根本說一切有部毘奈耶雜事

Fascicle Twenty-Two

Internal summary verse:

Atop the tower he encountered Tăng Trưởng,

The lustful woman watched the stars at night,

A man made the sound of a neighing horse,

The merchant treasured the withered bones.

In the city of Oân Thệ Ny, ruled by King Mãnh Quang, there was an elder who had not been married long when, being occupied with taking merchandise elsewhere to trade, he left his wife at home. After her husband departed, his wife had abundant food and clothing, and her afflictions increased. Every day she climbed the tower and gazed at men without ever tiring of it. One day, seeing King Mãnh Quang riding a great elephant past her house, the woman conceived lustful desire and threw down a flower garland, which caught upon the king’s crown. Looking upward, the king saw a young woman whose beautiful features were radiant and surpassingly lovely. Glancing from side to side, he deemed her without equal. Knowing that she harbored a defiled intention, the king said:

“If you cherish affection for me, why do you not come out here?”

She replied:

“I am a young married woman and may not go outside without cause. That the king should think of me is indeed an honor for one who dwells in a thatched hut.”

The king was so captivated that he could proceed no farther. He therefore dismounted from the elephant and entered the house on foot. After they had satisfied their desire, she became pregnant.

Women possess wisdom concerning five matters.

First: They know whether a man harbors lustful desire.

Second: They know the proper season.

Third: They know the time of conception and whose child they bear.

Fourth: They know when the child is male.

Fifth: They know when the child is female.

She said to the king:

“Do you know that I am pregnant?”

The king gave her a necklace made of the finest precious jewels and said:

“If you give birth to a daughter, you may use it as you wish. If you give birth to a son, bring this necklace with him to see me.”

She agreed, and the king took his leave.

Several months later, her pregnancy had become visible. Her former husband sent home a letter saying:

“Live peacefully. Before long, I shall return to my homeland.”

Upon hearing this, she became deeply distressed and sent someone to report to the king:

“I am pregnant, and my former husband is about to return. What am I to do?”

The king sent word to her:

“Do not worry. I have a way to prevent him from returning.”

She remained silent. The king then sent an order to her husband: “I presently require such-and-such an object. Go to that distant land, find it, and bring it back to me.”

Because the husband had to journey through remote lands, many years passed before his return.

When her term was complete, she gave birth to a boy whose pleasing appearance was exceedingly rare in the world. As dawn approached, she filled the infant’s mouth with fine honey and placed him in a chest lined with soft silk. She covered him with white felt, placed the necklace on top, closed the chest, bound it securely with red cord, and sealed it with a purple seal. She instructed a maidservant:

“Take this chest to the gate of the royal palace. Clean a box made of agarwood and place it on top. Set a bright lamp there and stand to one side. When someone is about to approach, return home.”

The servant carried out her instructions precisely. At that time, a herd of cattle came along the road. When they reached the chest, they gathered around it and would go no farther. From atop a high tower, King Mãnh Quang and Queen An Lạc saw the herd standing around the chest, and the king sent a messenger, saying:

“Go and see why the cattle have gathered together outside the gate.”

The messenger reported:

“Outside the gate is a chest bound with red cord and sealed with a purple seal.”

The king ordered:

“Bring it here at once.”

The queen said:

“May the great king bestow upon me whatever is inside the chest.”

The king replied:

“As you wish.”

When the chest was brought before the king, the messenger opened it and saw the jeweled necklace and the infant.

Recognizing the necklace, the king said that this was his son. He then gave the child to the queen, saying:

“This is your son.”

Taking the infant, the queen pronounced a blessing:

“May this child enjoy long life. What name should be given to him?”

The king said:

“This child had the good fortune to be guarded by cattle, so he shall be named Ngưu Hộ, Guardian of Cattle.”

Furthermore, because Queen An Lạc personally nurtured him, her title was changed to Ngưu Hộ Mẫu, Mother of Ngưu Hộ.

In the north, a king named Viên Thắng ruled the kingdom of Ðắc Xoa Thi La, making it peaceful, prosperous, and happy. Its people flourished, as described fully elsewhere. Its gardens abounded in trees, flowers, and fruits; rains were plentiful and came in due season; and almsfood was easily obtained.

One day, while enjoying festivities atop a high tower, the king said to his ministers:

“Is there any kingdom as prosperous, joyful, and peaceful as my realm?”

A great minister replied:

“In the kingdom of Ôn Thệ Ny, whose king is named Mãnh Quang, the people are likewise prosperous, joyful, and peaceful. Flowers and fruits are unceasing, and that land is no different from this one. Their merchants come here.”

After summoning the merchants and questioning them fully, the king heard of their land’s prosperity and became jealous. He told his ministers:

“Assemble the troops. I wish to conquer them.”

The king personally commanded the four divisions of the army and gradually advanced toward the city of Ôn Thệ Ny. His forces invaded without restraint and acted with unreasonable brutality, so that the people could no longer endure their lives.

Hearing that the enemy had arrived, King Mãnh Quang also led the four divisions of his army out to resist them. He was defeated, however, and his troops scattered. The king fled alone on a single horse to another place.

Upon reaching the wilderness, the king encountered a farmer named Tăng Trưởng, who was plowing his own field. Seeing that the man’s countenance was unlike that of ordinary people, the king asked:

“You are a valiant and courageous man. Have you heard that King Viên Thắng and King Mãnh Quang fought, that King Mãnh Quang suffered a great defeat? Do you know of this?”

He replied:

“I have heard of it, but I do not know whether it is true or false.”

The king said:

“It is true.”

Not knowing that this was King Mãnh Quang, the farmer said:

“That other king is an outsider, whereas King Mãnh Quang was within his own kingdom. Yet when invaded, he had to flee elsewhere. Of what use, then, were his resourceful ministers and mighty generals? Had that king previously taken me into his retinue, I would long ago have bound a rope around King Viên Thắng’s neck and dragged him into the city.”

Before they had finished speaking, the farmer’s wife arrived with food, using leaves sewn together as a container. The husband washed his hands and was about to eat when he looked at the king and said:

“O mighty man, judging from your appearance, you seem hungry. I am a poor man and have only this coarse food. If you do not disdain it, please share it with me.”

King Mãnh Quang immediately thought:

“If I do not eat, I shall surely die of hunger.”

The king then dismounted, took out a mat, washed his hands and feet, sat down, and ate together with him.

The wife poured wine into a chipped cup for them to drink. The king thought, “Although I know the cup is chipped, I shall drink from the unchipped side.”

But the king possessed strategic wisdom and knew how to conduct himself according to circumstances. He reconsidered: “If I drink from the unchipped side, I fear this man will think that I disdain them. I should drink from the chipped side so that they will feel a deep affection for me.”

The farmer first tasted the wine to guard against poison, drinking from the chipped side, and then handed it to the king. Taking the cup, the king drank from that very place. The farmer thought, “This is a great man. His mind makes no distinctions, for he shares the chipped part of the cup with me. I should honor him and establish a lasting friendship with him.”

Having reflected thus, the farmer said to his wife:

“Virtuous wife, this is a great man and a congenial, close friend of mine. Take him back to our dwelling, give him oil with which to anoint his body and hot water for bathing, and then prepare food and drink. His horse is also hungry; give it ample grass and water.”

The wife escorted the king home and, with single-minded care, did precisely as her husband had instructed, providing everything in abundance.

At that time, a small kingdom named Kiệt Sa secretly invaded King Viên Thắng’s realm and seized the people’s fish. The great ministers wrote a letter fully reporting the matter and expressing their hope that the king would handle it skillfully. At the end of the letter was this verse:

The king now dwells in another land,

Enduring hardship to vanquish others;

Yet within his own kingdom,

Protection is likewise required.

After reading the letter, King Viên Thắng thought: “If I lead my troops back to my country, everyone will surely think that I was defeated and fled home. Therefore, I should first make peace with them and only then return to my own country.” The king sent a message to King Mãnh Quang:

– My friend, what has passed should not be mentioned again. Please come out for a while, for we wish to meet you. There is no longer any need to speak of victory or defeat. I hope that we may become close and firmly united, without opposing one another. When peace has been restored as before, I shall return to my own country.

