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 1804

IV, 21.
ESCAPING THE DRUNKEN ELEPHANT.
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and blood scattered afar. Then all the men and women filled with fear, remained indoors; 1718
Throughout the city there was universal terror, only piteous shrieks and cries were heard; beyond the city men were running fast, hiding themselves in holes and dens. 1719
Tathagata, with five hundred followers, at this time came towards the city; from tops of gates and every window, men, fearing for Buddha, begged him not to advance; 1720
Tathagata, his heart composed and quiet, with perfect self-possession, thinking only on the sorrow caused by hate, his loving heart desiring to appease it, 1721
Followed by guardian angel-nâgas, slowly approached the maddened elephant. The Bhikshus all deserted him ?, Ånanda only remained by his side; 1722
Joined by every tie of duty, his steadfast nature did not shake or quail. The drunken elephant, savage and spiteful, beholding Buddha, came to himself at once, 1723
And bending, worshipped at his feet? just as a mighty mountain falls to earth. With lotus hand the master pats his head, even as the moon lights up a flying cloud. 1724
And now, as he lay crouched before the master's feet, on his account he speaks some sacred words: 'The elephant cannot hurt the mighty dragon”, hard it is to fight with such a one; 1725
* It is said, in the later accounts, that they rose into the air.'
. See Tree and Serpent Worship, plate lviii; also Burgess' Westem Caves, plate xvii.
Buddha was also called the great Naga or dragon.
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