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308
FO-SHO-HING-TSAN-KING.
V, 26.
whilst from the crags and hills, dust and ashes fell like rain. 2107
The sun and moon withdrew their shining; the peaceful streams on every side were torrent-swollen ; the sturdy forests shook like aspen leaves, whilst flowers and leaves untimely fell around, like scattered rain. 2108
The flying dragons, carried on pitchy clouds, wept down their tears' (five-headed tears); the four kings and their associates, moved by pity, forgot their works of charity. 2109
The pure Devas came to earth from heaven, halting mid-air they looked upon the changeful scene (or, the death scene), not sorrowing, not rejoicing. 2110
But yet they sighed to think of the world, heedless of its sacred teacher, hastening to destruction. The eightfold heavenly spirits, on every side filled space, 2111
Cast down at heart and grieving, they scattered flowers as offerings. Only Mara-råga rejoiced, and struck up sounds of music in his exultation. 2112
Whilst Gambudvipa“, shorn of its glory, (seemed to grieve) as when the mountain tops fall down to earth, or like the great elephant robbed of its tusks, or like the ox-king spoiled of his horns; 2113
Or heaven without the sun and moon, or as the lily beaten by the hail; thus was the world bereaved when Buddha died ! 2114
This passage is obscure, it may mean the dragons wept tears from their five heads, but it is doubtful.
Here again is an error in the text, the symbol being clearly a misprint.
That is, Nagas, Kinnaras, and the rest. • That is, the world,' as Buddhists count it.
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