Buddhacarita by Ven Asvaghosa - Ancient Buddhist Texts

Buddha-carita, or Life of Buddha - 81
55. ‘Shed not tears, Kaṁthaka, this thy perfect equine nature has been
proved, – bear with it, this thy labour will soon have its fruit.’
56. Then seizing the sharp jewelled sword which was in Chaṁdaka’s
hand, he resolutely drew out from the sheath the blade decked with
golden ornaments, like a serpent from its hole.
57. Having drawn it forth, dark blue like a blue lotus petal, he cut his
decorated tiara and his hair, and he tossed it with its scattered muslin
into the air as a grey goose into a lake.
58. And the heavenly beings, with a longing to worship it, seized it
respectfully as it was thrown up; and the divine hosts paid it due
adoration in heaven with celestial honours.
59. Having thus divorced his ornaments and banished all royal
magnificence from his head, and seeing his muslin floating away like
a golden goose, the stedfast prince desired a sylvan dress.
60. Then a celestial being, wearing the form of a hunter, pure in
heart, knowing his thoughts, approached near him in dark-red
garments; and the son of the Śākya king thus addressed him:
61. ‘Thy red garments are auspicious, the sign of a saint; but this
destructive bow is not befitting; therefore, my good friend, if there is
no strong preference in the matter, do thou give me that dress and
take this of mine.’