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IV, 22.
THE LADY ÂMRA SEES BUDDHA.
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women, whilst the children from the schools 1 paid her respect. 1750
Thus with circumspection and self-restraint, her person lightly and plainly clothed, putting away all her ornamented robes and all adornments of scent and flowers, 1751
As a prudent and virtuous woman goes forth to perform her religious duties, so she went on, beautiful to look upon, like any Devi in appearance. 1752
Buddha seeing the lady in the distance approaching, spake thus to all the Bhikshus?: ‘This woman is indeed exceedingly beautiful, able to fascinate the minds (feelings) of the religious; 1753
Now then, keep your recollection straight I let wisdom keep your mind in subjection! Better fall into the fierce tiger's mouth, or under the sharp knife of the executioner, 1754
"Than to dwell with a woman and excite in yourselves lustful thoughts. A woman is anxious to exhibit her form and shapes, whether walking, standing, sitting, or sleeping. 1755
'Even when represented as a picture, she desires most of all to set off the blandishments of her beauty, and thus to rob men of their steadfast heart! How then ought you to guard yourselves ? 1756
"By regarding her tears and her smiles as enemies, her stooping form, her hanging arms, and all her disentangled hair as toils designed to entrap man's heart. 1757
* So I translate ts'iang tsin; it may mean grown-up scholars, however, or students'
This sermon against woman's wiles' is not found in the Pali. 8 Tsz't'ai, her bewitching movements or airs.
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