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THE t U D D H I S T T R A D I T I O N

sonal, social, political, etc., are relevant and of value only to the
extent that they contribute to this inner change. Hence they are all
subordinate to the basic function of teaching, "preaching, en
lightening."
Observing all sentient beings with the eyes o f a Buddha, he
felt deep compassion for them; he wished to purify those
whose minds had been lost in false views arising nom hatred,
greed, and folly.
But how could liberation, which is so exquisite and pro
found, be expressed in words? It may be better not to give
out my thoughts [he said to him self, and so he remained
silent and at peace.
Then remembering his former vow to save others, he again
began to think of preaching. . . .
The god Brahma, learning of this, came to the Buddha,
radiant with light, asking him to preach for the sake of the
suffering beings. . . .
I entreat you to save those who have sunk in the ocean
of suffering. As in the world a righteous man distributes the
profit he gains, so must you who have gained the dharma
impart it to people that they may be saved.
Innumerable are those common men who will be bene
fited. Difficult though it may be to share this gain with
others, pray have compassion on the world and attem pt this
most arduous task.
After begging him earnestly, Brahma returned to his
heaven, while Buddha, moved by the gods solicitation and
ever more compassionate toward the sentient beings, was
prompted to preach [the dharma].
[With this intention, slowly and serenely, he proceeds to V3r3nasi
and there comes upon the five mendicants who had deserted him
before.]
W ith much compassion the Buddha spoke to them, but
out of ignorance they did not believe that he had attained
the perfect enlightenment, saying:
In vain you devoted yourself to ascetic practices, and then
indulged in the pleasures of body and mouth. How could
it be possible for you to attain Buddhahood?