Lalit Vistara

SR No.: 011126
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Rajendralala Mitra
Publisher: Asiatic Society
Publication Year: 1881
Total Pages: 292
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 18 MB

Page 109

CHAPTER VI.
105
Thus, Bhikshus, when the Bodhisattva was in his mother's womb, he became well practised in welcoming people; and there was not a Deva, uor a Nága, nor a Yaksha, nor a man, nor any superhuman being who could first welcome the Bodhisattva. To all, the Bodhisattva offered welcome tirst, and then did his mother.
When the morning had passed away and midday had commenced, the supereminent S'akra, king of the Devas, as also the most eminent Devaputras of the class Thirty-three, came there to have an audience of the Bodhisattva, to pray to and servc him, and to listen to religious instruction. The Bodhisattva from a distance perceived them coming, welcomed then by lifting his gold-coloured right hand, and with a finger pointed them to their respective seats. S'akra could not disobey the order of the Bodhisattva. He and his companions took the seats assigned them. The Bodhisattva, perceiving that they were seated, by his virtuous speech interested them, encouraged them, welcomed them, and gratified them. When the Bodhisattva moved his hand, his mother turned towards it. To the others the idea struck," it is to us the Bodhisattva has offered welcome." Each thought" it is with me that the Bodhisattva is talking,me he is welcoming."
Then the shadow of S'akra,7 kg of the Devas, and of the gods of the class Thirty-three became apparent in the pavilion. Nowhere can such pure Bodhisattva enjoyment be had as by the Bodhisattva in his mother's womb.
When S'akra and the other gods felt a desire to depart, the Bodhisattva perceived their feeling, gave them leave by lifting his right hand, then cogitated, and then, knowing that it had been understood, put down his hand. No did he thereby hurt his mother. S'akra aud his companions perceived that the Bodhisattva had given them leave, so they thrice circumambulated his person and that of his mother, and then departed.
When the midday had passed away and the vesper had arrived, Brahma, the lord of the earth, attended and beserved by hundreds of thousands of Devaputras of the class Brahmakayika, taking the
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