Читать книгу Garland of the Buddha’s Past Lives (Volume 1) - Aryashura - Страница 61

Do not therefore try to obstruct my exceptional gift.”

The ministers replied: “We have only advised Your Majesty to give wealth, grain, jewels, and other such offerings rather than your own eyes. We are not trying to lure Your Majesty into vice.”

The king answered:

“One should give what is requested.

An undesired gift brings no joy.

What use is water to one swept away by a river?

I shall therefore give this man his desire.”

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The chief minister, who was very close to the king and intimate with him, then disregarded courtesy in a rush of affection and said to the monarch:

“Stop, sir!

Kingship is acquired

through no small toil and dedication.

Taking hundreds of sacrifices to achieve,

it is the means for attaining fame and heaven.

Yet you discard it, though it lies in your grasp,

an asset vying with Shakra’s power.

What insight impels you to give away your eyes?

What is this behavior? Where does it originate?

Gleaming with fame in every direction,

you have attained a place among gods through

sacrifice.

Your feet are tinged with the radiance of kings’ crowns.

What will you gain by giving your eye?”