IX. DEEDS. I (176). THE man who gives up the one (great) law (i.e., truth), the means of gaining (happiness in) the other world, and who speaks lies, there is no evil that he will not do.1 2 (308). Better it would be that a man should eat a lump of flaming iron than that one who is unrestrained and who has broken his vows should live on the charity of the land.2 3. If thou art filled with the dread of suffering, if there is naught agreeable for thee in suffering, do then no evil thing openly, or even in secret. 4. If thou hast done evil deeds, or if thou wouldst do them, thou mayest arise and run where'er thou wilt, but thou canst not free thyself of thy suffering. 1 I have translated in accordance with the Commentary. The text of the Bst. reads the second line, as does the Pâli, "he who scoffs (spyo-ba-yi) at the other world." The Commentary and the text of the Bkh. read bchom-pa-yi, "gaining." 2 See on these verses, which, according to the comment, are from the famous Sermon on Falsehoods spoken to Râhula, the Appendix; and for a different version, Beal, loc. cit., p. 142. 5 (127). There exists no spot on the earth, or in the sky, or in the sea, neither is there any in the mountain-clefts, where an (evil) deed does not bring trouble (to the doer). 6. When one has looked at those around him and has seen their wicked deeds,1 let him not do likewise; walk not in the way of sin. 7. He who commits crimes,2 who uses false measures, who hurts men, or who does any other similar deeds, will by walking in this path fall into a precipice. Whatsoever a man has done, whether it be virtuous or sinful deeds, there are none that are of little importance; they all bear some kind of fruit.1 9. As long as men are united, so long will they be the conquerors; but if they would be victorious by other means, they will find out that they will be conquered.5 IO. The fool who sees not this walks on in his wicked way, but he who does evil will find out his (mistake) in the other world. 1 66 King Adjatasatru had put to death a man who had stolen a fourth of a Karçapana, and another who was an adulterer."-P. 2 Lit. "very evil deeds," such as killing, &c.-P. 3 "Who deceives with his metal weights."-P. 4 Comp. Manu, iv. 234. 5 Prasenajit and Adjatasatru were not on friendly terms, so Adjatasatru carried off all Prasenajit's elephants, &c. The Bhixus, on going into the town to beg, heard of this event and told Bhagavat, who spoke to them recommending conquering enmity. -P. I have followed the Commentary in translating this verse more than the literal sense that can be derived from a verbatim translation; text also is very uncertain. 6 According to P., verses 10-14 were spoken on the same occasion. II (136). The fool sees not that his evil deeds, when they shall have matured, will still be burning. Hereafter his deeds will torment him as if burnt by fire. 12 (66). The fool of little understanding treats himself as he would an enemy; he does evil deeds which will bear burning1 fruit. 13 (67). The deed which harms, and of which the reward is received with tears and a downcast face, that deed is not well done. 14 (68). The deed which harms not, and of which the reward is received with joy and happiness, that deed is well done. 15 (69). When a man in the pursuit of his pleasure accomplishes an evil deed, it brings smiles to his face; but when his evil deed has ripened, it brings him sorrow.2 16 (71). Surely an evil deed does not turn on a sudden like milk; it is like fire smouldering in the ashes, which burns the fool. 17. An evil deed kills not instantly, as does a sword, but it follows the evil-doer (even) into the next world. 18. How burning is (an evil deed) when it has arrived at maturity, the evil-doers will find out in the other world. 19 (240). As1 iron, when the rust doth take hold of it, is eaten by it, so in like manner is the heedless man brought into the evil way by his own deed. Chapter on Deeds, the Ninth. 1 This verse was spoken at Djetâ- viras, and of Akroçaka, Roçaka, and vana for the edification of the Stha- Parivaçaka. X. FAITH. I. FAITH, modesty, morality, charity, these virtues 1 are lauded by holy men; 2 by them one goes to the world of the gods; this road, I declare, leads to the land of the gods. 2 (177). The avaricious go not to the world of the gods (devas), for the fool commends not charity: they who are steadfast rejoice greatly in charity, also they enjoy happiness in the other (world). 3. Faith is the greatest treasure of man in this (world),3 for he who in this (world) observes this law finds happiness: truth has the sweetest of all flavours, and to live according to knowledge is, I declare, the best of lives. 4. If the wise man has faith in the doctrine of the Arhats 4 that leads to nirvâņa,5 and if he listens respectfully, he will acquire that knowledge. |