________________
CHAPTER VII.
149
created beings; who has buckled on him the armour of firm vigour; who has acquired the good of the works performed by former Jinas; who is adorned with the signs of a hundred virtues; who is exercised in unfailing might; who is the overthrower of antagonistic intrignes; who is possessed of stainless, pure intentions; whose feet are well worshipped; who upholds the standard of the great knowledge; who is the destroyer of the might of Mára; who is the great merchant in the three thousand great regions; who is adored by both men and gods: who has performed the great sacrifice; whose object is the memory of the wealth of virtue; who is the destroyer of birth, decay and death; who is the well-born; who is born in the royal dynasty of Iksháku ;63 who is the Bodhisattva awakening of the earth; he is sure cre long, appearing on the earth, to acquire the perfect Sambodhi knowledge. It is fit, therefore, that we should proceed to bepraise him, to show him respect, to worship him, and to pray to him, in order that thereby the pride and vanity of the vain Devaputras may be destroyed. Looking at us engaged in adoration, they, too, will adore the Bodhisattva, Lonone him, and worship him, and that will be for the lengthening the period of their desires, their welfare, and their happiness until they attain immortality. They will also hear of the success and prosperity of king Suddhodana. Having thus adored the Bodhisattva, we shall return to our places."
Now the Devaputra Maheśvara, surrounded by twelve thousand Devaputras, making everything in the great city of Kapilavastu resplendent by their light, came to the abode of king Suddhodana, and, with the knowledge of the warder and the permission of the king, entered the house. Ho then, with his head, saluted the fect of the Bodhisattva, and, placing his scarf on one of his shoulders and circumambulating (the Bodhisattva) many hundred thousand times, sat aside, and, taking the child on his lap, encouraged king Suddhodaua (by saying), "Mahárája, be gratified, be joyous."
"Why do you say so ?"
