Text of Confucianism Part 02

SR No.: 007676
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: James Legge
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1882
Total Pages: 2405
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 43 MB

Page 1689

132
FO-SHO-HING-TSAN-KING.
III, 12.
appearance; respectfully they satisfied themselves of his high qualities, like those who, thirsty, drink the 'pure dew. 922
(Then with raised hands they addressed the prince, 'Have you (or, may we know whether you have) been long an ascetic, divided from your family and broken from the bonds of love, like the elephant who has cast off restraint ? 923
'Full of wisdom (your appearance), completely enlightened, (you seem) well able to escape the poisonous fruit (of this world) In old time the monarch Ming Shinge (brightly victorious) gave up his kingly estate to his son, 924
'As a man who has carried a flowery wreath, when withered casts it away: but such is not your case, full of youthful vigour, and yet not enamoured with the condition of a holy king; 925
We see that your will is strong and fixed, capable of becoming a vessel of the true law, able to embark in the boat of wisdom, and to cross over the sea of life and death : 926
The common class, enticed to come to learn, their talents first are tested, then they are taught; but as I understand your case, your mind is already fixed and your will firm: 927
1 High qualities,' powers of his mind; probably the same as the taigasa of the Gainas (see Colebrooke, Essays, p. 282). This line may be literally translated,'bathing themselves in a respectful admiration of his high qualities.'
. The symbol.ki' may possibly mean 'friend,' in which case the line would be, O friend! have you long been a homeless one?'
3 Or the poisonous fruit of that which is low or base.
• I have taken Ming Shing' as a proper name, but it may be also translated illustrious conquering (kings).'
Fan fu,' the common class of philosophers, or students. The vulgar herd.
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