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The bushy mulberry-trees the geese in rows
Seek eager and to rest around them close--
With rustling loud, as disappointment grows.
The King's affairs admit of no delay;
To plant our rice and maize we cannot stay.
How shall our parents find their wonted food?
When we are gone, who will to them be good?
... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Covering the jujubes the dolichos grows,
The graves many dragon-plants cover;
But where is the man on whose breast I'd repose?
No home have I, having no lover!
Fair to see was the pillow of horn,
And fair the bed-chamber's adorning;
But the man of my heart is not here, and I mourn
All alone, an... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
The hills the bushy wild plums show,
And pear-trees grace the ground below.
But, with my husband from me gone,
As drunk with grief, I dwell alone.
O how is it, I long to know,
That he, my lord, forgets me so?
~Lament for Three Brothers~
They flit about, the yellow birds,
And rest upon the jujubes f... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
~In Praise of a Ruler of Ts'in~
What trees grow on the Chung-nan hill?
The white fir and the plum.
In fur of fox, 'neath 'broidered robe,
Thither our prince is come.
His face glows with vermilion hue.
O may he prove a ruler true!
What find we on the Chung-nan hill?
Deep nook and open glade.
Our... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
The rising moon shines mild and fair;
More bright is she, whose beauty rare
My heart with longing fills.
With eager wish I pine in vain;
O for relief from constant pain,
Which through my bosom thrills!
~The Lament of a Lover~
There where its shores the marsh surround,
Rushes and lotus plants abound.
Their loveline... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
The ephemeral fly bursts from its hole,
With gauzy wings like snow;
So quick the rise, so quick the fall,
Of those great men we know!
I grieve! Would they but lodge with me,
Forth they would wiser go.
BOOK XV
THE ODES OF PIN
~The Duke of Chow Tells of His Soldiers~
To the hills of the east we wen... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
~There is a Proper Way for Doing Everything~
In hewing an axe-shaft, how must you act?
Another axe take, or you'll never succeed.
In taking a wife, be sure 'tis a fact,
That with no go-between you never can speed.
In hewing an axe-shaft, hewing a shaft,
For a copy you have the axe in your hand.
In ... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Unresting the Filial doves speed in their flight,
Ascending, then sweeping swift down from the height,
Now grouped on the oaks. The king's high command
Forbade that his business be done with slack hand;--
And my father I left, sore distressed.
Unresting the Filial doves speed in their flight,
Now fanni... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
On the hill-side the trees they fell,
All working with good-will
I labor too, with equal zeal.
And the host's part fulfil.
Spirits I've set in order meet,
The dishes stand in rows.
The guests are here; no vacant seat
A brother absent shows.
The loss of kindly feeling oft
From slightest th... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
The russet pear-tree stands there all alone;
How dense the leafy shade all o'er it thrown!
The King's affairs require no slackening hand,
And our sad hearts their feelings can't command.
The plants and trees in beauty shine; 'tis spring.
From off my heart its gloom I fain would fling.
This season well my... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
When first we took the field, and northward went,
The millet was in flower;--a prospect sweet.
Now when our weary steps are homeward bent,
The snow falls fast, the mire impedes our feet.
Many the hardships we were called to meet,
Ere the King's orders we had all fulfilled.
No rest we had; often o... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
BOOK III
THE DECADE OF TUNG RUNG
~Celebrating a Hunting Expedition~
Our chariots were well-built and firm,
Well-matched our steeds, and fleet and strong.
Four, sleek and large, each chariot drew,
And eastward thus we drove along.
Our hunting cars were light and good,
Each with its team of noble steed... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
~Moral Lessons from Natural Facts~
All true words fly, as from yon reedy marsh
The crane rings o'er the wild its screaming harsh.
Vainly you try reason in chains to keep;--
Freely it moves as fish sweeps through the deep.
Hate follows love, as 'neath those sandal-trees
The withered leaves the eager searche... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Then shall the chief diviner glad reply,
"The bears foreshow that Heaven will send you sons.
The snakes and cobras daughters prophesy.
These auguries are all auspicious ones.
"Sons shall be his--on couches lulled to rest.
The little ones, enrobed, with sceptres play;
Their infant cries are loud as ... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
A few small points, pricked down on wood,
May be made out a picture good
Of the bright Southern Sieve.
