Читать книгу Garland of the Buddha's Past Lives (Volume 2) - Aryashura - Страница 66

In one area elephants emitted sprays

like broken strings of pearls,

the water seeming to transform into dust,

scattered when pulverized against rocks.

In another area the lake seemed perfumed

by the ointments of vidya·dhara nymphs,

the rut-juices of elephants

and the pollen dust of flowers.

The moon’s wives, the stars,

were reflected in the lake like a mirror,

which abounded with joyful birds

and echoed with their warbling.

Such was the lake that the king built as a gift for the entire flock of birds to enjoy with unimpeded pleasure. And to inspire trust in all the birds, he had the following announcement proclaimed every day, granting a gift of immunity:

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“Its waters covered by petals

of lotuses and water-lilies,

this lake is joyfully given by the king

along with the gift of immunity.”

One day the season arrived when dark clouds draw aside their curtains and fine autumn doles out her glories. The sky allowed itself to be seen and lakes captivated the mind with their tranquil waters, glistening with clusters of awakened lotuses. The moon seemed to increase the power of its rays and took on an intense youthful splendor, while the earth became adorned by an abundance of crops.