the task as hopeless. The work of removing the dry sand must be done so that he can dig down deeper into the ground. And often the deeper he has to dig, the cooler and purer and more refreshing will the water be.15
"When after some time of digging he sees that the sand becomes moist, he accepts it as a token that the water is near.16
"So long as the people do not listen to the words of truth, the preacher knows that he has to dig deeper into their hearts; bat when they begin to heed his words he apprehends that they will soon attain enlightenment.17
"Into your hands, O ye men of good family and education who take the vow of preaching the words of, the Tathāgata, the Blessed One transfers, intrusts, and commends the good law of truth.18
"Receive the good law of truth, keep it, read and reread it, fathom it, promulgate it, and preach it to all beings in all the quarters of the universe.19
"The Tathāgata is not avaricious, nor narrow-minded, and he is willing to impart the perfect Buddha-knowledge unto all who are ready and willing to receive it. Be ye like unto him. Imitate him and follow his example in bounteously giving, showing, and bestowing the truth.20
"Gather round you hearers who love to listen to the benign and comforting words of the law; rouse the unbelievers to accept the truth and fill them with delight and joy. Quicken them, edify them, and lift them higher and higher until they see the truth face to face in all its splendor and infinite glory."21
When the Blessed One had thus spoken, the disciples said:22
"O thou who rejoicest in kindness having its source in compassion, thou great cloud of good qualities and of benevolent mind, thou quenchest the fire that vexeth living beings, thou pourest out nectar, die rain of the law!23