Who planned, and helped those slanderers vile,
My name with base lies to defile?
Unpitied, here I grieve.
With babbling tongues you go about,
And only scheme how to make out
The lies you scatt... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Waters from that spring appear
Sometimes foul, and sometimes clear,
Changing oft as falls the rain,
Or the sky grows bright again.
New misfortunes every day
Still befall me, misery's prey.
Aid from mighty streams obtained,
Southern States are shaped and drained.
Thus the Keang and Han are thanked,
... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
The clouds o'erspread the sky in masses dense,
And gentle rain down to the earth dispense.
First may the public fields the blessing get,
And then with it our private fields we wet!
Patches of unripe grain the reaper leaves;
And here and there ungathered are the sheaves.
Handfuls besides we drop upon the ... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
When for the West I left my home,
The sun and moon both mildly shone,
Our hearts to cheer.
We'd soon be back, our service done!
Alas! affairs more urgent come,
And fix us here.
The year is hastening to expire.
We gather now the southern-wood,
The beans we reap;--
That for its fragrance, these... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
"To the high hills I looked, and urged each steed;
The great road next was smooth and plain.
Up hill, o'er dale, I never slackened speed;
Like lute-string sounded every rein.
I knew, my journey ended, I should come
To you, sweet bride, the comfort of my home."
~Against Listening to Slanderers~
Like th... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
~A Wife Bemoans Her Husband's Absence~
So full am I of anxious thought,
Though all the morn king-grass I've sought,
To fill my arms I fail.
Like wisp all-tangled is my hair!
To wash it let me home repair.
My lord soon may I hail!
Though 'mong the indigo I've wrought
The morning long; through anxiou... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Both rush and grass from the bright clouds
The genial dew partake.
Kind and impartial, nature's laws
No odious difference make.
But providence appears unkind;
Events are often hard.
This man, to principle untrue,
Denies me his regard.
Northward the pools their waters send,
To flood each p... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
A single rabbit on the mat,
Or baked, or roast:--how small the feast!
But the good host his spirits takes,
And fills the cup of every guest.
A single rabbit on the mat,
Roasted or broiled:--how poor the meal!
But the guests from the spirit vase
Fill their host's cup, and drink his weal.
A... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Now each to Chow his homage pays--
So dark and changing are Heaven's ways.
When we pour our libations here,
The officers of Shang appear,
Quick and alert to give their aid:--
Such is the service by them paid,
While still they do not cast aside
The cap and broidered axe--their pride.
Ye servants of ou... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
"The drought consumes us. Nor do I
To fix the blame on others try.
I quake with dread; the risk I feel,
As when I hear the thunders peal,
Or fear its sudden crash.
Our black-haired race, a remnant now,
Will every one be swept from Chow,
As by the lightning's flash.
Nor I myself will live alone.
... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
"Yes, at the mighty sky I gaze,
And lo! the stars pursue their maze,
And sparkle clear and bright.
Ah! Heaven nor helps, nor seems to ken.
Great officers and noble men,
With all your powers ye well have striven,
And reverently have sought from Heaven
Its aid in our great fight.
My death is near; ... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
His surname, they tell us, was Kung, and he was a native of Wu-yang in
P'ing-yang, which is still the name of a large department in Shan-hsÓ.
He had three brothers older than himself; but when they all died before
shedding their first teeth, his father devoted him to the service of the
Buddhist society, and had him en... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
It is said in the end that after his return to China, he went to the
capital (evidently Nanking), and there, along with the Indian Sramana
Buddha-bhadra, executed translations of some of the works which he had
obtained in India; and that before he had done all that he wished to do
in this way, he removed to King-chow ... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
In the two Chinese copies of the narrative in my possession the title is
"Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms." In the Japanese or Corean recension the
title is twofold; first, "Narrative of the Distinguished Monk, F‚-hien";
and then, more at large, "Incidents of Travels in India, by the Sramana
of the Eastern TsÓn, F‚-hien... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
As an instance of his unreliability they refer to his account of the
Buddhism of Khoten, whereas it is well-known, they say, that the
Khoteners from ancient times till now have been Mohammedans;--as if they
could have been so one hundred and seventy years before Mohammed was
born, and two hundred twenty-two years befo... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Both these estimates are exceeded by Dr. T.W. Rhys Davids (intimating
also the uncertainty of the statements, and that numbers are no evidence
of truth) in the introduction to his "Manual of Buddhism." The Buddhists
there appear as amounting in all to five hundred millions:--thirty
millions of Southern Buddhists, in C... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
But supposing that we had reliable returns of the whole population, how
shall we proceed to apportion that among Confucianists, T‚oists, and
Buddhists? Confucianism is the orthodoxy of China. The common name for
it is JŻ Chi‚o, "the Doctrines held by the Learned Class," entrance into
the circle of which is, with a few... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
JAMES LEGGE.
THE TRAVELS OF F¬-HIEN
CHAPTER I
~From Ch'ang-gan to the Sandy Desert~
F‚-Hien had been living in Ch'ang-gan. [1] Deploring the mutilated and
imperfect state of the collection of the Books of Discipline, in the
second year of the period Hwang-che, being the Ke-h‚e year of the cycle,
[2] he entered into a... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
[Footnote 1: Ch'ang-gan is still the name of the principal district (and
its city) in the department of Se-gan, Shen-se. It had been the capital
of the first empire of Han (B.C. 202 A.D. 24), as it subsequently was
that of Suy (A.D. 589-618).]
[Footnote 2: The period Hwang-che embraced from A.D. 399 to 414, being
the... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
After travelling for seventeen days, a distance we may calculate of
about 1500 li, the pilgrims reached the kingdom of Shen-shen, a country
rugged and hilly, with a thin and barren soil. The clothes of the common
people are coarse, and like those worn in our land of Han, [1] some
wearing felt and others coarse serge ... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
[Footnote 1: This is the name which F‚-hien always uses when he would
speak of China, his native country, as a whole, calling it from the
great dynasty which had ruled it, first and last, for between four and
five centuries. Occasionally, as we shall immediately see, he speaks of
"the territory of Ts'in or Ch'in," bu... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Hwuy-king, T‚o-ching, and Hwuy-tah set out in advance towards the
country of K'eeh-ch'‚; but F‚-hien and the others, wishing to see the
procession of images, remained behind for three months. There are in
this country four great monasteries, not counting the smaller ones.
Beginning on the first day of the fourth month... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Seven or eight li to the west of the city there is what is called the
King's new monastery, the building of which took eighty years, and
extended over three reigns. It may be two hundred and fifty cubits in
height, rich in elegant carving and inlaid work, covered above with gold
and silver, and finished throughout wit... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
[Footnote 1: This was the retreat already twice mentioned as kept by the
pilgrims in the summer, the different phraseology, "quiet rest," without
any mention of the season, indicating their approach to India. Two, if
not three, years had elapsed since they left Ch'ang-gan. Are we now with
them in 402?]
CHAPTER V
~Gre... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
[Footnote 1: Watters calls attention to this as showing that the monks
of K'eeh-ch'‚ had the credit of possessing weather-controlling powers.]
CHAPTER VI
~North India--Image of Maitreya Bodhisattva~
From this the travellers went westward towards North India, and after
being on the way for a month, they succeeded in ... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
[Footnote 3: Maitreya was a Bodhisattva, the principal one, indeed, of
S‚kyamuni's retinue, but is not counted among the ordinary disciples,
nor is anything told of his antecedents. It was in the Tushita heaven
that S‚kyamuni met him and appointed him as his successor, to appear as
Buddha after the lapse of five thous... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
[Footnote 1: Chang K'een, a minister of the emperor Woo of Han (B.C.
140-87), is celebrated as the first Chinese who "pierced the void," and
penetrated to "the regions of the west," corresponding very much to the
present Turkestan. Through him, by B.C. 115, a regular intercourse was
established between China and the ... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Hwuy-king, Hwuy-tah, and T‚o-ching went on ahead towards the place of
Buddha's shadow in the country of N‚gara; but F‚-hien and the others
remained in Woo-chang, and kept the summer retreat. That over, they
descended south, and arrived in the country of Soo-ho-to.