After receiving the letter, the ministers deliberated:

– If we report that there is no king, they will surely despise us. We must devise a way to deal with this situation.

They wrote a reply:

– Sir, we have read your letter, and its sentiments are truly admirable. Although matters are indeed as you say, some hesitation still remains. When two countries meet, there are inevitably suspicions. Although you have abandoned your original intention, I am occupied with affairs and cannot yet receive you. My own son, Crown Prince Ngưu Hộ, will go out to meet you. Rejoice together, and then remain or depart as you please.

Thereupon Ngưu Hộ went out of the city to meet Viên Thắng, and the two rejoiced together wholeheartedly. The king then disbanded all his forces and returned to his own country.

At that time, the great ministers of King Mãnh Quang conferred together: “The hostile foreign invasion, like a rainstorm, has now passed. We must quickly search for our king.”

Messengers searched throughout the four directions, near and far.

When King Mãnh Quang heard that King Viên Thắng had withdrawn his troops and returned home, he said to the farmer Tăng Trưởng:

– My fear is now at an end, and I shall bid you farewell and return. If you enter the city, you should visit my house.

He replied:

– I do not yet know the name of this great man. How shall I inquire after your house in the future?

The king said:

– Who does not know my house? When you enter the city, ask this: “Where is the house of the man who has many horses?”

After giving these instructions, the king spurred his horse away. Reaching the former city gate, he told the gatekeeper:

– You should know that if anyone comes asking for the house of the man who has many horses, you must bring that person to see me.

The king then entered the palace.

Some time later, a great festival was held in the city of Ôn Thệ Ny. People from near and far all gathered in the city. The farmer’s wife said to her husband:

– Today there is a great festival in the city. I too wish to go and see the assembled crowds, and at the same time inquire after the house of the man who has many horses.

Her husband said:

– Good wife, can the words of every valiant man really be trusted? There are three circumstances in which one may encounter such a person. The first is when he is beaten by others. The second is when he is despised by others. The third is when a king’s household is broken and his country lost. Apart from these circumstances, how could one meet him?

His wife replied:

– Although it may be difficult to meet him, we can still go and see the gathering.

The husband and wife went together into that city. After some thought, the farmer decided to try asking. He said to the gatekeeper:

– Sir, where is the house of the man who has many horses?

Hearing him ask this, the gatekeeper immediately brought the husband and wife before the king. As soon as the king saw them, he cried out in astonishment and delight:

– Welcome, my newly arrived friend! Tăng Trưởng, how did you come here?

He replied:

– I came expressly to seek you.

Seeing the king seated upon the lion throne and surrounded by officials, Tăng Trưởng did not yet recognize him clearly and thought to himself: “I do not know what offense I have committed to be arrested and brought here.”

Knowing that they were suspicious and afraid, the king wished to remind them. He left the throne, removed his crown, and revealed his royal forehead. As soon as Tăng Trưởng saw him, he recognized the king’s face, and the husband and wife together bowed at the king’s feet.

The king then arranged a magnificent ceremony and had them brought into the inner palace, where they were bathed clean with scented water and dressed in fine garments. In a luxurious guesthouse, a hundred kinds of fragrant and delicious food were prepared for them. The king personally attended to their meal. After the banquet was over, he lodged them in a residence beside the palace, where fragrant curtains had been hung, so that they might rest to their complete satisfaction. The king commanded the inner palace:

– These are my father and mother. Whatever food, clothing, bedding, attendants, or servants they require must all be provided.

Because King Mãnh Quang treated them with reverence, everyone else also revered them. The princes, the ministers within and outside the court, and the common people all treated them respectfully. Seeing himself honored and supported beyond measure, after seven days the farmer Tăng Trưởng felt embarrassed. He came before the king and said:

– I now wish to bid you farewell and return to my thatched hut.

The king said:

– Remain here and govern the country together with me.

He replied:

– I am a farmer. How could I know anything about affairs of state?

The king said:

– Did you not say that, if you became a great minister, you would immediately bind Viên Quang by the neck with a long rope and drag him into the city of Ôn Thệ Ny? Yet now you say that you are a farmer unfit for affairs of state. Remain here for the time being and do not think of returning home.

