The Consequences of Greed and Desire : หน้า 34/130

once dead, they will be better off, that they are fond of life, averse from dying, fond of happiness, disinclined for sorrow. This, Master Kassapa, is for me evidence that there is no other world, no beings reborn otherwise than of parents, no fruit and no result of deeds well and ill - done. ' 13. ' Well then, Prince, I will make you a simile, for by way of a simile some wise men discern the meaning of what is spoken. Once upon a time, Prince, there was a brahmin who had two wives. By one he had a son, ten or twelve years of age ; the other was pregnant and near her time. Then the brahmin died. Now the boy said to his mother's co - wife : - " Whatever treasure there is, lady, or grain, or silver, or gold, all that is mine. There is nothing here for you whatever : make over to me, lady, the heritage of my father !" " Then the brahminée made answer to him : - " Wait, my lad, till my child is born. If 'twill be a boy, one portion shall be his ; if a girl, she shall wait on you. '" But the boy reiterated his claim again and yet again. Then the brahminée, taking a sword, entered an inner room and ripped up her belly, saying : - " If I can only find out whether 'tis a boy or a girl." Thus did she destroy both her own life and her unborn infant, and her wealth also, through the foolish and thoughtless way in which, seeking a heritage,