The Dialogue of Buddha and the Shepherd
the shepherd: My meal is ready, I have milked my ewes. The door of my hut is bolted,
my fire is alight. And you, sky, can rain as much as you please!
buddha: I no longer need food or milk. The winds are my shelter, my fire is out. And
you, sky, can rain as much as you please!
the shepherd: / have oxen, I have cows, I have my father's meadows and a bull who
covers my cows. And you, sky, can rain as much as you please!
buddha: / have neither oxen, nor cows, I have no meadows. I have nothing, I fear
nothing. And you, sky, can rain as much as you please!
the shepherd: 1 have a docile and faithful shepherdess. For years she has been my
wife; I am happy when I play with her at night. And you, sky, you can rain as much as
you please!
So - who cares what I did during the last weeks.
I am and remain, truly happy.
