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LECTURE XXIII.
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To these words of Kêsi Gautama made the following reply: (42)
"Love, hatred, &c., are heavy fetters, attachment is a dangerous one; having regularly destroyed them, I live up to the rules of conduct.” (43) *Well, Gautama, &c. (as in verse 28). (44)
O Gautama, in the innermost heart there grows a plant which brings forth poisonous fruit; how have you torn it out?' (45)
"I have thoroughly clipped that plant, and torn it out altogether with its roots ; 'thus I have got rid of the poisonous fruit.” (46)
Kêsi said to Gautama, 'What do you call that plant?' To these words of Kêsi Gautama made the following reply: (47)
"Love of existence is that dreadful plant which brings forth dreadful fruit; having regularly torn it out, I live pleasantly.” (48)
Well, Gautama, &c. (as in verse 28). (49) 'Gautama, there is blazing up a frightful fire which burns the embodied beings; how have you put it out?' (50)
“ Taking water, excellent water, from the river) produced by the great cloud, I always pour it over my body; thus sprinkled the fire does not burn me.” (51)
Kêsi said to Gautama, What do you call the fire?' To these words of Kêsi Gautama made the following reply : (52)
“The passions are the fire; knowledge, a virtuous life, and penances are the water; sprinkled
1 In the original fire' is put in the plural because the four kashầyas or cardinal passions are denoted by it.
