Page:Gospel of Buddha.djvu/95

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

"Self is an error, an illusion, a dream. Open your eyes and awaken. See things as they are and ye will be comforted.14

"He who is awake will no longer be afraid of nightmares. He who has recognized the nature of the rope that seemed to be a serpent will cease to tremble.15

"He who has found there is no self will let go all the lusts and desires of egotism.16

"The cleaving to things, covetousness, and sensuality inherited from former existences, are the causes of the misery and vanity in the world.17

"Surrender the grasping disposition of selfishness, and you will attain to that calm state of mind which conveys perfect peace, goodness, and wisdom."18

And the Buddha breathed forth this solemn utterance:19

"Do not deceive, do not despise
Each other, anywhere. '
Do not be angry, nor should ye
Secret resentment bear;
For as a mother risks her life
And watches o'er her child,
So boundless be your love to all,
So tender, kind and mild.20

"Yea, cherish good-will right and left,
All round, early and late,
And without hindrance, without stint,
From envy free and hate,
While standing, walking, sitting down,
Whatever you have in mind,
The rule of life that's always best
Is to be loving-kind.21

"Gifts are great, the founding of vihāras is meritorious, meditations and religious exercises pacify the heart, comprehension of the truth leads to Nirvāna, but greater than

67