Budhism: — Chariya Pitaka. 11 



A monkey, a jackal, a water hen and I were associates, 

 meeting together morning and evening. 



I instructed them in good works, saying, Depart from de- 

 grading vice, and perform that which is good. 



On the Uposata day, seeing the full moon I said, To-day is 

 the Uposata day. 



Prepare alms and give to worthy persons: having given 

 alms, spend the day in tranquillity. 



They approving my advice, prepared alms according to 

 their ability, and sought a person worthy of receiving them. 



Sitting down I thought, It is proper to give alms to holy 

 men, should I meet such an one what have I to give him? 



I have no sesamum, grain, maize, rice, nor ghee. I live 

 on grass, and grass I cannot give. 



Should any holy man come to me seeking food, he shall not 

 go away empty : I will give him my own body. 



Sakra, knowing my thoughts, assumed the form of a Brah- 

 min seeking alms, and came to the place where I was sitting. 



When I saw him, I rejoiced and said, It is a happy circum- 

 stance that you have come to me for food. 



1 shall to day give that in alms to you which I never gave 

 before, you are a holy man and therefore should not injure 

 others. 



Come, collect some sticks and kindle a fire, I will cook my- 

 self, and thou shalt eat that which is cooked. 



He replied, It is good ! and cheerfully collecting wood he 

 raised a great heap, and reduced it to a bed of burning charcoal. 



When the great heap was shining with heat, I leaped up 

 and fell into the midst of the flame. 



Thus as any one entering into cold water rejoices when 

 the burning heat of his body is assuaged : 



So I, entering into the blazing fire, felt my whole body 

 at ease as though I had leaped into cold water. 



I thus gave my whole body to the Brahmin; my skin, my 

 flesh, my tendons, my bones, my heart to the Brahmin. 

 End of the tale of the Hare. 



