Page 242 - Popular Deities of Chinese Buddhism (Illustrated) and Symbols

Not in the sky, not in the midst of the sun, not if one enters

into the clefts of the mountains, is there known a spot in the whole

world, where if a man abide, he might be free from an evil deed.

Not in the sky, not in the midst of the sun, not if one enters

into the clefts of the mountains, is there known a spot in the whole

world where if a man abide, death could not overcome him.

All men tremble at punishment, all men fear death; remem-

bering that thou art like unto them, do not strike or slay.

All men tremble at punishment, all men love life, remember-

ing that thou are unto them, do not strike or slay.

He who, seeking his own happiness, does not injure or kill

beings who also long for happiness, will find happiness after

death.

Do not speak harshly to anybody; those who are spoken to

will answer thee in the same way. Angry speech breeds trouble,

thou wilt receive blows for blows.

If like a shattered gong, thou speakest not, then thou hast

reached Nirvana, contention is not found in thee.

As a cowherd with his staff drives his cows to pasture, so do

Old Age and Death drive the life of men.

Not to blame, not to strike, to live restrained under the pre-

cepts to be moderate in eating, to sleep and sit alone, and to

dwell on lofty thoughts, this is the teaching of the Awakened.

ere is no satisfying lusts even by a shower of gold-pieces;

he who knows that lusts have a short taste and bring suffering in

their train is wise.

Even in heavenly pleasures he finds no delight; the follower

of the Supremely Enlightened One delights only in the destruc-

tion of every craving.

 