At this time all the Brahmakarins, hearing the words spoken by Bodhisattva, words full of right reason and truth, very excellent in the distinction of principles, their hearts rejoiced and exulted greatly, and deep feelings of reverence were excited within them.

At this time there was one Brahmakarin, who always slept in the dust, with tangled hair and raiment of the bark of trees, his eyes bleared, preparing himself in an ascetic practice called “high-nose."[97] This one addressed Bodhisattva in the following words:  “Strong in will! bright in wisdom! firmly fixed in resolve to escape the limits of birth, knowing that in escape from birth there alone is rest, not affected by any desire after heavenly blessedness, the mind set upon the eternal destruction of the bodily form, you are indeed miraculous in appearance, as you are alone in the possession of such a mind.  To sacrifice to the gods, and to practise every kind of austerity, all this is designed to secure a birth in heaven, but here there is no mortification of selfish desire, there is still a selfish personal aim; but to bend the will to seek final escape, this is indeed the work of a true teacher, this is the aim of an enlightened master; this place is no right halting-place for you; you ought to proceed to Mount Pinda:  there dwells a great Muni, whose name is A-lo-lam.  He only has reached the end of religious aims, the most excellent eye of the law.  Go, therefore, to the place where he dwells, and listen there to the true exposition of the law.  This will make your heart rejoice, as you learn to follow the precepts of his system.  As for me, beholding the joy of your resolve, and fearing that I shall not obtain rest, I must once more let go those following me, and seek other disciples; straighten my head and gaze with my full eyes; anoint my lips and cleanse my teeth; cover my shoulders and make bright my face, smooth my tongue and make it pliable.  Thus, O excellently marked sir! fully drinking at the fountain of the water you give, I shall escape from the unfathomable depths.  In the world nought is comparable to this, that which old men and Rishis have not known, that shall I know and obtain.”

Bodhisattva having listened to these words, left the company of the Rishis, whilst they all, turning round him to the right, returned to their place.

The General Grief of the Palace

Kandaka leading back the horse, opening the way for his heart’s sorrow, as he went on, lamented and wept:  unable to disburden his soul.  First of all with the royal prince, passing along the road for one night, but now dismissed and ordered to return.  As the darkness of night closed on him, irresolute he wavered in mind.  On the eighth day approaching the city, the noble horse pressed onwards, exhibiting all his qualities of speed; but yet hesitating as he looked around and beheld not the form of the royal prince; his four members bent down with toil, his head