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V, 25.
PARINIRVANA.
285
Ye ought therefore thus to investigate true principles, to consider well the true law and the Vinaya, even as the goldsmith does who melts and strikes and then selects the true (metal). 1941
'Not to know the Satras and the Sastras, this is to be devoid of wisdom; not saying properly that which is proper, is like doing that which is not fit to see. 1942
'Let all be done (accepted) in right and proper order, according as the meaning of the sentence guides, for he who grasps a sword unskilfully, does but inflict a wound upon his hand. 1943
'Not skilfully to handle words and sentences, the meaning then is hard to know; as in the night time travelling and seeking for a house, if all be dark within, how difficult to find. 1944
'Losing the meaning, then the law (dharma) is disregarded, disregarding the law the mind becomes confused; therefore every wise and prudent master neglects not to discover the true and faithful meaning.' 1945
Having spoken these words respecting the precepts of religion, he advanced to the town of Påva ; where all the Mallas (lih sse) prepared for him religious offerings of every kind. 1946
At this time a certain householder's son, whose
1 Sacred Books of the East, vol. xi, p. 70. It would seem from the people of Pavâ being called Mallas that they were allied with the Likkhavis.
* There is nothing said in the text about Kunda being a worker in metals, or about the character of his offering, or its consequences on Buddha's health. The expression householder's son' may be also translated a 'householder,' the symbol'tseu' (son) being often used, as Wassiljew (Buddhismus, p. 168) has observed, as an honorific expletive.
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