Читать книгу Garland of the Buddha's Past Lives (Volume 2) - Aryashura - Страница 39

committing himself to the glory of ascetic disciplines and restraints.

Moved by her affection for her husband, his wife also shaved off her hair. Freeing her body from the concerns of superficial ornaments, she became adorned only by the glory of her virtue and natural appearance. Clothed in saffron robes, she followed her husband into the ascetic life.

When the Bodhi·sattva realized that his wife intended to follow him into the ascetic forest, he addressed her as follows, knowing that a woman’s tender nature is unsuited to a life of austerity in the forest:

“You have shown your innate affection toward me, my lady. But stop being so determined to follow me. It would be more suitable if you lived with other ascetic women. For forests are difficult to dwell in. Consider this:

21.10

Abandoning their houses,

ascetics dwell wherever they are at sunset:

cremation grounds, deserted areas, mountains,

or forests teeming with fierce wild beasts.

Constantly roaming alone, intent on meditation,

they withdraw from the sight of women.

So lend your mind toward turning back.

What need have you for such hardship?”

But his wife had already firmly resolved to follow the Bodhi·sattva and she replied somewhat as follows, her eyes welling with tears: