Indian Antiquary Vol 09

SR No.: 032501
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jas Burgess
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 398
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 17 MB

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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
again, "And why have you acted thus ?" Then Silver-colour replied, and said: "I have resolved to cultivate a heart full of compassion, and never to give it up, for thus I seek to arrive at perfection (anuttara samyak sambodhi)." Then all her relatives answered, and said: "Though you give your body thus in charity, and afterwards repent of what you have done, all this will not tend to the completion of the Paramita you desire to accomplish (viz., of dána)." And they asked her again: "When you thus mutilated yourself, had you inward satisfaction, or did you do it with regret ?" Then Silver-colour said: "When I had resolved and vowed to cut off my breasts, there was no feeling of regret in my mind, my mind wavered not for a moment"-and then in proof she said: "and now in virtue of my vow let my breasts be restored as they were at first." Having made this vow, lo! her breasts were restored again as at first. At this time all the Yakshas and so on, in the city of Padma raised a great cry, and said: "The lady Silvercolour has now with her own hands cut off her breasts!" Then the earth-Devas (gods) hearing this cry took it up, and repeated it in the air. The Devas hearing the cry repeated it in the higher worlds, till the news spread even to the Brahma lokas. At this time the Divine Såkra raja reflected thus: "This indeed is an unprecedented event, that this woman Silver-colour from her pity to all flesh should thus with her own hands cut off her breasts. I will go now, and enquire of herself respecting it." So he immediately changed himself into the form of a Brahman, holding in his left hand a golden pitcher, and bearing a golden begging dish in his right hand, and provided with a golden staff, he went thus to the Royal City of Padma. Having arrived, he gradually approached the house in which Silvercolour dwelt, and taking his stand without the door he sang the wonted words of those who begged for food. Then Silver-colour having heard the chant of one who begged for food outside the gate, immediately took a dish, and filling it up with food she went forth. At this time the Brahman addressed her, and said: "Sister (lady): stop a while, I need no food;" on which she replied-"Why not ?" The Brahman then said, "I am the Divine Sakra,
⚫ Vide Sacha Kartyo, Eastern Monachism, p. 273.
[JUNE, 1880.
and I have some doubt in my mind about your conduct. I have come therefore to enquire further of you, answer me then, I pray you." Silver-colour replied in these words: "Great Brahman! you need but ask as you think best, and I will answer you truly." Then the Brahman asked her and said, "Lady! is it true that you cut off your breasts to give as an act of charity to another ?" She replied-"It is true, great Brahman!" The Brâhman then said: "And what led you to do it ?" Silver-colour answered-"My great compassion, and my aim to accomplish the condition of perfect wisdom." The Brahman replied, "This is a very difficult matter, this so-called perfection-for if there be the least vestige of regret mixed up with the deed, then it can never lead to the (completion of the) Paramita (of charity). Tell me, then, when you performed the act, did your heart feel happy or not, and when you felt the anguish consequent on the infliction of the wounds, had you no desire to change your purpose P" Silver-colour replied: "Kausika! I swear that I have never faltered a moment in my purpose to obtain the condition I have named, in order that I may save the world, nor did I falter either when I cut off my breasts, and in proof that I felt no particle of regret, let me now, if what I say be true, be changed from a woman to a man." Then Silver-colour having made this oath, was changed forthwith into a man, and her heart, was filled with joy unutterable and delight without measure."
And now as in this changed form he wandered forth from place to place-he came to a certain tree, and sitting under it he fell asleep. Now at this time the king of Padma died, and as he was childless, there was great distress in the country. Then the great ministers went from tree to tree, from village to village, from town to town, from capital to capital, everywhere seeking one possessed of royal marks whom they might choose as their king. And whilst thus in search they said: "How shall we ever obtain a proper king to reign over us ?" At this time there was a certain powerful minister, who, being worn out with the excessive heat, entered a tank covered with flowers to bathe, and whilst thus occupied he saw there beneath a tree a man asleep of surpassing beauty, and distinguished by all the necessary signs of Royalty,
Vide as before, an explanation of the Sacha Kariya, Hardy, East. Mon. p. 278.