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324
FO-SHO-HING-TSAN-KING.
V, 27.
And reverenced at the master's feet; and then, forthwith, the fire burst out. Quenched the fire of grief within ; without, the fire has little power to burn. 2205
Or though it burn the outside skin and flesh, the diamond true-bone still remains. The scented oil consumed, the fire declines, the bones they place within a golden pitcher; 2206
For as the mystic world (dharma-dhâtu) is not destroyed, neither can these, the bones (of Buddha), 'perish; the consequence (fruit) of diamond wisdom, difficult to move as Sumeru. 2207
The relics which the mighty golden-pinioned bird cannot remove or change, they place within the precious vase; to remain until the world shall pass away; 2208
And wonderful! the power of men (the world) can thus fulfil Nirvâna's laws, the illustrious name of one far spread, is sounded thus throughout the universe; 2209
And as the ages roll, the long Nirvana, by these, the sacred relics (bones), sheds through the world its glorious light, and brightens up the abodes of life. 2210
He perished (quenched his splendour) in a moment! but these relics, placed within the vase, the imperishable signs of wisdom, can overturn the mount of sorrow; 2211
1 The dharma-dhâtu (få kai) is the mystic or ideal world of the Northern Buddhists. Literally it is the limit (öpos) of dharma;' dharma being the universal essence. This bears a striking resemblance to the gnostic (Valentinian) theory of limitation of the Divine essence.
Diamond wisdom, indestructible wisdom.
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