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FO-SHO-HING-TSAN-KING.
IV, 16.
'Dwelling in lonely woods, yet covetous of worldly show, such men are after all mere worldlings; the body may have a worldly guise, the heart mount high to things celestial; 1291
The layman and the hermit are the same, when only both have banished thought of “self,” but if the heart be twined with carnal bonds, what use the marks of bodily attention ? 1292
He who wears martial decorations, does so because by valour he has triumphed o'er an enemy,– so he who wears the hermit's colour'd robe, does so for having vanquished sorrow as his foe.' 1293
Then he bade him come, and be a member of his church (a Bhikshu); and at the bidding lo! his garments changed! and he stood wholly attired in hermit's dress, complete; in heart and outward look, a Sramana. 1294
Now (Yasas) had in former days some light companions, in number fifty and four ; when these beheld their friend a hermit, they too, one by one, attained true wisdom (entered the true law]; 1295
By virtue of deeds done in former births, these deeds now bore their perfect fruit. Just as when burning ashes are sprinkled by water, the water being dried, the flame bursts forth. 1296
So now, with those above, the Srâvakas (disciples) were altogether sixty, all Arhats; entirely obedient and instructed in the law of perfect discipleship? So perfected he taught them further : 1297
Now ye have passed the stream and reached "the other shore," across the sea of birth and death;
The law of Arbats.
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