Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c14.33

c14.33

(119) “Builders that build houses thus (aright), after their death will be reborn in a royal family; painters, if they make images accordingly, will be born in noble families: (120) cunning and skilful builders, though they should die, are friends of mine, for an they do, they become rulers and nobles, such is the old saying of the rishis. (121) One who knows amiss his craft, taking hire wrongfully, the which wife and children eat and enjoy, bringing misfortune on the owner of the house, (122) that builder after his death will fall into hell and suffer: these sayings are in Māyāmataya, what then, O builders, is to be done? (123) There are men who make images of Buddha, though knowing nought of their craft; put no faith in what they say. (124) Builders and painters both who wot nought of their craft, when hire is given according to the work accomplished, take that money and rush home therewith; (125) though they get thousands, there is nothing even for a meal, they have not so much as a piece of cloth to wear; that is the reward of past births, you know; (126) dying, they fall into hell and suffer pain a hundred lacs of years; if they escape, they will possess a body deformed and live in great distress and want; (127) when born as a man it will be as a needy builder; the painters eyes will squint—look ye, what livelihood can be for him? (128) Builders who know their business well, will become rājās lacking nought, so also cunning painters are meet to become nobles. (129) Builders and painters taking money falsely from other men, thereby grow poor, so ancient sages have declared and shewn; (130) doubt not this saying was in the Māyāmataya book of rishis’ lore; therefore let builders and painters study Māyāmataya; misfortunes ensuing both in this world and the next are told of in the ślokas, behold in how excellent a manner.”