A History of Indian Literature v2.c19.s5.74

v2.c19.s5.74

The plan of the work is as follows: To every verse or group of verses of the Dhammapada, it is recorded that the Master delivered "this sermon" (dhammadesanā), by which is meant the verse or the group of verses together with the narrative belonging to it, at such and such a place and with reference to this or that person or persons or event. Hereupon follows the story, which ends with the verse or verses, which are then explained word for word. All this, story, verses and explanation of words, is made to issue from Buddha's own lips. In the conclusion it is usually mentioned that after this sermon or these Gāthās a person appearing in the story or "many" or "a hundred thousand" persons (or monks) set their feet on the path of holiness, or attained to a higher stage of holiness. Not infrequently regular Jātakas, too, are inserted or added, telling of the deeds or experiences in a former existence of the hero of the story. The stories themselves are very varied. Side by side with very long stories or veritable novels, we find short, edifying legends, which are invented in a dull and insipid manner merely for the elucidation of a verse; but on the other hand, there are also most interesting fairy tales and stories culled from popular literature. The chief doctrine which the stories seek to impress is that of Karman. The story of the death of Moggallāna is significant, and its interest is enhanced because, like many other narratives of the Dhammapada commentary, it indicates a very hostile attitude towards the "naked ascetics," viz., the Jain monks.[^1)