[Footnote 1: Bhikshu is the name for a monk as "livin... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
CHAPTER XI
~Takshasil‚--Legends--The Four Great Topes~
Seven days' journey from this to the east brought the travellers to the
kingdom of Takshasil‚, which means "the severed head" in the language of
China. Here, when Buddha was a Bodhisattva, he gave away his head to a
man; and from this circumstance the kingdom got... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Buddha's alms-bowl is in this country. Formerly, a king of YŁeh-she
raised a large force and invaded this country, wishing to carry the bowl
away. Having subdued the kingdom, as he and his captains were sincere
believers in the Law of Buddha, and wished to carry off the bowl, they
proceeded to present their offerings ... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
[Footnote 1: The modern Pesh‚wur.]
[Footnote 2: A first cousin of S‚kyamuni, and born at the moment when he
attained to Buddhaship. Under Buddha's teaching, ¬nanda became an Arhat,
and is famous for his strong and accurate memory; and he played an
important part at the first council for the formation of the Buddhist
... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Going on, north from this, for a yojana, F‚-hien arrived at the capital
of Nag‚ra, the place where the Bodhisattva once purchased with money
five stalks of flowers, as an offering to the Dip‚nkara Buddha. In the
midst of the city there is also the tope of Buddha's tooth, where
offerings are made in the same way as to ... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
[Footnote 1: Now in India, F‚-hien used the Indian measure of distance;
but it is not possible to determine exactly what its length then was.
The estimates of it are very different, and vary from four and a half or
five miles to seven, and sometimes more.]
[Footnote 2: The present Hidda, west of Pesh‚wur, and five mi... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
[Footnote 2: We are now therefore in A.D. 404.]
CHAPTER XV
~Sympathy of Monks with the Pilgrims~
After they had crossed the river, there was a country named Pe-t'oo,
where Buddhism was very flourishing, and the monks studied both the
mah‚y‚na and hÓnay‚na. When they saw their fellow-disciples from Ts'in
passing along... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
After Buddha attained to pari-nirv‚na the kings of the various countries
and the heads of the Vaisyas built vih‚ras for the priests, and endowed
them with fields, houses, gardens, and orchards, along with the resident
populations and their cattle, the grants being engraved on plates of
metal, so that afterwards they w... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
From the place where the travellers crossed the Indus to South India,
and on to the Southern Sea, a distance of forty or fifty thousand li,
all is level plain. There are no large hills with streams among them;
there are simply the waters of the rivers.
[Footnote 1: No monk can eat solid food except between sunrise an... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Then the bhikshunÓ Utpala thought in her heart, "To-day the kings, with
their ministers and people, will all be meeting and welcoming Buddha. I
am but a woman; how shall I succeed in being the first to see him?"
Buddha immediately, by his spirit-like power, changed her into the
appearance of a holy Chakravartti king, ... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Through Buddha having for three months partaken of the food of heaven,
his body emitted a heavenly fragrance, unlike that of an ordinary man.
He went immediately and bathed; and afterwards, at the spot where he did
so, a bathing-house was built, which is still existing. At the place
where the bhikshuni Utpala was the ... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Fifty yojanas northwest from the monastery there is another, called "The
Great Heap." Great Heap was the name of a wicked demon, who was
converted by Buddha, and men subsequently at this place reared a vih‚ra.
When it was being made over to an Arhat by pouring water on his hands,
some drops fell on the ground. They ar... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
[Footnote 2: Buddha's mother, M‚y‚ and Mah‚-m‚y‚, died seven days after
his birth.]
[Footnote 3: Anuruddha was a first cousin of S‚kyamuni, being the son of
his uncle Amritodana. He is often mentioned in the account we have of
Buddha's last moments. His special gift was the "heavenly eye," the
first of the six "supern... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Having crossed the Ganges, and gone south for three yojanas, the
travellers arrived at a village named A-le, containing places where
Buddha preached the Law, where he sat, and where he walked, at all of
which topes have been built.
[Footnote 1: This was, probably, in A.D. 405.]
