z:\ ambedkar\vol 011\vol11 03.indd MK SJ+YS 5 10 2013/YS 18 11 2013 209
CONVERSION OF THE FALLEN AND THE CRIMINALS
209
“Men are guided and led by this, as eyes, given to them without eyes.
“This, then, is able to dispel unbelief, to remove sorrow, to impart joy; the highest wisdom is the lot of those who “hear.”
“This is the title of him who has acquired the greatest merit (most to be revered).”
On hearing this the robbers repented of their evil lives, and the arrows, of themselves, left their bodies, and their wounds were healed.
They then became disciples, and obtained rest and peace.
§ 4. Risk of Conversion
- In olden times, Buddha was residing in a country about 500 li from Rajagraha, full of mountains. In these mountains there lived a certain clan of about
122 persons, who occupied themselves in hunting, and fed themselves on the flesh of the animals they killed.
(Buddha goes to the place and converts the women, who were left alone during the day, whilst their husbands were hunting, and then adds these lines.)
“He who is humane does not kill (or, it is humane not to kill) ; he is ever able to preserve (his own ?) life.
“This principle (chu) is imperishable; whoever observes it, no calamity shall betide that man.
“Politeness, indifference to wordly things, hurting no one, without place for annoyance—this is the character of the Brahma Heaven (or of Brahma Deva).
“Ever exercising love towards the infirm ; pure, according to the teaching of Buddha ; knowing when sufficient has been had ; knowing when to stop,—this is to escape (the recurrence of) birth and death.”
The women, having heard these words, were converted, and on the men’s return, although they
II