Читать книгу Garland of the Buddha’s Past Lives (Volume 1) - Aryashura - Страница 64

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“What strength! What courage!

What desire to benefit living beings!

Though I see this feat with my own eyes,

I almost doubt it has occurred!

It is not right for a man of such astounding courage* to suffer this way for long. I will therefore strive to show him a way of restoring his eyesight.”

The king’s wounded eyes healed up in due course and the grief of the people in the palace, city, and countryside gradually lessened, becoming the topic of hackneyed songs. One day, in his fondness for solitude, the king was sitting crosslegged on the bank of a lotus-pond in a park. Fine trees bowed under the weight of blossoms; a gentle breeze blew, cool, fragrant, and soothing; and the area hummed with swarms of honey-making bees. While he sat there, Shakra, the king of the gods, appeared before the king. When asked who he was, the god replied:

“I am Shakra, king of the gods.

I have come to visit you.”

“Welcome! Please tell me your need!” Addressed with such polite words, Shakra replied to the king:

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“Choose a boon, royal seer.

Tell me whatever you desire.”

The king was accustomed to giving and it was not his habit to tread the path of petitions and poverty. With composure, modesty, and humility, he replied with the following words: