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FO-SHO-HING-TSAN-KING.
IV, 19.
deeds that bring the fourth birth": but (still) the five ways in the wheel of birth and death are like the uncertain wanderings of the stars; 1564
'For heavenly beings too must suffer change: how shall we find with men (a hope of) constancy; Nirvanal that is the chief rest; composure! that the best of all enjoyments! 1565
The five indulgences (pleasures) enjoyed by mortal kings are fraught with danger and distress, like dwelling with a poisonous snake; what pleasure, for a moment, can there be in such a case ? 1566
The wise man sees the world as compassed round with burning flames; he fears always, nor can he rest till he has banished, once for all, birth, age, and death. 1567
Infinitely quiet is the place where the wise man finds his abode; no need of arms (instruments) or weapons there! no elephants or horses, chariots or soldiers there! 1568
Subdued the power of covetous desire and angry thoughts and ignorance, there's nothing left in the wide world to conquer! Knowing what sorrow is, he cuts away the cause of sorrow; 1569
'This destroyed, by practising right means, rightly enlightened in the four true principless, he casts off fear and escapes the evil ways of birth.' The king when first he saw his wondrous spiritual power (of miracle) rejoiced in heart; 1570
But now his feelings deeply affected by the joy of (hearing) truth, he became a perfect vessel for receiving true religion, and with clasped hands he
1 The 'fourth birth' would be as 'a man ;' but it may refer here to birth as a Deva.'
. That is, in the four truths.'
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