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202
FO-SHO-HING-TSAN-KING.
IV, 18.
ing in the bamboo grove near at hand, understanding moreover his renown and illustrious qualities, he set out that very night for the grove. 1434
Tathagata, well aware of his character, and that he was prepared to bring forth purity and faith ?, according to the case, called him by his true3 (name), and for his sake addressed him in words of religion :: 1435
'Having rejoiced in the true law 4, and being humbly o desirous for a pure and believing heart, thou hast overcome desire for sleep, and art here to pay me reverence; 1436
'Now then will I for your sake discharge fully the duties of a first meeting. In your former births the root of virtue planted firm in pure and rare expectancy?, 1437
Hearing now the name of Buddha, you rejoiced because you are a vessel fit for righteousness, humble
1 The statements that he came 'by night,' and that Buddha called him by his name-or, as the Chinese might be translated, called him 'true' (guileless)--appear as though borrowed from the Gospel narrative. Nicodemus was rich, and Nathaniel (Bartholomew) preached in India (Euseb. Lib. v. cap. 1o). He is said to have carried the Gospel of St. Matthew there, where it was discovered by Pantaenus.
? That is, that he was ripe for conversion.
$ The name by which he was called, according to Spence Hardy (Manual of Buddhism, p. 217), was Sudatta.
4 That is, because you have rejoiced. The true law' is the same as 'religious truth.'
6 Literally, 'pure and truthful of heart, with meekness thirsting (after knowledge).'
. The meaning is, as we have now met for the first time, I will explain my doctrine (preach) in a formal (polite) way.
? That is, your merit in former births has caused you to reap a reward in your present condition.
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