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 96

94
CALITA-VIETARA.
CHAPTER VI.
THE DESCENT.
Bodhisattva enters his mother's womb. Maya's dream. The dream expounded. The abode of Máyá. Gods of different kinds present houses. The jewelled house Ratnavyuh Celestials come to see the house. Description of the house. The lotus-essence. Morning Visitors. Midday visitors. Vesper visitors. Condition of Máyú. Miracles performed by her. Visit of Bodhisattvas. Corroborative
Gáthás.
Thus, Bhikshus, the winter having passed away, in the fulness of the Spring season, in the month of Vaisakha, when the sun was in the constellation Visákhá, the trees were covered with leaves, and loaded with exquisite flowers and blossoms. The earth was covered with a carpet of green. The evils of great heat or cold were then absent, and every where there was calm and quietness. At such a time the Bodhisattva, the eldest in the three regions, and adored of creation, seeing that the proper season had arrived, that the great lord of herbs, the moon, was on the 15th day of its age and in perfect fulness, renounced the mansion of Tushita, and, calling to mind the tradition, entered the womb of his mother, in the form of an elephant, of a yellowish white colour, having six tusks, crimson veins, golden teeth, and perfect members. Entering the womb of the mother, he occupied the right side, and lay on that side, never turning to the left.
Máyá Deví, sleeping peacefully on an excellent bed, dreamt a dream [which she described thus] :
"A noble elephant, white as silver or snow, having six tusks, well proportioned trunk and feet, blood-red veins, adamantine firmness of joints, and easy pace, has entered my belly.