Page:Henry Mulford Tichenor - The Buddhist Philosophy of Life.djvu/33

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE
31

There is mind. He who understands by soul mind, teaches the truth which leads to knowledge and light

The bodhi (knowledge and enlightenment) is eternal and dominates all existence, as the good law guiding us in the search for truth. It changes brute instinct into mind.

THE STORY OF THE KUTADANTA THE
BRAHMIN

Kutadanta, the leader of the Brahmins in the village of Danamati, said: "I am told that thou art the Buddha, the Enlightened. But if this were so wouldst thou not come as a king in glory and power?"

And the Teacher answered: "Thine eyes are holden. If the eyes of thy mind were undimmed thou wouldst see the glory and power of truth."

Said Kutadanta the Brahmin: "Thy doctrine is without consistency. If it were consistent, it would stand; but as it is not, it will pass away."

The Teacher replied: "The truth will never pass away."

Kutadanta said: "Thou tearest down religion. Thy disciples despise religious rites and refuse to offer sacrifice to the gods; and reverence for the gods can only be shown by worship and sacrifice. Religion consists in worship and sacrifice."