Lalit Vistara

Author(s): Rajendralala Mitra
Publisher: Asiatic Society

Page 99

CHAPTER VI.
95
"Such a delightful form I had never before seen, nor heard, nor conceived ; it produced in me the same corporeal and mental feeling of joy which one cnjoys on being immersed in tneditation."
Now, Máyá Deví rose from bcr auspicious bed, with her ornaments and dress in disorder, but in the fulness of delight, pleasure and joy of body and mind, and, descending from the tower, attended and preceded by her maids, repaired to the Asoka grove. Seated at case in that grove she despatched a courier to King Suddhodana with the messaye," Vay it, please my lord to come; the Deví desires your presence."
The king was agitatel with delight by the message, and, rising from his noble seat, proceeded, attended by his ministers astrologers, courtiers and priests, to the As'uka grovc; but he could not enter it. Near the entrance he felt himself very heavy, and, which standing for a moment at the door, became thonghtful, and then recited the following Catlá:
“I cannot call to mind it I have ever felt in my heroic hood such a beaviness of my body as I do to-day. I am not able to enter my own family house. Ah ! could I ask of soice one what will happen to me to-day !"
Now, the Devas of the class s'uddbávásakáyika, (pure in body aud dwelling) assuming semi-developed forms, camo under the sky, and addressed the king S'uddhodana in a Gáthá.
“O king, the noble Bod5isattva, full of the merits of religious observances and penances, the adored of the three thousand regions, the possessor of friendliness and benevolence, the sanctified in pure knowledge, renouncing the mansion of Tushita, has acknowledged sonship to you by entering the womb of Máyá. Join your ter nails, bend duwn your head and enter the grove, O king, with a humbled, devout mind."
[The king did so] and beholding Máyá in her greatness, said, “Dear one, what may I do for your gratification ?"
The Deví said, I desire to know why a noble and beautiful elephant, bright as snow or silver, more glorious than the sun or the moon, with well-formed feet and well-proportioned body,