For this is the invariable nature of the Bodhisattvas, that owing to the innate acuteness of their mind, whatever branch of science or species of art they desire to know, they will in it surpass the wisest in the world. Accordingly the High-minded One possessed every quality required in such a one. Knowing the course of the celestial luminaries, he was never at a loss with respect to the regions of the sky; being perfectly acquainted with the different prognostics, the permanent, the occasional, and the miraculous ones, he was skilled in the establishment of a given time as proper or improper; by means of manifold marks, observing the fishes, the colour of the water, the species of the ground, birds, rocks, &c., he knew how to ascertain rightly the part of the sea; further he was vigilant, not subject to drowsiness and sleep, capable of enduring the fatigue of cold, heat, rain, and the like, careful and patient. So being skilled in the art of taking a ship out and bringing her home[1], he exercised the profession of one who conducts the merchants by sea to their destination. And as his navigation was very successful, he was named Supâraga[2]. The seaport where he lived bore the same name of Supâraga, which place is now known as Sûpâraga. Even in his old age, the sea-traders, longing for a prosperous voyage, applied to him, who was well-known to be an auspicious person, and entreating him in the most respectful terms, put him on their ships.
So it once happened that merchants who trafficked with Goldland, coming from Bharukakkha, longing for a prosperous voyage, touched at the town of Supâraga and requested that Great Being to embark with them. He answered them:
- ↑ The exact meaning of the Sanskrit terms âharana and apaharana is doubtful, but must be something like this.
- ↑ In the Pâli redaction he is called Suppâraka, and the seaport where he lives and from whence he undertakes his last voyage is Bharukakkha. The form Supâraga is Sanskritised wrongly, in order to fit the author's etymological fancy. See Prof. Kern's note on this passage in the various readings of his edition.
