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drums sounded,

      continuous, deep, and charming.

      In every direction the sky displayed a delightful clarity.

      The sun shined with the purity of an autumn glow.

      Flowers of various hues fell from the firmament,

      floating around, tinged with sandal powder.

      Gods gathered with troops of nymphs,

      their eyes blooming with wonder.

      A delightful breeze began to blow.

      Joy expanded in the hearts of every being.

      Filled with wonder and joy,

      powerful spirits made auspicious utterances,

      praising the king’s superior deeds,

      heard in every direction:

      2.80

      “What nobility! What compassion!

      See the purity of his heart!

      How indifferent his mind is to his happiness!

      We pay homage to you, miracle of bravery and

      courage!

      How splendid the world has you as its protector!

      Your glorious lotus-eyes have opened once more!

      Stores of merit are not in vain.

      For virtue in time wins through mightily.”

      Praising him with cries of “Excellent! Excellent!,” Shakra addressed the king once more, saying:

      “The purity of your mind

      was not unknown to me, Your Majesty.

      That is why, king,

      I have given you back your eyes.

      With these eyes

      you will have unimpeded sight

      for a hundred leagues on every side,

      even when obstructed by rocks.”

      2.85

      Saying this, Shakra disappeared at that very spot.

      The Bodhi·sattva then proceeded to the palace, which was draped with raised banners and colorful flags, exhibiting a festive radiance. Hailed by brahmins with benedictions of victory, he was stared at by the townspeople and by the ministers who followed him, their eyes wide open and hardly blinking, their hearts filled with wonder and joy. Seated in the assembly hall, the king then delivered a teaching on the Truth, drawn from his own experiences, to a crowd of brahmins, elders, and citizens, headed by ministers who had gathered to do him honor:

      “Who in this world would be lax

      in favoring a beggar with wealth

      when they see my eyes of divine power,

      produced by the merit of giving?

      I can see an object in any direction

      as clearly as if it were near,

      even when concealed by mountains

      and a hundred leagues afar.

      Giving arises from humility and compassion

      for others.

      What way of gaining prosperity is greater than this?

      In this very life, after giving a human eye,

      I have received a non-human, divine eye.

      2.90

      Knowing this, Shibis, make your wealth bear fruit by giving gifts and enjoying the reward. This is the path to fame and increased happiness in both this world and the next.

      Wealth itself is essenceless and trifling.

      Its essence lies in being given by benefactors

      of the world.

      When given, it becomes a treasure.

      When ungiven, it ends only in loss.”

      So it is that the Lord acquired the Good Teaching for us through hundreds of difficult feats. One should therefore listen to it reverently.

      One should also narrate this story when discussing the Tatha·gata’s magnanimity,* or when praising compassion as in the previous story, or when illustrating the rewards that arise in this life from pure deeds, saying: “In this way, the merit accumulated through good actions reveals, in this very life, the mere bud of its power through the captivating reward of uninterrupted fame.”

STORY 3 THE BIRTH-STORY ON THE LUMP OF GRUEL

      3.1

      D

      ue to the greatness of the reward, no gift is small when offered to a superior recipient with a faithful mind.

      Tradition has handed down the following story.

      When he was a Bodhi·sattva, our Lord is said to have ruled over Koshala. The splendor of his godlike perfection surpassed even his abundant royal qualities, distinguished though they were, including accomplishments in vigor, guidance, strength, and power.

      Adorned by godlike perfection,

      his virtues radiated even more,

      just as autumn enhances

      the splendor of moonbeams.

      3.5

      Fortune belonged to him but to other kings

      she dispensed both anger and favor.

      Abandoning his enemies, proud though they were,

      she was like an affectionate lover to his subjects.

      As virtue was inherent in his nature,

      he had no cruel thoughts at the torment of his foes.

      But so expansive was the devotion of his subjects

      that Prosperity displayed no love for his enemies.

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