Page:Sacred Books of the East - Volume 21.djvu/340

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292
SADDHARMA-PUNDARÎKA.
xiv.

the gaps of the earth, these Bodhisattvas Mahsattvas, Agita, have I roused, excited, animated, fully developed to supreme, perfect enlightenment after my having arrived at supreme, perfect enlightenment in this world. I have, moreover, fully matured, established, confirmed, instructed, perfected these young men of good family in their Bodhisattvaship. And these Bodhisattvas Mahsattvas, Agita, occupy in this Saha-world the domain of the ether-element below. Only thinking of the lesson they have to study, and devoted to thoroughly comprehend it, these young men of good family have no liking for social gatherings, nor for bustling crowds; they do not put off their tasks, and are strenuous 1 . These young men of good family, Agita, delight in seclusion 2 , are fond of seclusion.

These young men of good family do not dwell in the immediate vicinity of gods and men, they not being fond of bustling crowds. These young men of good family find their luxury in the pleasure of the law, and apply themselves to Buddha-knowledge.

And on that occasion the Lord uttered the following stanzas:

. These Bodhisattvas, immense, inconceivable and beyond measure, endowed with magic power, wisdom, and learning, have progressed in knowledge for many kotis of Æons.

. It is I who have brought them to maturity for enlightenment, and it is in my field that they

It will be remarked that these Bodhisattvas are represented as pupils or young monks under training, Sr&ma*eras.

Vivek&r&m&£; viveka at the same time means 'discrimination.'