ABSTRACT
1. There was once a man who had no brothers, but only one little son, who was much beloved by both his parents. They procured for him means of instruction, and fondly hoped that he would be an honour to their house. But, alas! he was careless and negligent, and learned nothing. In consequence of this his parents took him to their home, and hoped he would be useful in the management of the house. But he was idle and dirty in his ways, and altogether a grief to them. In consequence of this he was slighted by all the neighbours, and became an object of contempt amongst his friends, and almost hateful to his parents. Deeply touched by this, he sought some comfort in religious exercises, but found no help in all his penances and prayers to the gods. At last, hearing that Buddha was the all-wise Teacher who could meet the necessities of his case, he came to him and begged his help. To whom Buddha replied, “If you would find comfort in my society, the first thing for you to learn is purity of conduct. Go back, therefore, to your home, and learn to obey your parents, recite your prayers, be diligent in your daily occupations, let no love of ease tempt you to neglect cleanliness of person or decency of dress; and then, having learned this, come back to me, and you may perhaps be allowed to enter into the companionship of my followers.” And then the World-honoured added these stanzas:—
“Absence 1 of (daily) prayer is the disease of (daily) conversation (words). Want of diligence is the disease of a household. Want of becoming dignity is the disease of manner (outward appearance). Carelessness is the disease of business. Stinginess is the disease of charity. Vice is the disease of daily conduct. Both now and hereafter an evil Rule of life (Law) is an everlasting disease (taint). But the disease of all diseases, than which none is worse, is ignorance. 1 He who is wise (enlightened) should free himself from this. Then, O Bhikshus! there is no disease.”