Tăng Trưởng remained silent.

The king firmly established him in the office of commander-in-chief and appointed him chief minister, but the food supplied to him was still meager.

Later, on a certain occasion, the king asked:

– Are you living well?

He replied:

– I do not even eat enough at breakfast. How could I be living well?

The king said:

– Do not be distressed. You shall be fully supplied with food and clothing.

The king immediately told five hundred great ministers:

– You should provide for Tăng Trưởng.

Thereupon they all contributed, increasing the provisions for his food and clothing. (From this point onward, he is called Tăng Dưỡng.)

When the king asked:

– Are you well?

He replied:

– Although my food and clothing are sufficient, the great ministers at court despise me. How could I be well?

The king said:

– In that case, when the officials assemble for deliberations, enter their gathering, and they will not dare to despise you.

He replied:

– Great King, I am a farmer. How could I dare show disrespect toward the dignitaries of the court?

The king said:

– You need only attend. I shall cause them to respect you.

He remained silent.

Later, during a court assembly, the king wished the dignitaries to respect Tăng Dưỡng, so he skillfully asked:

– At present, there are such disturbances in the country. How would you bring them all to an end?

One great minister proposed that a certain plan must be carried out to eliminate them.

The king said:

– That will not do.

The other officials each presented their own opinions, but the king accepted none of them. He then asked Tăng Trưởng:

– What should be done?

He replied:

– Only by carrying out such-and-such a plan can they be eliminated.

Before all the ministers, the king accepted his plan and declared it reasonable.

Seeing this, the officials all thought:

– Whatever Tăng Trưởng says, the king trusts and adopts. Therefore, we should no longer despise this man.

Later, the king again asked Tăng Dưỡng whether he was well.

He replied:

– My dwelling is not spacious. How could I be well?

The king told the officials:

– You should provide Tăng Dưỡng with a spacious residence.

They replied:

– A certain great minister has recently died. His wives, concubines, and servants are still living in his house.

The king decreed:

– Bestow that entire house upon Tăng Dưỡng, together with the wives, children, and all the other property.

After Tăng Dưỡng had received the house, the king asked:

– Are you well?

He replied:

– The people in the household consider me a farmer, so they all treat me with contempt.

The king said:

– If that is so, while you are bathing, I shall send a messenger to summon you. You should say: “Wait until I have finished bathing, and then I shall go to see the king.”

Tăng Dưỡng said:

– How could I dare disobey the Great King’s command?

The king said:

– I am instructing you to do this, so there is truly no fault. Furthermore, when you are about to eat, I shall send a messenger to summon you. You should say that you will go to see the king after you have finished eating. While you are eating, I shall come to your house and share the same meal with you.

He replied:

– Great King, how could I dare eat together with the Great King?

The king said:

– I permit it, so there is no fault. When this has been done, they will all treat you with reverence.

Tăng Trưởng obeyed the command and returned home. While he was bathing, the king sent a messenger to summon him:

– There is an urgent matter; you must come at once!

The messenger came and conveyed the command. Tăng Dưỡng replied:

– Wait until I have finished bathing; then I shall come.

After the messenger departed, everyone in the household said to one another:

– The master of this house dares to resist the king’s command. Whoever becomes arrogant will surely bring disaster upon himself.

They also said to one another:

– He was never a man of noble standing, yet upon gaining a little power, he has become haughty.

The servants also said:

– Sisters, you should know that those who climb high are bound to suffer a heavy fall. Today this man will surely be put to death by the king; it will happen very soon.

After finishing his bath, instead of going to see the king as promised, he went to take his meal. The king again sent a messenger to say:

– There is a matter requiring your immediate presence.

Although he heard the king’s summons, he said:

– Go now. I shall come after I have finished eating.

When the messenger returned and reported this, the king personally mounted a great elephant and went to his house, asking:

– Tăng Dưỡng, are you about to eat?

He replied:

– I am about to eat.

– Will you not invite me?

He replied:

– I respectfully invite Your Majesty to enter and partake of the meal.

The people in the household said to one another:

– Our master speaks and jokes with the king as though this were perfectly ordinary.

They were all astonished and stared wide-eyed.

