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GLIMPSES ALONG LIFE'S JOURNEY 13 sisted only of the ambrosia of dharma (the teaching of Truth)! He cultivated, to perfection, the spirit of mercy and compassion for all, especially for those who were unable to take care of themselves. He would not touch anything of worldly goods now, except written scripture describing the teaching of the dharma. Even this he would handle extremely carefully to see that by his carelessness he should not cause hurt or harm to some. tiny specimen of life that might be hiding about or under it. He practised the ten noble virtues, forgiveness, meekness, straightforwardness, and the like, that are the characteristics of the true dharma. He also practised self-control with regard to the activities of his body, mind and speech. In this way excellence after excellence was attained by him in the course of that month. Internal peace, strength of character, soul-force. came to him, as if in exchange for worldly greatness and kingly pomp. His mind was at rest; he understood the nature of things, and acquired unruffled mental calm in consequence of the understanding!
Thus, the end of the month found him a well-wisher of all, a hater of none! It also found him firmly established in the spirit of renunciation and filled with śānti (tranquillity) that nothing could disturb.
