Buddhacarita by Ven Asvaghosa - Ancient Buddhist Texts

Buddha-carita, or Life of Buddha - 104
Veda, and both destined to enjoy the same results afterwards, – he
therefore grudges me a share in his merit.
64. ‘Surely it must be that this fond lover of religion, knowing that
my mind was secretly quarrelling even with my beloved, lightly and
without fear has deserted me thus angry, in the hope to obtain
heavenly nymphs in lndra’s world!
65. ‘But what kind of a thought is this of mine those women even
there have the attributes which belong to bodies, – for whose sake he
thus practises austerities in the forest, deserting his royal
magnificence and my fond devotion.
66. ‘I have no such longing for the joy of heaven, nor is that hard for
even common people to win if they are resolute; but my one desire is
how he my beloved may never leave me either in this world or the
next.
67. ‘Even if I am unworthy to look on my husbands face with its long
eyes and bright smile, still is this poor Rāhula never to roll about in
his father’s lap
68. ‘Alas! the mind of that wise hero is terribly stern, – gentle as his
beauty seems, it is pitilessly cruel, – who can desert of his own accord
such an infant son with his inarticulate talk, one who would charm
even an enemy.