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HIS HUMANITY
§ 1. His Compassion—The Maha Karunik
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When once the Blessed Lord was staying in Shravasti the almsmen came and informed him that they were constantly harassed by the Deva who disturbed them in their meditations.
After hearing their stories of harassment the Blessed Lord gave them the following instructions :—
“He, who is skilled in his godness, who wishes to attain that calm state, should act thus: he should be able, upright, near perfectly upright, of noble speech, gentle and humble.
“Contented, easily supportable, with few duties, of light livelihood, controlled in senses, discreet, not impudent, not greedily attached to families.
“He should not pursue anything trifling such that other wise men might censure him. He should wish, ‘May all beings be happy and secure; may their hearts be wholesome.’
“Whatever living beings there be—feeble or strong, tall, stout and medium, short, small or large, without exception;
“Seen or unseen, those dwelling far or near, those who are born, or who are to be born, may all beings be happy.
“Let none deceive another, nor despise any person whatsoever in any place, let him not wish any harm to another, out of anger or ill-will.
“Just as a mother would protect her only child at the risk of her own life, even so let him cultivate a boundless heart towards all beings.
“Let his thoughts of boundless love pervade the whole world, above, below and across without any obstruction, without any enmity.
“Whether he stands, walks, sits, lies down, as long as he is awake, he should develop this mindfulness, this they say is the noblest living here.
“Not falling into error (self-illusion), being virtuous and endowed with insight, by discarding
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