Читать книгу Garland of the Buddha's Past Lives (Volume 2) - Aryashura - Страница 45

Pondering the matter this way, the king addressed the Bodhi·sattva to ascertain his ascetic power under the pretence of being concerned for his welfare:

“Venerable ascetic, in a world full of rogues and reckless men, it is not right for you to wander these unprotected forests with such a beautiful companion in virtue. For if anyone were to wrong her, I would certainly be blamed. Consider this:

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So weakened are you by austerities,

if someone insulted you and your virtue

and snatched this woman away by force,

what else could you do but grieve?

Attachment to anger destroys the mind,

ruining fame by violating virtue.

Let this woman live in the realm of people.

For what use is female contact to ascetics?”

“Your Majesty speaks fitting words,” the Bodhi·sattva replied. “But listen to how I would behave in such circumstances:

If anyone were to offend me

in a surge of pride or thoughtlessness,

they would never escape me while I live,

like dust cannot escape a cloud full of rain.”

Concluding that the Bodhi·sattva had a strong regard for the woman and that his ascetic power must be slight, the king formed a low opinion of the Great Being and lost any fear of doing him wrong. Overwhelmed by passion and desire, he ordered the servants in charge of the palace women to go and convey the ascetic lady into his harem.