Pv 8The Ox

– GHOST STORIES

– THE SERPENT CHAPTER

1.8

BJT 46"Why do you cut fresh green grass and mutter to the old ox whose life has already departed: 'Eat, do eat,' as though you were deranged?

BJT 47For the dead ox cannot be restored to life by food and drink; you are foolish and dull-witted, just like any other person who has lost their senses."

BJT 48"These legs, this head, this body with its tail, the eyes still remain intact as they were; this ox may yet come back to life.

BJT 49But the limbs, body, and head of grandfather are nowhere to be seen, while weeping at a mound of earth — is it not rather father who is the one who has lost his senses?"

BJT 50"Indeed, while I was being burned as though a fire were being doused with melted butter, I have been able to extinguish all my grief as though water were being poured upon it.

BJT 51Indeed, the arrow of sorrow lodged in my heart has been drawn out; while I was afflicted with grief, you have dispelled for me the sorrow over my father.

BJT 52I, with the arrow drawn out, have attained a state of coolness, have become calm. Young man, having listened to you, I do not grieve, I do not lament.

BJT 53Those who are wise, those who are compassionate, act in such a way. They help others escape from grief, just as Sujāta did for his father."

The Ghost Story of the Ox is the eighth.