A History of Indian Literature v2.c19.s3.t2.303

v2.c19.s3.t2.303

Exceeding kindness and gentleness, and self-sacrifice transcending by far the bounds of what is natural, characterise those legends whose purely Buddhistic origin is unmistakable. The legend of King Sivi (Sanskrit Śibi), who gives away his eyes, has already been mentioned.² Jātaka No. 440 tells of Prince Kaṇha, who gives away everything he possesses, in order to go to the Himālaya as a hermit. Sakka offers to grant the pious hermit his wishes; but he wishes only for calmness, freedom from hatred, desire and lust, and the most truly beautiful of all gifts: