ABSTRACT
1. In old time there was a country called To-mo-ho-lo (Damakara?), and about seven lis from the (chief) city there was a Vihâra, in which dwelt 500 Shamans. Amongst these was an aged mendicant named Mo-ho-lu (Makhara?), who, being of a heavy and dull mind, was unable to learn even one Gâthâ, though instructed by the 500 Shamans through many years. On this he was treated contemptuously by the rest, and not allowed to go in their company, but left to sweep the monastery, and look after the cells of the monks. On one occasion the King of the country had asked all the Shamans to assemble at his palace, and accept his hospitality. On this occasion, Makhara, having been left behind as usual, he thought thus with himself—“I have been born dull and stupid, and cannot even recollect one verse of Scripture. What use is it to live any longer, to be neglected and despised by my fellow-men?” On this he took a rope, and going to the back of the garden, he placed himself under a great tree intending to hang himself. At this time Buddha, by his power of religious discernment (eyes of religion), seeing the case of this man, transformed himself at once into the appearance of the Tree-Spirit, and with half his body 1 projecting from the tree, addressed the old monk in these words of expostulation—“Psha! psha! thou (foolish) mendicant, what art thou going to do?” On this Makhara opened out the cause of his grief; on which the Tree-Spirit continued and said—“Do no such thing as this, but listen to my words: In the time of Kâsyapa Buddha, long ago, you were then a Shaman deeply acquainted with the three books (baskets—i.e., Pitakas), and among your 500 brethren you were pre-eminent, in consequence of which you were filled with pride and self-complacency, and despised all others on account of their ignorance; and because you died then without repentance, it has been your lot ever since to be born dull and stupid—what good, then, to destroy yourself?”
