Читать книгу Garland of the Buddha's Past Lives (Volume 2) - Aryashura - Страница 63

become increasingly curious to see the two creatures. He therefore addressed his counselors, who were clever and experienced in numerous teachings, saying:

“Well, sirs, devise a clever way for me at least to catch sight of these two fine geese!”

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After the ministers had pondered the path of political strategy with their powerful minds, they gave the king the following reply:

“Hope for happiness draws creatures

away from their various abodes.

The report of a remarkable source

of happiness may therefore lure them.

Your Majesty should have a lake constructed in an area of the wilderness, similar but even more splendid than the lake in which these handsome geese are reported to dwell. And every day you should have it proclaimed that you offer immunity to every bird. Perhaps the rumor that this exceptional lake offers a source of happiness will rouse the curiosity of the geese and draw them here. For Your Majesty should consider that,

once obtained and no longer esteemed,

happiness usually loses its taste.

But happiness made delightful by rumor

captivates the mind by its invisibility.”

The king agreed and soon had a huge lake constructed not too near the city park, rivaling Lake Manasa in the richness of its quality. Captivating the mind, the lake’s pure waters were covered by various lotuses and water-lilies, includ- ________