“I should therefore rather seek strength of body, by drink and food refresh my members, and with contentment cause my mind to rest.  My mind at rest, I shall enjoy silent composure; composure is the trap for getting ecstasy (dhyana); while in ecstasy perceiving the true law, then the force of truth obtained, disentanglement will follow.  And thus composed, enjoying perfect quiet, old age and death are put away; and then defilement is escaped by this first means; thus then by equal steps the excellent law results from life restored by food and drink.”

Having carefully considered this principle, bathing in the Nairangana river, he desired afterwards to leave the water, but owing to extreme exhaustion was unable to rise; then a heavenly spirit holding out a branch, taking this in his hand he raised himself and came forth.  At this time on the opposite side of the grove there was a certain chief herdsman, whose eldest daughter was called Nanda.  One of the Suddhavasa Devas addressing her said, “Bodhisattva dwells in the grove, go you then, and present to him a religious offering.”

Nanda Balada (or Balaga or Baladhya) with joy came to the spot, above her hands (i.e. on her wrists) white chalcedony bracelets, her clothing of a gray color; the gray and the white together contrasted in the light, as the colors of the rounded river bubble; with simple heart and quickened step she came, and, bowing down at Bodhisattva’s feet, she reverently offered him perfumed rice milk, begging him of his condescension to accept it.  Bodhisattva taking it, partook of it at once, whilst she received, even then, the fruits of her religious act.  Having eaten it, all his members refreshed, he became capable of receiving Bodhi; his body and limbs glistening with renewed strength, and his energies swelling higher still, as the hundred streams swell the sea, or the first quartered moon daily increases in brightness.  The five Bhikshus having witnessed this, perturbed, were filled with suspicious reflection; they supposed that his religious zeal was flagging, and that he was leaving and looking for a better abode, as though he had obtained deliverance, the five elements entirely removed.

Bodhisattva wandered on alone, directing his course to that “fortunate” tree,[102] beneath whose shade he might accomplish his search after complete enlightenment.  Over the ground wide and level, producing soft and pliant grass, easily he advanced with lion step, pace by pace, whilst the earth shook withal; and as it shook, Kala naga aroused, was filled with joy, as his eyes were opened to the light.  Forthwith he exclaimed:  “When formerly I saw the Buddhas of old, there was the sign of an earthquake as now; the virtues of a Muni are so great in majesty, that the great earth cannot endure them; as step by step his foot treads upon the ground, so is there heard the sound of the rumbling earth-shaking; a brilliant light now illumes the world, as the shining