CHAPTER XIX
~Legend of Buddha's Danta-k... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
When Buddha went up to the Trayastrimsas heaven, and preached the Law
for the benefit of his mother, after he had been absent for ninety days,
Prasenajit, longing to see him, caused an image of him to be carved in
Gosirsha Chandana wood, and put in the place where he usually sat. When
Buddha, on his return entered the... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Four li to the northwest of the vih‚ra there is a grove called "The
Getting of Eyes." Formerly there were five hundred blind men, who lived
here in order that they might be near the vih‚ra. Buddha preached his
Law to them, and they all got their eyesight. Full of joy, they stuck
their staves in the earth, and with the... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Further, at the place where the discussion took place, they reared a
vih‚ra rather more than sixty cubits high, having in it an image of
Buddha in a sitting posture. On the east of the road there was a
dev‚laya [6] of one of the contrary systems, called "The Shadow
Covered," right opposite the vih‚ra on the place of d... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
There are also companies of the followers of Devadatta still existing.
They regularly make offerings to the three previous Buddhas, but not to
S‚kyamuni Buddha.
Four li southeast from the city of Sr‚vastÓ, a tope has been erected at
the place where the World-honored one encountered king VirŻdhaha, when
he wished to at... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
[Footnote 6: A dev‚laya is a place in which a deva is worshipped--a
general name for all Brahmanical temples.]
[Footnote 7: Their speech was somewhat unconnected, but natural enough
in the circumstances. Compare the whole account with the narrative in 1
Samuel v. about the Ark and Dagon, that "twice-battered god of
Pa... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Several li northeast from the city was the king's field, where the
heir-apparent sat under a tree, and looked at the ploughers.
Fifty li east from the city was a garden, named LumbinÓ, where the queen
entered the pond and bathed. Having come forth from the pond on the
northern bank, after walking twenty paces, she lif... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
[Footnote 2: They did this, probably, to show their humility, for Up‚li
was only a SŻdra by birth, and had been a barber; so from the first did
Buddhism assert its superiority to the conditions of rank and caste.
Up‚li was distinguished by his knowledge of the rules of discipline, and
praised on that account by Buddha... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Afterwards, the ground all about became overgrown with vegetation, and
there was nobody to sprinkle and sweep about the tope; but a herd of
elephants came regularly, which brought water with their trunks to water
the ground, and various kinds of flowers and incense, which they
presented at the tope. Once there came fr... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
In the city the inhabitants are few and far between, comprising only the
families belonging to the different societies of monks.
Going from this to the southeast for twelve yojanas, they came to the
place where the Lichchhavis wished to follow Buddha to the place of his
pari-nirv‚na, and where, when he would not liste... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
In a subsequent age, when the World-honored one had attained to perfect
Wisdom and become Buddha, he said to his disciples, "This is the place
where I in a former age laid down my bow and weapons." [2] It was thus
that subsequently men got to know the fact, and raised the tope on this
spot, which in this way received ... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
[Footnote 3: Bhadra-kalpa, "the Kalpa of worthies or sages." "This,"
says Eitel, "is a designation for a Kalpa of stability, so-called
because one thousand Buddhas appear in the course of it. Our present
period is a Bhadra-kalpa, and four Buddhas have already appeared. It is
to last two hundred and thirty-six millions... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
[Footnote 1: He was the son of king Bimbis‚ra, who was one of the first
royal converts to Buddhism. Ajasat murdered his father, or at least
wrought his death; and was at first opposed to Sakyamuni, and a favorer
of Devadotta. When converted, he became famous for his liberality in
almsgiving.]
[Footnote 2: "Sam‚dhi," ... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
In this city there had resided a great Brahman, named R‚dha-s‚mi, a
professor of the mah‚y‚na, of clear discernment and much wisdom, who
understood everything, living by himself in spotless purity. The king of
the country honored and reverenced him, and served him as his teacher.
If he went to inquire for and greet hi... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
When king Asoka destroyed the seven topes, intending to make eighty-four
thousand, the first which he made was the great tope, more than three li
to the south of this city. In front of this there is a footprint of
Buddha, where a vihara has been built. The door of it faces the north,
and on the south of it there is a ... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
[Footnote 1: One of the five first followers of Sakyamuni. He is also
called Asvajit; in Pali Assaji; but Asvajit seems to be a military
title, "Master or trainer of horses." The two more famous disciples met
him, not to lead him, but to be directed by him, to Buddha.]
CHAPTER XXIX
~F‚-Hien Passes a Night on Gridhra-k... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
CHAPTER XXX
~Srataparna Cave, or Cave of the First Council~
Out from the old city, after walking over three hundred paces, on the
west of the road, the travellers found the Karanda Bamboo garden, where
the old vih‚ra is still in existence, with a company of monks, who keep
the ground about it swept and watered.
North... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
[Footnote 1: A very great place in the annals of Buddhism. The Council
in the Srataparna cave did not come together fortuitously, but appears
to have been convoked by the older members to settle the rules and
doctrines of the order. The cave was prepared for the occasion by king
Aj‚tasatru.]
[Footnote 2: Buddha made ... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
At the place mentioned above of the six years' painful austerities, and
at all these other places, men subsequently reared topes and set up
images, which all exist at the present day.
Where Buddha, after attaining to perfect Wisdom, for seven days
contemplated the tree, and experienced the joy of vimukti; where, under... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
CHAPTER XXXII
~Legend of King Asoka in a Former Birth~
When king Asoka, in a former birth, was a little boy and playing on the
road, he met Kasyapa Buddha walking. The stranger begged food, and the
boy pleasantly took a handful of earth and gave it to him. The Buddha
took the earth, and returned it to the ground on w... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Soon after this a bhikshu, pursuing his regular course of begging his
food, entered the gate of the place. When the lictors of the naraka saw
him, they were about to subject him to their tortures; but he,
frightened, begged them to allow him a moment in which to eat his
mid-day meal. Immediately after, there came in a... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
[Footnote 1: Yama was originally the ¬ryan god of the dead, living in a
heaven above the world, the regent of the south; but Brahmanism
transferred his abode to hell. Both views have been retained by
Buddhism. The Yama of the text is the "regent of the narakas, residing
south of JambudvÓpa, outside the Chakrav‚las (t... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Pursuing the same course, and going still to the west, he arrived, after
twelve yojanas, at the city of V‚r‚nasÓ in the kingdom of K‚sÓ. Rather
more than ten li to the northeast of the city, he found the vih‚ra in
the park of "The rishi's Deer-wild." [1] In this park there formerly
resided a Pratyeka Buddha, with whom... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
East from this, when you have travelled eight yojanas, is the place
where Buddha converted the evil demon. There, and where he walked in
meditation and sat at the place which was his regular abode, there have
been topes erected. There is also a monastery, which may contain more
than a hundred monks.
[Footnote 1: "The... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
The country about is a tract of uncultivated hillocks, without
inhabitants. At a very long distance from the hill there are villages,
where the people all have bad and erroneous views, and do not know the
Sramanas of the Law of Buddha, Brahmanas, or devotees of any of the
other and different schools. The people of tha... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
He further got a transcript of the rules in six or seven thousand
g‚thas, [3] being the sarv‚stiv‚d‚h [4] rules--those which are observed
by the communities of monks in the land of Ts'in; which also have all
been handed down orally from master to master without being committed to
writing. In the community here, moreov... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
After this he embarked in a large merchant-vessel, and went floating
over the sea to the southwest. It was the beginning of winter, and the
wind was favorable; and, after fourteen days, sailing day and night,
they came to the country of Singhala. The people said that it was
distant from T‚maliptÓ about seven hundred y... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
A former king of the country had sent to Central India and got a slip of
the patra tree, which he planted by the side of the hall of Buddha,
where a tree grew up to the height of about two hundred cubits. As it
bent on one side towards the southeast, the king, fearing it would fall,
propped it with a post eight or nin... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
In the city there are many Vaisya elders and Sabaean merchants, whose
houses are stately and beautiful. The lanes and passages are kept in
good order. At the heads of the four principal streets there have been
built preaching halls, where, on the eighth, fourteenth, and fifteenth
days of the month, they spread carpets... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
When this proclamation is over, the king exhibits, so as to line both
sides of the road, the five hundred different bodily forms in which the
Bodhisattva has in the course of his history appeared:--here as Sud‚na,
there as S‚ma; now as the king of elephants, and then as a stag or a
horse. All these figures are brightl... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
CHAPTER XXXIX
~Cremation of an Arhat--Sermon of a Devotee~
South of the city seven li there is a vih‚ra, called the Mah‚-vih‚ra,
where three thousand monks reside. There had been among them a Sramana,
of such lofty virtue, and so holy and pure in his observance of the
disciplinary rules, that the people all surmised ... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
In this country F‚-hien heard an Indian devotee, who was reciting a
SŻtra from the pulpit, say: "Buddha's alms-bowl was at first in Vais‚lÓ,
and now it is in Gandh‚ra. After so many hundred years (he gave, when
F‚-hien heard him, the exact number of years, but he has forgotten it),
it will go to Western Tukh‚ra; after... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Such was the discourse, and F‚-hien wished to write it down as a portion
of doctrine; but the man said, "This is taken from no SŻtra, it is only
the utterance of my own mind."
