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V, 25.
PARINIRVANA.
281
ing bubbles, false views (heresy) like the Makara ? fish, 1918
(Amidst all these) the ship of wisdom only can carry us across the mighty sea. The mass of ills (diseases) are like the flowers of the (sorrow) tree, old age and all its griefs, the tangled boughs; 1919
'Death the tree's tap-root, deeds done in life the buds, the diamond sword of wisdom only strong enough to cut down the mundane tree! 1920
'Ignorance (is like) the burning fire-glass, covetous desire the scorching rays, the objects of the five desires the (dry) grass, wisdom alone the water to put out the fire. 1921
The perfect law, surpassing every law, having destroyed the gloom of ignorance, we see the straight road leading to quietness and rest, the end of every grief and sorrow. 1922
"And now the loving (one), converting men, impartial in his thoughts to friend or foe, the allknowing, perfectly instructed, even he is going to leave the world! 1923
'He with his soft and finely modulated voice, his compact body and broad shoulders, he, the great Rishi?, ends his life! Who then can claim exemption ? 1924
'Enlightened, now he quickly passes hence ! let
? A mythical sea monster (see for a probable representation of it, Bharhut Stapa, plate xxxiv, fig. 2).
The great Rishi (Mahesi), even he has come to die, who then can claim exemption? It would seem, from this episode, that the Likkhavis were now convinced of the law of impermanence, and this was the lesson they most needed to learn, being of a proud and haughty disposition.
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