Lalit Vistara

Author(s): Rajendralala Mitra
Publisher: Asiatic Society

Page 39

Now, when Bodhisattva was seated in the palace of Tushita four different subjects worthy of consideration, engagod hia. attention. What were they? They were time, continent, district, and tribe.
Why did the Balhisattva reflect on time 228
Because when, at the beginning of the world after a change of crcation, a Bodisattva enters his mother's womb, he selects that time when the inanifest prorld is in ponce, when men know what is birth, what is decay, what is disease and what is death. Then does be enter his mother's womb.
Why did the Budhisattva vollect on continent ?14
Because Boddhisativas do not take birth on an ontlying conincut (or the consident of savages), nor in Purva Vidcha, i uor ia Aparu Godinis.." nor in Uttara Kuru, the Cuct being that they are born in Hambuctiva.
Why did the Biridhisattva reflect on countries ?
Decause Bodhisattvas are out born in an outlying country (or the country of sivage) 'where mon are boru blind, dumb, univilisel, or ignorant of the distinction between good and und Aprech. It follows that Bodhisattvas are born in the middlo country (Juhymna, lesa).
Why did the Bodhisattva reflect on families?
Recaugu Bodhisattvas are not born in a luw family, such as that of a Chandále nr of lasket-maker, or of a chariot-maker, or of a Pukkasi. (one byre of a Nishadhu by a Súdra female). It follows that they are buru in one of two families, either in that of a Brahinnou, or that of .. Keliatriya. When the Bráhmang aro the most respected on the earth Bodhisattvas are born, in Brahman families, but wlicn Kshatriyas are the most respected, thoy take their loirth in Kuintriya familien. Since now, Bhik. shukas," the Kshatriy'are in the ascendant, the Bodhisattva will be born in a Kshatriya family,
For these reasosus tho Bodbisattva, while dwelling in the noble mansion of Tushjta, reflected on the four great objoots. Having reflected on these he became silent.