Part 12 (1/2)
”And whatever men do, whether they remain in the world as artisans, merchants, and officers of the king, or retire from the world and devote themselves to a life of religious meditation, let them put their whole heart into their task; let them be diligent and energetic, and, if they are like the lotus, which, although it grows in the water, yet remains untouched by the water, if they struggle in life without cheris.h.i.+ng envy or hatred, if they live in the world not a life of self but a life of truth, then surely joy, peace, and bliss will dwell in their minds.” 19
XXIV.
THE SERMON ON CHARITY.
Anathapindika rejoiced at the words of the Blessed One and said: ”I dwell at Savatthi, the capital of Kosala, a land rich in produce and enjoying peace. Pasenadi is the king of the country, and his name is renowned among our own people and our neighbors.
Now I wish to found there a vihara which shall be a place of religious devotion for your brotherhood, and I pray you kindly to accept it.” 1
The Buddha saw into the heart of the supporter of orphans; and knowing that unselfish charity was the moving cause of his offer, in acceptance of the gift, the Blessed One said: 2
”The charitable man is loved by all; his friends.h.i.+p is prized highly; in death his heart is at rest and full of joy, for he suffers not from repentance; he receives the opening flower of his reward and the fruit that ripens from it. 3
”Hard it is to understand: By giving away our food, we get more strength, by bestowing clothing on others, we gain more beauty; by donating abodes of purity and truth, we acquire great treasures. 4
”There is a proper time and a proper m ode in charity just as the vigorous warrior goes to battle, so is the man; who is able to give. He is like an able warrior, a champion strong and wise in action. 5
”Loving and compa.s.sionate he gives with reverence and banishes all hatred, envy, and anger. 6
”The charitable man has found the path of salvation. He is like the man who plants a sapling, securing thereby the shade, the flowers, and the fruit in future years. Even so is the result of charity, even so is the joy of him who helps those that are in need of a.s.sistance; even so is the great Nirvana. 7
”We reach the immortal path only by continuous acts of kindliness and we perfect our souls by compa.s.sion and charity.” 8
Anathapindika invited Sariputta to accompany him on his return to Kosala and help him in selecting a pleasant site for the vihara. 9
XXV.
JETAVANA.
Anathapindika, the friend of the dest.i.tute and the supporter of orphans, having returned home, saw the garden of the heir-apparent, Jeta, with its green groves and limpid rivulets, and thought: ”This is the place which will be most suitable as a vihara for the brotherhood of the Blessed One.” And he went to the prince and asked leave to buy the ground. 1
The prince was not inclined to sell the garden, for he valued it highly. He at first refused but said at last, ”If thou canst cover it with gold, then, and for no other price, shalt thou have it.” 2
Anathapindika rejoiced and began to spread his gold; but Jeta said: ”Spare thyself the trouble, for I will not sell.” But Anathapindika insisted. Thus they contended until they resorted to the magistrate. 3
Meanwhile the people began to talk of the unwonted proceeding, and the prince, hearing more of the details and knowing that Anathapindika was not only very wealthy but also straightforward and sincere, inquired into his plans. On hearing the name of the Buddha, the prince became anxious to share in the foundation and he accepted only one-half of the gold, saying: ”Yours is the land, but mine are the trees. I will give the trees as my share of this offering to the Buddha.” 4
Then Anathapindika took the land and Jeta the trees, and they placed them in trust of Sariputta for the Buddha. 5
After the foundations were laid, they began to build the hall which rose loftily in due proportions according to the directions which the Buddha had suggested; and it was beautifully decorated with appropriate carvings. 6
This vihara was called Jetavana, and the friend of the orphans invited the Lord to come to Savatthi and receive the donation.
And the Blessed One left Kapilavatthu and came to Savatthi. 7
While the Blessed One was entering Jetavana, Anathapindika scattered flowers and burned incense, and as a sign of the gift he poured water from a golden dragon decanter, saying, ”This Jetavana vihara I give for the use of the brotherhood throughout the world.” 8
The Blessed One received the gift and replied: ”May all evil influences be overcome; may the offering promote the kingdom of righteousness and be a permanent blessing to mankind in general, to the land of Kosala, and especially also to the giver.” 9