King Birth Story is the eighth.

519.

The Sambulā Birth Story (9)

297.

Who are you, trembling in the mountain grotto, standing alone with thighs pressed together?

You have been asked by me, with waist measurable by hand, tell me your name and relatives.

298.

Illuminating the charming forest, frequented by lions and tigers;

Who are you, beautiful one, or whose are you, O slender-waisted one?

I pay respect to you, dear lady, I am a Titan, homage to you.

299.

He who is the son of the king of Kāsi, they know him as Sotthisena;

I am Sambulā, his wife, know this thus, O Titan;

I pay respect to you, venerable sir, I am Sambulā, homage to you.

300.

"The son of Vedehī, venerable sir, dwells in the forest, sick;

Him, afflicted by disease, I alone attend to alone.

301.

And I, by gleaning in the forest, honey, meat, and deer's lair;

When I bring that as food, surely today his body withers.

302.

What will you do in the forest with the prince, who is sick;

Sambulā, with one who has been attended to, I shall become your husband.

303.

What form is found in me, afflicted by sorrow, in a wretched state;

Seek another, venerable sir, more handsome than me.

304.

Come, having ascended this mountain, my wives are four hundred;

Among them you shall be the noble one, endowed with all sensual pleasures.

305.

Surely, O one with star-like radiance, whatever you wish in your mind;

All that is abundant for me, enjoy yourself today together with me.

306.

If you, Sambulā, will not make me your chief queen;

You are fit for my morning meal, you will become food tomorrow.

307.

And the fierce one with seven matted locks, Kaḷāra the man-eater;

Seized Sambulā by the arm in the forest, as she saw no protector.

308.

Afflicted by the goblin, the cruel one with eyes for material gains;

And she, fallen under the enemy's control, bewails her husband.

309.

This is not so much suffering to me, that a demon should devour me;

As that my noble master's mind will become otherwise towards me.

310.

Surely there are no gods, they must be away, surely there are no world-guardians here;

For those acting hastily, the unrestrained, surely there are none to restrain them.

311.

This one is the noble among women, glorious, peaceful, righteous, with radiance rising like fire;

If you, demon, devour this maiden, your head would split into seven pieces;

Do not burn her, release the devoted wife.

312.

And she came to the hermitage, freed from the cannibal;

Like a bird to its empty nest, like a cow to a shed whose calf has gone.

313.

She there lamented, the king's daughter, glorious;

Sambulā, with eyes dimmed by the season, not seeing her protector in the forest.

314.

I pay homage to ascetics and brahmins, to seers accomplished in conduct;

Not seeing the prince, I have gone to you for refuge.

315.

I pay homage to lions and tigers, and whatever other beasts in the forest;

Not seeing the prince, I have gone to you for refuge.

316.

Grasses, creepers, and medicinal plants, mountains and forests;

Not seeing the prince, I have gone to you for refuge.

317.

I pay homage to the night, dark as the blue lotus, garlanded with stars;

Not seeing the prince, I have gone to you for refuge.

318.

I pay homage to the Ganges, the Bhāgīrathī, the receptacle of rivers;

Not seeing the prince, I have gone to you for refuge.

319.

I pay homage to the foremost king of mountains, the Himalaya, the rocky mountain;

Not seeing the prince, I have gone to you for refuge.

320.

You have indeed come late in the evening, O glorious king's daughter;

With whom did you meet today, who is more dear to you than me?

321.

This indeed I said then, seized by that enemy;

This is not so much suffering to me, that a demon should devour me;

As that my noble master's mind will become otherwise towards me.

322.

Of female thieves of much cunning, among whom truth is very difficult to find;

The nature of women is hard to know, like a fish's course in water.

323.

May truth so protect me, if it will protect me;

As I do not directly know another more dear than you;

By this speaking of truth, may your illness be appeased.

324.

Those seven hundred eminent elephants, guard night and day with weapons raised;

And sixteen hundred archers, what kind of danger do you see, dear lady?

325.

Adorned women with complexions like the finest lotus, slender-waisted, he sees, sweet-voiced like swans;

Having heard their measured singing and music, now for me, dear father, it is not as it was before.

326.

Wearing golden breastplates, of beautiful form, adorned, like human nymphs in appearance;

Dear to Sotthisena, dear son, with blameless limbs, maidens of the warrior caste entice him.

327.

If I, dear father, just as before, should support my husband again in the forest by gleaning;

He would honour me and not dishonour me, even from here, dear father, that would be better than this.

328.

When abundant food and drink is set out, a woman with polished ornaments, adorned;

Endowed with all qualities yet disagreeable to her husband, without doubt, death for her is better than that.

329.

Even if poor, wretched, without wealth, with only a mat as companion, yet she is dear to her husband;

Even one endowed with all qualities yet disagreeable, this one is better, even though poor, who is beloved.

330.

A woman who is beneficial to a man is very rare, and rare is a husband who is beneficial to his wife;

Your wife is both beneficial and virtuous, O lord of men, practise righteousness towards Sambulā.

331.

If you, having obtained extensive wealth, overcome by jealousy, go to death;

Both I and these princesses, dear lady, we shall all be obedient to you.

The Sambulā Birth Story is the ninth.

520.

The Fragrant Tinduka Birth Story (10)

332.

