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Central Themes in

the “Garland of the Buddha’s Past Lives”¹⁷

In his introductory verses, Arya·shura spells out some central motives behind composing the “Garland of the Buddha’s Past Lives.” While presented as an act of compassion performed “out of concern for the good of the world” (1.4 [3]), the text is primarily portrayed as an expression of devotion and reverence for the Buddha and his past deeds (vv. 1.2 [1], 1.5 [4]):

With this handful of flowers of poetry,

I devoutly honor his miraculous feats [. . .]

With bowed head, I revere this matchless being.

Although the didactic value of the stories is stressed— “These commendable acts offer clear signposts revealing the path to Buddhahood” (1.3 [2])—Arya·shura appears unsatisfied by the mere articulation of doctrine. On the contrary, he intends his stories to have an emotional and aesthetic effect, aimed at inspiring devotion in his audience:

May even the hard-hearted

become softened!

And may religious teachings

hereby increase with charm!(1.3 [2])

The devotional impact Arya·shura intends his narratives to achieve is reflected by the characters in the text when they witness the Bodhi·sattva’s miraculous deeds.¹⁸ Repeatedly we are told of how demons, gods, kings, ascetics, and householders are astonished by the Bodhi·sattva’s feats and become filled with devotion and joy: