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292
FO-SHO-HING-TSAN-KING.
V, 26.
Subhadra, hearing this, was overjoyed at heart, and his religious feelings (his feelings of joy in religion) were much enlarged, as with increased reverence he advanced to Buddha's presence. 1992
Then, as the occasion required, he spoke becoming words and with politeness made his salutation, his features pleasing and with hands conjoined (he said): “Now I desire to ask somewhat from thee; 1993
• The world has many teachers of religion (those who know the law) as I am myself; but I hear that Buddha has attained a way which is the end of all, complete emancipation. 1994
'Othat you would, on my account, briefly explain (your method), moisten my empty, thirsty soul (heart)! not with a view to controversy or from a desire to gain the mastery (but with sincerity I ask you so to do).' 1995
Then Buddha, for the Brahmakârin's sake, in brief recounted the eight 'right ways' (noble paths)-on hearing which, his empty soul (meek heart) accepted it, as one deceived accepts direction in the right road. 1996
the sense appears plain, ngo wei to gin sing, 'I, to save men am born.' The idea of Buddha as a saviour of men seems to be a development of his character as 'teacher' or 'sage.' It expanded afterwards in Northern Buddhism into the idea of a universal saviour, and was afterwards merged in the character of Avalokitesvara, a being engaged by an eternal oath (covenant) to save all living things. The presence of Western modes of thought cannot be doubted here.
According to the occasion; or, as it was customary on such an occasion.
Compare the Pali sarâniyam vitisâretva; 'wen sun,' however, in the Chinese, appears to correspond with the PAli abhivadeti.
· These teachers are named in the Påli.
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