Lalit Vistara

Author(s): Rajendralala Mitra
Publisher: Asiatic Society

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CHAPTER III. domains of the immortals in beauty, is certainly a worthy place for the birth, of the Bodhisattva."
“That too is unworthy," responded some. “ And for what reasons ?"
“Because its inhabitants are irrational in their opinions; unmindful of religion ; and regardless of the respect due to rank, superiors, elders and the aged ; each proclaims, "I am the king, I an the king,” and nonu condescends to become a disciple or study religion. It is thereforo unworthy of the Bodhisattva."
“The Pradyotana dynasty," said others, "mighty, well.. mounted, aud victorious over foreign armies, is well suited for the birth of the Bodhisattva."
Others remarked, “that too is not suited." “ Why ?”
"Because it is passionate, fcklc, irascible, cruel, timorous, without experience, and necessarily unboroming thc Bodhi. sattva."
“The rich, flourishing, kind, genorons and populous city of Mathura,"23 observed some, the metropolis of king Subáhu of the race of the valiant Kansa, is a becoming place for the birth of the Bodhisattva."
“Not even so," objected others. « And wby?”
“Because the king is a tyrant, and his race that of atheists. IL is not becoming that the next-coming Bodhisattva should be born in such a race."
"But here is a king in the city of Ilastinápura28 remarked some,“ descended from the Pandava race, valiant, and the most beautiful and glorious among conquerors ; his family is certainly becoming for the Bodhisattva."
"Even that is not worthy," replied others. “Why ”
“Because the descendants of Páņdu tyrannized over their relatives the Kurus. Besides of that race Yudhisthira is said to havo been the son of DHARMA (god of tho nether regions), Bhimasena of