________________
LECTURE XIX.
99
He had no interest in this world and no interest in the next world; he was indifferent to unpleasant and pleasant things ?, to eating and fasting. (92)
He prevented the influx of Karman (âsrava) through all bad channels ?; by meditating upon himself he obtained praiseworthy self-purification and sacred knowledge. (93)
Thus he thoroughly purified himself by knowledge, right conduct, faith, penance, and pure meditations, and after having lived many years as a Sramana, he reached perfection after breaking his fast once only every month. (94, 95)
Thus act the enlightened ones, the learned, the clever; like Mrigậputra they turn away from pleasures. (96)
When you have heard the words of the illustrious and famous son of Mrigâ, his perfect practise of austerities, and his liberation, famous in the three worlds, you will despise wealth, the cause of misery, and the fetter of egoism, the cause of many dangers, and you will bear the excellent and pleasant yoke of the Law that leads to the great happiness of Nirvâna. (97, 98)
Thus I say.
1 Vâsîkandanakappô. The author of the Avakûri explains this phrase thus : he did not like more a man who anoints himself with sandal than a mason. Apparently he gives to vâsa the meaning dwelling;' but I think that the juxtaposition of kandana calls for a word denoting a bad-smelling substance, perhaps
ordure.' 1.2 Literally 'door.' The meaning of the line will be fully rendered and the simile at least partially be preserved by the following less literal translation : he shut the door, as it were, to evil influences. For the âsrava, see above, p. 55, note i.
-
H
2