The king then washed his hands and feet and sat down to eat with him. Seeing this, everyone in the household became frightened and said to one another:

– We have judged and despised this farmer, yet now we see him sitting and eating together with the king.

They further discussed among themselves:

– What are we to do? The king has sat and eaten with him; this is no trifling matter. From this day onward, we must not look down upon him. Whoever fails to respect him will surely meet with disaster.

Speaking thus among themselves, they all became reverent and fearful.

On another occasion, the king asked whether he was well.

He replied:

– There is a minister who is a kinsman of the king. He constantly despises and reviles me; how could I be well?

The king said:

– If I speak openly, it will cause difficulties. When it becomes necessary to act, you yourself should know when to advance and when to withdraw.

He replied:

– I ask that the king not blame me for what I do.

The king said:

– I shall not blame you at all.

Once, while Tăng Dưỡng was walking, he saw two poor boys with no relatives playing beside the road with slings and pellets. A maidservant passed along the road carrying a water jar on her head. One boy said:

– I shall use a dry pellet to pierce the water jar.

The other said:

– There is nothing remarkable about piercing it with a dry pellet. What would be remarkable is if I used a wet pellet to seal the hole again.

After discussing the matter, they used a dry pellet to pierce a hole in the jar and then used a wet pellet to seal that hole. Seeing such a rare feat, Tăng Trưởng thought, “These two boys can help me overcome that royal kinsman and dispel the resentment caused by his abuse.”

Tăng Dưỡng asked:

– Whose children are you?

They replied:

– We have no relatives and earn our own living from day to day.

– If you are willing, you should come and live with me.

They replied:

– We shall obey your instruction.

After being taken in, they asked:

– What are we to do?

He replied:

– You need only practice shooting pellets. Later, whenever you see anyone contending with me, you should shoot a pellet of filth into his mouth.

They replied:

– We can do that.

Afterward, Tăng Dưỡng was engaged in a dispute with that royal kinsman. From a distance, one of the boys shot a filthy pellet into the man’s mouth. He immediately vomited, covered his mouth with his hand, and hurried away. Because of this humiliation, he no longer insulted Tăng Dưỡng.

The king again asked:

– Are you well?

He replied:

– Because the people in the royal palace see that I am a farmer, they all despise me.

The king said:

– If that is so, then when I enter the palace, go to the gate and ask:

– Where is the king? If they say that I am inside, you should say, “Affairs of state are in utter disorder, yet he abandons them and takes no heed. How can anything be resolved if he remains in the inner palace?”

Furthermore, if you see that I am inside, climb onto the couch beside my palace, let your legs hang down, and lie there asleep. I shall come out through the doorway and lift your legs onto the couch.

He replied:

– Great King, do I have two heads, that I should make the king lift my legs? The positions of sovereign and subject are distinct, differing in rank as high and low. Such conduct would offend human sensibilities; how could this be proper?

The king said:

– This is an expression of my affection. What fault would be yours? Once this is done, those in the palace will no longer dare to treat you with contempt.

Tăng Dưỡng remained silent.

Afterward, Tăng Dưỡng entered the palace and asked where the king was. Following the king’s instructions, he carried them out in sequence, until the king came and lifted his legs onto the couch. Upon seeing this, the people in the palace could not restrain themselves and wished to come and humiliate him. The king said:

– Do not act against him. This is due to my affection; what offense has this man committed?

They said to one another:

– We all see that this man is beloved by the king. We must no longer treat him with contempt. If the king learns of it, he will certainly punish us.

From that time onward, they all treated him with respect.

On another occasion, the king asked whether he was well.

He replied:

– Now I am well.

King Mãnh Quang was by nature fond of women. Once, while conversing about worldly affairs with some young men atop a high tower, he asked:

– Do you know in which city there are beautiful women?

One person answered that there were such women in the city of Khúc Nữ. Another said they were in the city of Xuất-Xà Cái. Someone else said:

– The cities of other kingdoms are not even worth mentioning. In this very city there is a courtesan named Thiện Hiền, whose extraordinary beauty is unsurpassed in the world. She is like a celestial maiden in Śakra’s palace, or like the radiance of the sun eclipsing all the myriad stars.