Heedfulness is the state of the Deathless, heedlessness is the state of Death;

The heedful do not die, the heedless are as if already dead.

333.

From intoxication negligence would arise, from negligence destruction arises;

From destruction defects arise, do not be negligent, O bull of the Bharatas.

334.

For many warriors have been ruined, the welfare and the country, by the heedless;

And also village headmen and villages, the homeless and householders.

335.

For a heedless warrior, in the realm, O increaser of the realm;

All wealth perishes, that is called the king's misery.

336.

This is not the principle, great king, for too long a time you are negligent;

Thieves destroy the prosperous, flourishing country.

337.

You will have no sons, no unwrought gold, no grain;

When the realm is being plundered, you will be deprived of all possessions.

338.

A king, even a warrior, fallen from all wealth,

Relatives, friends and companions do not regard him as worthy of honour.

339.

Elephant riders, royal bodyguards, charioteers, and infantry soldiers;

Though they live depending on him, they do not regard him as worthy of honour.

340.

One whose activities are not arranged, a fool, an imprudent counsellor;

Fortune gives up the imprudent, as a snake its worn-out skin.

341.

For one whose work is well arranged, who rises early, who is not lazy;

All his wealth increases, like cattle with a leading bull.

342.

Listening to private conversation, great king, wander in the realm and province;

There, having seen and having heard, thereby you should proceed.

343.

Thus may Pañcāla feel, struck by an arrow in battle;

Just as I feel today, struck by a thorn.

344.

You are old with weak eyes, you do not see forms well;

What is that to Brahmadatta, that a thorn should pierce you?

345.

Much here is Brahmadatta's fault, I am on the path, brahmin;

The country-folk are unprotected, destroyed by those who exact unlawful taxes.

346.

For at night thieves devour, by day they devour with beaks;

In the realm of a false king, many are the unrighteous people.

347.

When such fear has arisen, oppressed by fear, dear son, young men;

Make hiding places, having brought thorns in the forest.

348.

"When indeed will this king, Brahmadatta, die;

In whose realm maidens without husbands grow old."

349.

"Indeed, your speech is insulting, wretched one, unskilled in beneficial words;

Where does the king seek husbands for the maidens?"

350.

"It is not insulting speech from me, Brahmā, I am skilled in meaning and terms;

The country-folk are unprotected, destroyed by those who exact unlawful taxes.

351.

For at night thieves devour, by day they devour with beaks;

In the realm of a false king, many are the unrighteous people;

In a hard-to-live, hard-to-support time, whence husbands for the maidens?

352.

Thus may Pañcāla lie, slain by a spear in battle;

Just as this miserable Sāliya lies, slain by a ploughshare.

353.

Not by rule you, wretch, are angry with Brahmadatta;

You who curse the king, having not offended yourself.

354.

By principle I am angry at Brahmadatta, brahmin;

The country-folk are unprotected, destroyed by those who exact unlawful taxes.

355.

For at night thieves devour, by day they devour with beaks;

In the realm of a false king, many are the unrighteous people.

356.

She surely again, you, having cooked, brought the meal at the improper time;

While looking for the meal-bringer, Sāliya was slain by the ploughshare.

357.

Thus may Pañcāla be killed, slain by a sword in battle;

Just as I today am struck, and my milk has flowed forth.

358.

When a beast throws away milk, it injures the cattle-keeper;

What is that to Brahmadatta, that the venerable one censures us?

359.

Blameworthy, Brahmā, is Pañcāla, of King Brahmadatta;

The country-folk are unprotected, destroyed by those who exact unlawful taxes.

360.

For at night thieves devour, by day they devour with beaks;

In the realm of a false king, many are the unrighteous people.

361.

The fierce, restless cow, which before we did not milk;

That now today we milk, troubled by those desiring milk.

362.

Thus let Pañcāla cry, bereft of his son let him wither away;

Just as this wretched cow, bereft of her calf, runs about.

363.

When a beast of the cattle-keeper might run about or cry out;

What offence is there here, of King Brahmadatta?

364.

The offence, Great Brahmā, is of King Brahmadatta;

The country-folk are unprotected, destroyed by those who exact unlawful taxes.

365.

For at night thieves devour, by day they devour with beaks;

In the realm of a false king, many are the unrighteous people;

How then, without sword and sheath, is the milk-drinking generation destroyed?

366.

Thus may Pañcāla be eaten, slain in battle with his son;

Just as I today am eaten, by villagers, the forest-born.

367.

Kings do not arrange protection for all beings, O frog, in the human world;

A king is not unrighteous to that extent, that crows would eat such a one alive.

368.

Not according to the Teaching indeed, practitioner of the holy life, you speak what is not pleasing to the warrior;

While the people are being plundered far and wide, you honoured the king as supremely heedless.

369.

If this were well-governed, Brahmā, a prosperous country, joyful and clear;

Having eaten the offerings and the best almsfood, crows would not eat one like me alive, the crows.

The Fragrant Tinduka Birth Story is the tenth.

Its summary:

Kiṃchanda, Kumbha, Jayaddisa, Chaddanta, then Paṇḍitasambhava, Sirakapi;

Dakarakkhasa, Paṇḍaranāgavara, then Sambula, Tindukadevasuta.

The Thirty Section is concluded.

The first part of the Jātaka Pāḷi is concluded.

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