Indian Antiquary Vol 04

SR No.: 032496
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jas Burgess
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 410
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 18 MB

Page 107

APRIL, 1875.]
BUDDHIST WORKS IN CHINESE.
97
5. I shall now proceed to translate a short sort; all these things are forbidden. Keep the Sutra called "Buddha's dying instruction" body temperate in all things, and the vital (Fo-wei-kian-king). The interest of this work is functions in quiet subjection. Have nothing to derived from the fact that it is generally bound up do with worldly engagements, either in seeking in China with the Sútra of Forty-Two Sections, places of authority, or pronouncing incantations, the first Buddhist work translated into Chinese. or courting the rich, or planning for the welfare It will be seen that it is of a primitive type, of your worldly relatives. But, by self-control and deals entirely with moral questions. It and right modes of thought, aim at emancipaalso speaks of the Pratimoksha, not as that work tion; conceal none of yoаr faults, but confess is known to us, but as certain rules of a simple them before the congregation; be moderate and prohibitive character, affecting the life of the contented with the food, clothing, medicines, and disciple. It would appear from this that the bedding allowed you [Jul. I. 152], and bo bulky work now known as the Pratimoksha is cautious against hoarding up that which is a later compilation, drawn up in fact after the allowed. These are the rules of discipline, introduction of conventual life among the fol- the observance of which is the true source of lowers of Buddha.
emancipation, and hence they are called The "The Sätra of Buddha's dying instruction," Rules of the Pratimoksha.' Keep then these translated by Royal Command, by Kumara- precepts in their parity, O Bhikshus! Let jiva, a Doctor of the Three Pitakas, in the there bo no careless negligence in this matter; reign of Yaou (Hing), Prince of Tsin [397 to the man who carefully observes them shall have 415 A.D.).
power to fulfil all the duties of religion; the "Sakyamuni Buddha, when he first man who disregards them shall experience none began to preach, converted Ajnata Kaun. of the rewards which a virtuous life is able to dinya (0-jo-kiao-tchin-ju); So, on the occasion afford. And for this reason it is I bid you of his last discourse, be converted Subhadra. remember that the knowledge and practice of Having thus done all that was appointed him to these rules is the first and chief necessity for do, he reclined between two súla trees, about to attaining religious merit and final peace. enter nirvana. It was now in the middle of the "If, Bhikshus, yo have attended to this night, perfectly quiet and still; on this occasion, point, and have observed the precepts relifor the sake of his disciples, he delivered a brief giously, then proceed to keep the five organs of summary of his law.
sense in due check, not permitting them a loose "Bhikshus, after my death, regard, I pray rein, or to engage in the pursuit of pleasure you, with much reverence, the book of the (the five pleasures); just as a shepherd with his Pratimoksha us a light shining in the darkness, crook prevents the cattle from straying into the or a precious pearl , found by a poor man. neighbouring pastures. But if you restrain pot Let this book be your teacher and guide, even your senses, but permit them the indulgence of as I should be, if I remained in the world. Keep the five pleasures, and put no check upon them, the pure rules of discipline, viz. these-not to then, as a vicious horse unchecked by the bridle enter on any business engagements, whether hurries on and throws its rider into the ditch, buying or selling, or exchanging ; to avoid all so shall it be with you; your senses, getting the purchase of land or houses; all rearing of cattle, mastery of you, shall eventually hurry you on or dealing in servants or slaves, or any living to the place of torment, where you shall endure thing; to put away all money, property, or untold misery for the period of an age (sæculum). jewels--as a man would avoid a burning pit. without any mode of escape or deliverance. Not to cut down or destroy trees or shrubs; not The wise man, therefore, restrains his senses to cultivate land, or dig the earth; not to and permits them not free indulgence- he keeps engage in the decoction of medicines; not to them fast bound, as robbers are held in bonds, practise divination, or casting lucky or unlucky and doing so he soon feels their power to hurt days; not to study the stars or the movements utterly destroyed. The heart (sin) is lord of of constellations; not to predict times of plenty these senses ; govern, therefore, your heart well ; or scarcity;"not to enter on calculations of any watch well the heart, for it is like a noxions
• Tsin, a feudal state occupying the region of the rivers Wei and King. See for the date Jul. I. p. 822.