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

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LALITA-YISTARA. Then an iron drum was set up as a target at a distance of two, kros'as, for Ananda. The target for Deradatta was set up at a distance of four kros'as. The target for Sundarananda was set up at a distance of six kros'as. A target was set up at a distance of two yojanas for Dandapáụi. For the Bodhisattva the iron target was set up at a distance of ten kros'as; and beyond it were ranged seven palm trees and a mechanical image of a boar, made of iron. Amanda hit his target at the distance of two miles, but could not send his arrow further. The drum at the fourth kros'a was hit by Deväxlatta, but be could shoot his arrow no further. The drum at the south kros'a was hit by Sundarananda, but he could not send his arrow any further. Dandapáņi bit his target at the distance of two yojanas, and the arrow remained fixed in it, but could go no further. Then the Bodhisattva stepped forward, but every bow he took my snapped on the attempt to string it.
Thereupon he said: “Is there any bow in this city which will withstand any stringing it, and any bodily force and vigour ?"
The king replied, "Yes, my son." The Prince said, "Which is it, sire ?"
The king. “Your grandfather, my son, was named Sinhahanı, (naving the jaws of a lion). His bow is now worshipped witli garland- and aromatics in the ternple of the gods. None has been as yet able to string it, niuch less to draw it."
The Bodhisattv. "May it please your majesty to send for it from the templo; I sball try it, until I have stringed it."
Now, all the Sakya youths tried their ntmost, but failed to string that how, much less to draw it. At last it was stringe by Mandapáni, the S'ákya; but even with his utmost might and main he failed to draw it. The Bodhisattva then stringed it. Then without rising from his seat, but assuming the half bedstead position, (i r., leaving on one knee) he took it with his left hand, and drew it with a single singer of his right hand. The sound of the twang of that bow resounded all over the city of Kapilvastu The citizens were all bewildered, and enquired of each other, "Whence is this wound ?" The reply was, “Prince