Introduction

This chapter presents the English translations of Sanskrit text of the Buddha-karita that was published in the 'Anecdota Oxoniensia' and included in the series of 'Sacred Books of the East'. The Sacred Books of the East is an early Sanskrit poem written in India on the legendary history of Buddha, and therefore contains much that is of interest for the history of Buddhism, beside its special importance as illustrating the early history of classical Sanskrit literature. Being addressed by the monarch of the Magadhas, in a hostile speech with a friendly face, the son of Suddhodana made answered. The Tibetan explains haryamka, sen ges mcan pai. that by thee of pure conduct, O lover of ihy friends, this line of conduct should be adopted towards him who stands as one of thy friends. It is only the good who keep increasing the old friendship of their ancestors by a new succession of friendly acts.