ABSTRACT
In days of old when Buddha was residing in the Gridhrakûta Mountain, near Râjagriha, with the whole assembly of the Bhikshus, 1250 in number, the King of Magadha, whose name was Ajâtaśatru, being then ruler of 100 kingdoms, was in perplexity as to one of them called Yuechi (Getæ ?), which refused to pay him tribute, although the country abounded in wealth, and was highly prosperous. On this the King sent his prime minister called Yu-she, to ask Buddha what he should do, and whether he would be successful in using force against the rebellious kingdom. Having come into the presence of Buddha and put the question, the World-honoured replied: “So long as the King of the Yue-chi observes the seven rules, he will not be easily overcome.” On this the minister inquired as to the character of these seven rules, to which the master answered: (1.) “So long as the people of the Yue-chi observe right rules in self-government, in their several villages and communities, so long they will be able to protect themselves. (2.) So long as the ministers and rulers hold together, and agree, and govern justly, so long, &c. (3.) So long as they in a national view, obey the laws, and submit to their direction without partiality or favour, so long they will be unconquerable. (4.) So long as the Yue-chi observe the rules of decorum between man and woman, and depart not from these rules of propriety, so long, &e. (5.) So long as the Yue-chi observe the rules of reverence due to father and mother and other relations, and dutifully provide for their wants, so long, &c. (6.) So long as the Yue-chi religiously observe the ceremonies of the four seasons, in doing homage to heaven and earth, so long, &c. (7.) So long as the Yue-chi pay respect to all their religious teachers (Shamans), and especially those who have come to them from far (travellers or religious guests), and provide them with the usual necessaries, such as food, bedding, medicine, &c., so long, &c.
