His sins
had been washed away. Of respectable parentage, he was possessed of great
learning. Free from stupefaction and pride, ever observant of the quality
of goodness, and devoted to various vows, he took praise and censure
equally. Possessed of self-restraint, he was then passing his time in an
empty chamber. Conversant with the origin and the destruction of all
created objects, mobile and immobile, he was never angry with things that
displeased him and never rejoiced at the accession of objects that were
agreeable. He cast an equal eye upon gold and a clump of earth. Steadily
engaged in study of the Soul and in acquiring Emancipation, and firm in
knowledge, he had arrived at fixed conclusions in respect of truth.
Acquainted with what is supreme and what is not so among all things,
omniscient and of universal sight, as he was seated one day in a solitary
chamber with his senses under complete control, Sakra approached him, and
desirous of awakening him, said these words, 'O king, I behold all those
qualities permanently residing in thee by which a person wins the esteem
of all. Thy understanding seems to be like that of a child, free from
attachment and aversion. Thou knowest of the Soul. What, thinkest thou,
is the best means by which a knowledge of the Soul may be attained? Thou
art now bound in cords, fallen off from thy former position, brought
under the sway of thy foes, and divested of prosperity. Thy present
circumstances are such as may well inspire grief.
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