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 582

88
MAHÂVAGGA.
VI, 34, 4.
see in the provision-room, to prepare that!” Thus, my dear Ananda, I looked into the provision-room and did not see there two (sorts of food), rice-milk and honeylumps. If I were to prepare, my dear Ananda, ricemilk and honey-lumps (for the Bhikkhus), would the reverend Gotama accept it from me?'
. Well, my good Brâhmana, I will ask the Blessed One.
4. And the venerable Ånanda told this thing to the Blessed One.
Well, Ânanda, let him prepare (those dishes).'
Well, my good Brahmana, you may prepare (those dishes).'
And when the night had elapsed, that Brahmana had abundant rice-milk and honey-lumps prepared, and offered them to the Blessed One (in the words): May the reverend Gotama accept from me this ricemilk and honey-lumps.' "Well, my good Brâhmana, give it to the Bhikkhus.' The Bhikkhus, fearing to offend, did not accept it. Accept it, О Bhikkhus, and eat it.'
Then that Brâhmana with his own hands served and offered abundant rice-milk and honey-lumps to the fraternity of Bhikkhus with the Buddha at its head; and when the Blessed One had washen his hands, when he had cleansed his bowl and his hands, he sat down near him.
5. When he was seated near him, the Blessed One said to that Brâhmana : *Tenfold, O Brâhmana, is the merit attached to rice-milk. In what way is it tenfold ? He who gives rice-milk, gives life; he gives colour; he gives joy; he gives strength; he gives readiness of mind; rice-milk when it is drunk removes hunger; dispels thirst;
Digitized by
Digitized by Google