Hearing this, the king was extraordinarily delighted. Overcome with excitement and longing to see her, that very night he removed his royal robes, put on the clothing of a commoner, and personally took five hundred gold coins to Thiện Hiền’s house.

When she saw the king, she joyfully welcomed him and told her attendant:

– Attend upon this gentleman and bathe him thoroughly.

The attendant obeyed, bathing the king and wiping his body clean.

At that moment, another man came to the door with five hundred gold coins and called out:

– I wish to stay for the night.

This courtesan followed a customary practice: if another man arrived later, she would kill the one who had arrived first so that she could enjoy herself with the newcomer. Seeing that King Mãnh Quang’s appearance was pleasing and unlike that of an ordinary man, the attendant began to weep, thinking, “Could this man be of the kṣatriya lineage? His dignified appearance is upright and handsome, rarely seen in the world. Why should this courtesan conceive such an evil intention and commit the offense of unjustly killing an innocent man?”

Her tears fell upon the king’s body. The king immediately raised his head and asked why she had suddenly begun to weep.

She replied:

– It is nothing.

Growing suspicious, the king pressed her:

– There must be a reason. Tell me plainly.

The attendant then related the reason in due sequence.

The king asked:

– Young woman, I have fallen into peril. Is there any way for me to escape?

She replied:

– On all four sides of this house, men armed with knives stand guard together. There is no way to escape. There is also another way out, but it is extremely filthy; how could I speak of it?

The king said:

– Whether clean or filthy, show me that place. I must survive.

She replied:

– It is possible to escape through that place, but it is a latrine drain barred with iron stakes. If the stakes can be pulled out, it will provide a path of escape.

The king said:

– Go and show me the place. I shall try to pull them out.

After the young woman showed him the place, the king lowered himself into the latrine drain and tried to pull out the stakes. Although he exerted all his strength, he could not remove them.

At that time, not far beyond the wall, there lived a brahmin skilled in observing celestial phenomena. At night, he went outside to observe the Milky Way while his wife followed behind carrying water. The brahmin said:

– You should know that, upon observing the stars, I see that the king has encountered a great calamity and is enduring extreme hardship.

His wife said:

– This is a secret matter of state. Why speak of it aloud? If others hear you, you will surely be punished.

The brahmin said:

– Above all, it is through the king that I receive protection. How could I remain at ease when the king has fallen into peril?

The man immediately knelt in the middle of the courtyard, faced the baleful star, and prayed.

In the latrine, the king heard their voices. With all his strength, he shook the stake until he pulled it loose, then made his way out through the sewage drain, his body covered in filth and suffering greatly. When the king escaped outside, the baleful star changed its position.

Seeing the star change, the Brahmin said to his wife:

– Although the king met with calamity, he has now escaped. His life remains intact; I am truly fortunate.

The king hurried away and secretly entered the city, going to Lady An-Lạc. She hastened to receive him and asked:

– Heaven harms no one. Why has this happened?

The king related in sequence what had just occurred. When she had heard him, the lady, her face streaming with tears, used a bamboo comb to remove the filth. First she cleansed him with fragrant earth, then bathed him with various powdered fragrances and scented water. Afterward, she anointed him with fragrant oil and dressed him in the finest garments.

After resting for a while, the next morning the king sat in the royal hall and told a minister:

– Summon here all the masters of yin and yang who know how to read the stars and calendar.

After the minister had summoned them, the king asked:

– Did anything unusual happen to me last night?

They replied:

– Last night, the king was safe and nothing unusual occurred.

The king said:

– In the ... quarter there is a Brahmin skilled in the knowledge of the stars. Summon him here.

The king sent a messenger to that Brahmin’s house, saying:

– The king summons you.

The husband put on his robe and prepared to go see the king. His wife said:

– I told you before: why reveal the confidential affairs of the kingdom? You would not listen, and now you have been summoned for questioning.

The Brahmin then observed the morning sun. Knowing that nothing inauspicious would occur, he told his wife:

– You need not fear. All the signs are auspicious.

As soon as he saw the Brahmin approaching, the king called loudly:

– Welcome, great master. Please sit near me.

