BUDDHIST CANONICAL BEATITUDES

I.

FOUR BEATITUDES

FROM THE MAHAVAGGA

Now when the seven days were ended, it came to pass that the Blessèd One did arise from exalted meditation, and departed from the foot of the Ajapala or goatherd's fig tree, drawing nigh unto the tree of Muchalinda. So when he had come to where it stood, he disposed his feet crosswise, and sat him down at the foot of the tree for the space of seven days and seven nights, and did taste unceasingly the calm large freedom of the spirit.

Whereupon, there arose from the edge of the sky a great cloud, bringing with it out of season the rain, which did cease not for seven days and seven nights: even cold, and stormy blast, and thick darkness. But Muchalinda, the king of the Naga, which is, being interpreted, the snakefolk, came forth meanwhile from his abiding place, and wound seven times, unperceived of any, about the person of the Blessèd One, the folds of his lissome body, and spread abroad on high his cobra hood above the head of the Blessèd One, praying within himself all the while most fervently:

"May the cold of the night touch the Blessèd One nowise! May the heat of the noonday touch the Blessèd One nowise! May no gadflies or gnats vex at all his peace!

No blast of storm, and no dizzy heat of the sun!

May no venomous serpent come nigh to assail the Blessèd One!"

So when the seven days again were ended, the king of the snakefolk, Muchalinda, did lift up his eyes: and behold, the open heaven, without so much as a whisp of cloud therein. Wherefore he did unwind his loosened lissome folds, and uncover once more the shining person of the Blessèd One. And causing then his own natural semblance to vanish away, he did appear in outer fashion as a youth, which stood before the face of the Blessèd One, reverently, lifting up claspèd hands, and worshipping the worshipful.

Then did the Blessèd One look upon him, and open, even at this time graciously his mouth to speak in solemn benediction :

1

"Ever blessed is the loneliness

Of him, who full of joy,

Hath knowledge of the truth

For that his eyes do see;

Yea, blessed in this world,

Who, free of every unkindliness,
Constraineth still himself from harm

Of all that draweth breath;

3

And blessed in this world-he,
Who fleeth before eager lust,

And leaveth far behind him so

Life's disquieting desire;

4

Yet verily, more blessed far,

Who hath put away from him forever

The idle pride of the vain thought:

"Lo, I myself am I!"

[Here endeth the most gracious blessing of the Blessed One.]

II.

TEN BEATITUDES AND A SUMMARY

FROM THE MAHAMANGALA-SUTTA

About this time at Savatthi, in Jeta, the conqueror's wood, dwelt the Blessèd One. And, lo, when the night was far spent, a heavenly apparition, most beautiful to behold, shedding radiant light on the whole of Jeta's, that is, the conqueror's wood, drew nigh unto the Blessèd One, and made low obeisance before him; and after his salutation, he stood still apart from him. And within a little space the heavenly being opened his mouth and spake unto the Blessed One in a measure of melody:

"Yea, many Gods, O Lord, and holy men of old Have set forth paths of pleasantness,—

In exceeding desire for peace of the soul and wisdom;

Reveal then also thou, what is blessèd above all, O Lord!"

And the Enlightened One made answer in the precious words of his compassion, which fell from his lips harmoniously:

(The Wisdom of the Lay Brother)

1

Eschew thou still the converse of the foolish,

Ensue thou the rather the company of the truly wise in heart,
Worship thou them that be worthiest of worship,

For this is the most high blessing!

2

Dwell in the land, as in seemliness behooveth thee,

Garner good fruit of deeds thou hast sown in bygone lives,

Get thee, in the governing of thine own being and nature, skill:— For this is the most high blessing!

3

High knowledge of high things, and deep understanding,
Discipline well-proved, unto doing the truth in wisdom,
And prudently chosen words for the same, and winsome:
Yea, this is the most high blessing!

4

Honor and serve thou thy mother and also thy father,
Cherish the child of thy bosom, and the wife of thy youth,
Follow thou soberly a quiet and honorable calling:

For this is the most high blessing!

5

Bestow of thy goods with compassion, live austerely in righteousComfort and foster thy kindred after the flesh,

Do little deeds daily, of innocency and kindness:

For this is the most high blessing!

(The Wisdom of the Religious Ascetic)

6

Yea, abhor and utterly cease from every sin,

Nor taste thou aught that assaileth thy mind and heart,
But fare unwearying in the law of holiness onward:

For this is the most high blessing!

ness,

Lowly in thine own eyes order thyself, and reverent,

Content with whatso is thine, and grateful therefor,

Hearken in due season and ponder well the words of the holy lawFor this is the most high blessing!

8

Long suffering and meekness, right words graciously spoken,
Holding calm fellowship ever with holy men of God,
Communing, in due season, about the things of the spirit:
Yea, this is the most high blessing!

9

Do humble penance, pure in body and soul,

Win the knowledge, that exalteth, of the most exalted truth,

Attain, ay, in this life, to the calm large freedom of the spirit:— For this is the most high blessing!

10

mind,

Howsoever assailed by the things of this world, have the steadfast
Which continueth evermore free from care and sorrow,
From sinful taint, or anxious thought for the things of the
Yea, this is the most high blessing!

(Summary of the Two Wisdoms)

11

All they that have guided so their behavior aright,

morrow;

Nor of evil overcome, bear away the victory over this world,
And whither they will walk abroad secure in holiness;-

Theirs verily is the most high blessing!

[Here endeth the wisdom of the Enlightened One, concerning the paths of pleasantness.]