[Footnote 1: That is, those whose Karma in the past should be rewarded
by such conversion in the present.]
CHAPTER XL
~After Two Years F‚-hien... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
After proceeding in this way for rather more than ninety days, they
arrived at a country called Java-dvipa, where various forms of error and
Brahmanism are flourishing, while Buddhism in it is not worth speaking
of. After staying there for five months, F‚-hien again embarked in
another large merchantman, which also ha... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
The prefect Le E was a reverent believer in the Law of Buddha. When he
heard that a Sramana had arrived in a ship across the sea, bringing with
him books and images, he immediately came to the sea-shore with an
escort to meet the traveller, and receive the books and images, and took
them back with him to the seat of h... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
~THE SORROWS OF HAN~
[Translated into English by John Francis Davis]
INTRODUCTION
"The Sorrows of Han" is considered by Chinese scholars to be one of the
largest tragedies in the whole range of the Chinese drama, which is very
voluminous. Although, properly speaking, there are no theatres in China,
the Chinese are p... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
The moral of the piece is evidently to expose the evil consequences of
luxury, effeminacy, and supineness in the sovereign.
"When love was all an easy monarch's care,
Seldom at council--never in a war."
The hero, or rather the chief personage, of the drama, came to the
throne very near the beginning of the Christi... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
His judgment may perhaps be swayed by partiality towards the subject of
his own labors; but the translator cannot help thinking the plot and
incidents of "The Sorrows of Han" superior to those of the "Orphan of
Chaou"--though the genius of Voltaire contrived to make the last the
ground-work of an excellent French trag... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
_Enter Minister of Han, reciting verses_.
MINISTER. Let a man have the heart of a kite, and the talons
of an eagle.
Let him deceive his superiors, and oppress those below
him;
Let him enlist flattery, insinuation, profligacy, and avarice
on his side,
And he will find them a lasting assistance... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
MINISTER. Consider, sir, that even the thriving husbandman
may desire to change his partner; then why not your Majesty, whose
title is the Law of Heaven, whose possessions are the whole world!
May I advise that commissioners be despatched to search throughout
the empire for all of whatever rank that is... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
_Night_.--_Enter the Lady Chaoukeun, with two female attendants_.
CHAOUKEUN [_recites verses_]. Though raised to be an inhabitant
of the imperial dwelling
I have long been here without the good fortune to see
my prince.
This beautiful night must I pass in lonely solitude, with no
companion bu... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
LADY _[approaching_]. Had your handmaid but known it was
your Majesty, she would have been less tardy; forgive, then, this
delay.
EMPEROR. Truly this is a very perfect beauty! From what
quarter come such superior charms?
LADY. My name is Chaoukeun: my father cultivates at Chingtoo
the fields which he h... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
_Enter K'han of the Tartars, at the head of his Tribes_.
K'HAN. I lately sent an envoy to the sovereign of Han, with
the demand of a princess in marriage; but the Emperor has returned a
refusal, under the plea that the princess is yet too young. This
answer gives me great trouble. Had he not plenty of ladi... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
K'HAN. Whence could so beautiful a female have appeared
in the world! If I can only obtain her, my wishes are complete.
Immediately shall an envoy be despatched, and my ministers prepare a
letter to the Emperor of Han, demanding her in marriage as the
condition of peace. Should he refuse, I will presen... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
EMPEROR. In vain do we maintain and send forth armies; vain
are the crowds of civil and military officers about our palace!
Which of them will drive back for us these foreign troops? They are
all afraid of the Tartar swords and arrows! But if they cannot exert
themselves to expel the barbarians, why ca... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
PRINCESS. In return for your Majesty's bounties, it is your
handmaid's duty to brave death to serve you. I can cheerfully enter
into this foreign alliance, for the sake of producing peace, and
shall leave behind me a name still green in history.--But my
affection for your Majesty, how am I to lay aside... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 |
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