Читать книгу Garland of the Buddha’s Past Lives (Volume 1) - Aryashura - Страница 56

he pondered the matter the following way, his heart filled with wonder:

“What is this thought conceived by the king,

his mind elated by excessive joy in giving?

He has set the limit of his will to give

with the firm resolve to offer his limbs!

I will test him!”

2.20

At that time the king was seated in the assembly hall, surrounded by a troop of ministers. The customary announcement was made, inviting people to receive what they wanted. Under the supervision of the treasurer, heaps of jewels, gold, silver, and wealth were revealed. Baskets filled with various clothes were untied, while fine and colorful carriages were dragged forward, yoked to the necks of various trained animals.

There, among the assembled beggars, Shakra, the king of the gods, took on the form of an old blind brahmin, manifesting himself right before the king’s eyes. The king looked at the brahmin with a gaze that seemed to advance forward and embrace him, so calm, tranquil, and gentle were his eyes and so suffused with compassion and friendliness. When the king’s attendants asked him what he desired, the brahmin approached the king, greeted him with benedictions of victory, and said the following:

“I, an old man who cannot see, have come

from afar to beg for your eye, greatest of kings.

Lotus-eyed ruler of the people, one eye

suffices to conduct the affairs of the world.”