BURLINGAME. — BUDDHAGHOSA's DHAMMAPADA COMMENTARY. 487 



fearing that he would be a hindrance to the monks, sent them on ahead, 

 directing them to ask his brother to send some one to lead him, and to 

 greet Buddha and the eighty abbots in his name. After taking leave 

 of the villagers, who were reluctant to part with them, they went and 

 did their master's bidding. Cullapala sent his nephew Palita, first 

 admitting him as a monk, that he might escape the dangers of the 

 journey. (13-15) 



Palita, after waiting upon Mahapala for a fortnight, led him to the 

 village. In spite of the protests of the inhabitants, they continued on 

 their journey until they reached the forest, where the youth, hearing 

 the voice of a woman, left his uncle and broke the vow of chastity. 

 Returning, he confessed his sin, removed his yellow robes, and assumed 

 the garb of a householder. But Mahapala would have nothing more to 

 do with him, and he departed in tears. (15-17) 



So intense was Mahapala's morality that Sakka's throne showed 

 signs of heat. Looking about, he beheld the Elder. Fearing that if 

 he failed to go to his assistance, his head would split into seven pieces, 

 he disguised himself as a wayfarer, went to him, and offered to lead 

 him to Savatthi. Shortening the distance by his magic power, Sakka 

 brought him to his destination that very evening. Cullapala cared for 

 him tenderly and gave him two novices to wait on him. (17-19) 



One night after a heavy rain Cakkhupala took a walk in the cloister 

 and trampled many insects to death. Some visiting monks reported 

 the matter to the Teacher, who replied that as Cakkhupala did not see 

 the insects, he was innocent of offense. The monks then asked how 

 it was that the Elder, though destined to attain Arahatship, became 

 blind. Buddha replied that it was because of a sin he committed in a 

 previous existence. The monks asked the Teacher to tell them about 

 it, and he did so. (19-20) 



Story of Cakkhupcala's sin in a previous existence. A woman of 

 Benares promised a physician that she and her children would become 

 his slaves in case he succeeded in curing her of an affection of the eyes. 

 He did so ; but she, repenting of her bargain, attempted to deceive him 

 by telling him that her eyes were worse than ever. He discovered that 

 she was deceiving him, and got revenge by giving her an ointment 

 that made her blind. That physician was Cakkhupala. (20-21) 



The Teacher, warning his hearers to take the lesson to heart, pro- 

 nounced Stanza 1, at the conclusion of which, thirty thousand monks 

 attained Arahatship. (21-4) 



