The story of Buddha's temptation, presented below, is taken from the "_Siamese Life of Buddha_," by Moncure D. Conway, and published in his "_Sacred Anthology_," from which we take it.[176:1] It is also to be found in the _Fo-pen-hing_,[176:2] and other works on Buddha and Buddhism. Buddha went through a more lengthy and severe trial than did Jesus, having been tempted in many different ways. The portion which most resembles that recorded by the Matthew narrator is the following:
"The Grand Being (Buddha) applied himself to practice asceticism of the extremest nature. _He ceased to eat_ (that is, _he fasted_) and held his breath. . . . _Then it was that the royal Mara_ (the Prince of Evil) _sought occasion to tempt him._ Pretending compassion, he said: 'Beware, O Grand Being, your state is pitiable to look on; you are attenuated beyond measure, . . . you are practicing this mortification in vain; I can see that you will not live through it. . . . Lord, that art capable of such vast endurance, go not forth to adopt a religious life, but return to thy kingdom, and in _seven_ days thou shalt become _the Emperor of the World_, riding over the four great continents.'"
To this the Grand Being, Buddha, replied:
"'Take heed, O Mara; I also know that in seven days I might gain universal empire, but I desire not such possessions. I know that the pursuit of religion is better than the empire of the world. You, thinking only of evil lusts, would force me to leave all beings without guidance into your power. _Avaunt! Get thou away from me!_'
"The Lord (then) rode onwards, intent on his purpose. The skies rained flowers, and delicious odors pervaded the air."[176:3]
Now, mark the similarity between these two legends.
Was Jesus about "beginning to preach" when he was tempted by the evil spirit? So was Buddha about to go forth "to adopt a religious life," when he was tempted by the evil spirit.
Did Jesus fast, and was he "afterwards an hungered"? So did Buddha "cease to eat," and was "attenuated beyond measure."
Did the evil spirit take Jesus and show him "all the kingdoms of the world," which he promised to give him, provided he did not lead the life he contemplated, but follow him?
So did the evil spirit say to Buddha: "Go not forth to adopt a religious life, and in seven days thou shalt become an emperor of the world."