Stories of Past Lives 159

The Book of the Twos

The Chapter on the Strong

The Peacock: a past life story

This Clear-eyed One arises, the One King,

palomino-colored, shining over the earth.

I bow especially to you, palomino-colored, shining over the earth:

guarded by you let us live out this day.

Those brahmins who are knowledge-masters with respect to all things,

I worship them, may they keep me safe.

Hail the Awakened Ones, hail Awakening!

Homage to the freed ones, homage to freedom!

Having made this protection,

the peacock wanders seeking.

This Clear-eyed One sets, the One King,

palomino-colored, shining over the earth.

I bow especially to you, palomino-colored, shining over the earth:

guarded by you let us live out this night.

Those brahmins who are knowledge-masters with respect to all things,

I worship them, may they keep me safe.

Hail the Awakened Ones, hail Awakening!

Homage to the freed ones, homage to freedom!

Having made this protection,

the peacock made his home.