Part 27 (2/2)

LV.

ONE ESSENCE, ONE LAW, ONE AIM.

And the Tathagata addressed the venerable Ka.s.sapa, to dispel the uncertainty and doubt of his mind, and he said: 1

”All things are made of one essence, yet things are different according to the forms which they a.s.sume under different impressions. As they form themselves so they act, and as they act so they are. 2

”It is, Ka.s.sapa, as if a potter made different vessels out of the same clay. Some of these pots are to contain sugar, others rice, others curds and milk; others still are vessels of impurity.

There is no diversity in the clay used; the diversity of the pots is only due to the moulding hands of the potter who shapes them for the various uses that circ.u.mstances may require. 3

”And as all things originate from one essence, so they are developing according to one law and they are destined to one aim which is Nirvana. 4

”Nirvana comes to thee, Ka.s.sapa, when thou understandest thoroughly, and when thou livest according to thy understanding, that all things are of one essence and that there is but one law.

Hence, there is but one Nirvana as there is but one truth, not two or three. 5

”And the Tathagata is the same unto all beings, differing in his att.i.tude only in so far as all beings are different. 6

”The Tathagata recreates the whole world like a cloud shedding its waters without distinction. He has the same sentiments for the high as for the low, for the wise as for the ignorant, for the n.o.ble-minded as for the immoral. 7

”The great cloud full of rain comes up in this wide universe covering all countries and oceans to pour down its rain everywhere, over all gra.s.ses, shrubs, herbs, trees of various species, families of plants of different names growing on the earth, on the hills, on the mountains, or in the valleys. 8

”Then, Ka.s.sapa, the gra.s.ses, shrubs, herbs, and wild trees suck the water emitted from that great cloud which is all of one essence and has been abundantly poured down; and they will, according to their nature, acquire a proportionate development, shooting up and producing blossoms and their fruits in season. 9

”Rooted in one and the same soil, all those families of plants and germs are quickened by water of the same essence. 10

”The Tathagata, however, O Ka.s.sapa, knows the law whose essence is salvation, and whose end is the peace of Nirvana. He is the same to all, and yet knowing the requirements of every single being, he does not reveal himself to all alike. He does not impart to them at once the fulness of omniscience, but pays attention to the disposition of various beings.” 11

LVI.

THE LESSON GIVEN TO RAHULA.

Before Rahula, the son of Gotama Siddhattha and Yasodhara, attained to the enlightenment of true wisdom, his conduct was not always marked by a love of truth, and the Blessed One sent him to a distant vihara to govern his mind and to guard his tongue. 1

After some time the Blessed One repaired to the place, and Rahula was filled with joy. 2

And the Blessed One ordered the boy to bring him; basin of water and to wash his feet, and Rahula obeyed. 3

When Rahula had washed the Tathagata's feet, the Blessed One asked: ”Is the water now fit for drinking?” 4

”No, my Lord,” replied the boy, ”the water is denied.” 5

Then the Blessed One said: ”Now consider thine own case. Although thou art my son, and the grandchild of a king, although thou art a samana who has voluntarily given up everything, thou art unable to guard thy tongue from untruth, and thus defilest thou thy mind.” 6

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