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102
FO-SHO-HING-TSAN-KING.
II, 9.
Therefore I dare not dwell in the wide 1 palace, for the black snake has its dwelling there. I reject the kingly estate and the five desires [desires of the senses), to escape such sorrows I wander thro' the mountain wilds. 722
*This, then, would be the consequence of compliance, that I, who, delighting in religion, am gradually getting wisdom?, should now quit these quiet woods, and returning hoine, partake of sensual pleasures, 723
And thus by night and day increase my store of misery. Surely this is not what should be done! that the great leader of an illustrious tribe, having left his home from love of religion, 724
And for ever turned his back upon tribal honour", desiring to confirm his purpose as a leader ,—that he,--discarding outward form, clad in religious garb, loving religious meditation, wandering thro' the wilds,— 725
'Should now reject his hermit vestment, tread down his sense of proper shame (and give up his aim). This, though I gained heaven's kingly state, cannot be done! how much less to gain an earthly, though distinguished", home! 726
with vana'so used in other languages (the Sinhalese, according to Childers).
1 The wide or deep palace seems to refer to the well-guarded and secure condition of a royal abode.
Am gradually increasing enlightenment. * Here the increase of sorrow is contrasted with the increase of wisdom, in the previous verse.
• Or, on his honourable, or renowned, tribe.
• Here the word leader (kang fu) refers to a religious leader, in contrast with a leader of a tribe, or family.
. There seems to be a fine and delicate sarcasm in these words.
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