The Brahmin then pronounced a blessing:

– May the king live forever.

After the Brahmin had taken his seat and rested for a moment, the king asked:

– Brahmin, do you understand the stars?

He replied:

– To the extent of my ability, I know a little.

The king asked:

– Great master, what happened to me last night?

He replied:

– Last night, Your Majesty met with an exceedingly grievous calamity. Through the power of your merit, your life was preserved.

Upon hearing this, the king told his officials:

– It is exactly as the great master has said. Last night, my life was in extreme peril. These masters of yin and yang do not understand calendrical calculations; from this day forward, strip them of all their stipends. Take the courtesan Thiện Hiền, tie her by the hair beneath the hooves of a fierce horse, and have it trample her to death. Bring donkeys to plow up the house in which she lives. Summon into the inner palace the attendant in that house who bathed and cleansed me, so that she may oversee affairs of state.

The ministers carried out the king’s commands exactly.

The king asked the Brahmin:

– Because you showed concern for me, I am still alive. I now wish to repay your kindness. What do you desire?

He replied:

– Your Majesty, allow me to return home and consult my household; afterward, I shall come and present my wish.

The king said:

– As you please.

The Brahmin returned home and told the members of his household:

– The king has granted me a wish and will provide whatever is needed. What do each of you desire?

His wife asked:

– What do you desire?

He replied:

– I wish to be granted a fief comprising five large villages.

His wife said:

– In that case, I wish for one hundred cows to provide milk and curds.

His son said:

– I wish for a fine horse and a precious carriage to ride in.

His daughter said:

– I wish for the finest and most beautiful necklaces as adornments.

The servant said:

– I wish for a stone slab on which to grind spices when preparing food.

The Brahmin thought:

– In a matter such as this, I should not speak bluntly. I should compose a verse in which to make my request to the king.

He went to see the king and said:

– Your Majesty, concerning the wishes of those in my household, I dare disclose them fully only if you pardon my boldness. Allow me to present the matter in verse:

I desire five fiefs;

My wife requests a hundred cows.

My son desires a precious horse and carriage;

My daughter delights in necklaces.

The servant in our household

Needs a stone for grinding spices.

Such are the things we seek;

May the king compassionately grant them.

Having heard this petition,

King Mãnh Quang spoke a verse in reply to these requests:

I grant you five fiefs,

And one hundred cows to your wife;

A precious horse and carriage to your son,

And necklaces to your daughter.

To the young maidservant in your household,

I grant a fine stone for grinding spices.

Whatever requests there are,

I shall fulfill them all.

After ordering a minister to grant everything according to the wishes of those people, the king said to the Brahmin:

– Great master, join me in governing the kingdom. Assist me sincerely and deliberate upon affairs of state.

He replied:

– Your Majesty, I am a Brahmin and should not involve myself in the affairs of the kingdom.

Nevertheless, the king insisted on appointing the Brahmin as a minister.

A neighboring kingdom named Kiệt Sa rebelled. The king sent Tăng Dưỡng at the head of an army to suppress it. After routing the opposing forces and acquiring much wealth, he encamped in the countryside and prepared to enter the city.

Hearing that they were about to enter the city, the king personally marshaled his troops and went out to welcome them. Seeing that the body of a young woman from Kiệt Sa was covered with sores, he asked Tăng Dưỡng:

– Would any man share a bed with this young woman?

He replied:

– Not only will a man gladly share his mat and pillow with her, but he will also let her mount his back and make him neigh like a horse.

The king asked:

– Could such a thing truly happen?

He replied:

– The king will see it with his own eyes.

Thereupon, Tăng Dưỡng took the young woman to a physician and said:

– Treat her skillfully and administer abundant medicines. However much is needed, I shall not begrudge it.

After the physician had treated her and restored her to health, she was also provided with ample clothing and food, so that her appearance became extraordinarily lovely.

Tăng Dưỡng took her in as his daughter and named her Tinh Quang. He told her:

– If I invite the king to dine at our house, adorn yourself with all kinds of necklaces and appear before him.

The young woman obeyed.

One day, Tăng Dưỡng said to the king:

– May the king deign to visit my humble dwelling.

The king said:

– If you do not invite me, how could I come?

He replied:

– I extend the invitation today; please come to my house tomorrow.

The king replied:

– Excellent.

Tăng Dưỡng then prepared a sumptuous banquet of rare and precious delicacies. He invited the king into his house, bathed him with scented water, and presented him with priceless garments. As the meal was drawing to a close and they were still conversing, Tinh Quang tossed a small ball from behind a curtain, then lifted the curtain and said to her father:

– Please give me the ball.

Seeing that the young woman’s beauty was unsurpassed, the king became enamored of her and asked Tăng Dưỡng:

– Whose daughter is she?

He replied:

– She is my daughter.

– Has she already been given in marriage to anyone?

He replied:

– Not yet.

– Why do you not offer her to me?

He replied:

– If the king does not disdain her, you may take her as you please.

The king immediately arranged a magnificent wedding and brought her into the palace.

It is the common way of the world to favor the new and neglect the old. The king no longer entered the inner residence. Infatuated with Tinh Quang, he neglected all other affairs.

After reflecting:

– This is precisely the right time to carry out what was said before.

Tăng Dưỡng asked Tinh Quang:

– Can you mount the king’s back and make him neigh like a horse?

She replied:

– Let me consider it. I do not yet know how it should be done.

Intelligent women understand without being taught. She immediately put on soiled garments and lay down upon a broken bed. When the king arrived, he asked:

– Why are you like this?

She replied:

– Heaven is angry with me, and thus this calamity has befallen me.

The king asked:

– Did you once make some vow to Heaven?

She replied:

– Because the king sent my father to wage war against the kingdom of Kiệt Sa, at that time I made this vow to Heaven: “If my father leads the army to victory over that kingdom and returns safely, then when I marry, I shall mount my husband’s back and make him neigh like a horse.”

When a person is driven by sensual desire, there is nothing he will not do. The king replied:

“Madam, since your request is truly a prayer for my freedom from illness, I must fulfill it for you.”

The lady remained silent.

The king asked:

“Why are you silent? Or have you made some other prayer to the gods?”

She replied:

“I have made no other vow, but at that time I thought that the brahmin minister should pronounce the benediction and a musician should be instructed to play the vina.”

The king said:

“That too can be arranged. The brahmin minister is already in my service, and a vina player can be found.”

She replied:

“Please find one for me.”

At that time, a merchant from Gandhara brought various kinds of merchandise to the city of Ujjayini. He went to the house of a courtesan and entered into relations with her. Becoming infatuated, his mind grew confused and deluded; he spent all his wealth, and all his servants and attendants deserted him. Seeing that he had become destitute, the courtesan said:

“Sir, I have no fields to cultivate, nor do I own a shop for conducting trade. I depend solely upon entertaining and gathering with patrons to make my living. Those who possess money may bring it here; those who have none should go elsewhere and make way for later guests.”

He replied:

“I am poor and have nothing at all. Even if I had something, what other use would I make of it? I cherish you deeply. Please allow me to remain and do not cruelly drive me away. Only if you let me stay in your house will I know that you return my affection.”

The courtesan said:

“If you can obey everything I say without exception, I will allow you to remain.”

He replied:

“I shall do everything.”

The courtesan, wishing to drive him away, defecated and then stuck a small stick into the pile of excrement. She told the man to seize the stick with his teeth and pull it out. He drew the stick out with his teeth. The courtesan kicked him in the side and said:

“You wretched pauper! How could you put your teeth to such a disgusting task? You are filthy. Get far away from me!”

After the courtesan drove him away, he relied upon his former skill in playing the vina and supported himself by performing music.

The king said to Samvardhana:

“Your daughter has made a prayer to the gods. I already have the brahmin minister, but where can a vina player be found?”

He replied:

“There is a visitor from Gandhara who earns his living by playing the vina. His eyes should be covered with a cloth and he should be brought into the palace.”

The king said:

“It shall be done accordingly.”

The king and the minister ascended to the seventh story of a high pavilion. The king explained the matter clearly and gave instructions to the minister. Samvardhana covered the man’s eyes with a cloth and led him up the pavilion. Then Starlight put on clean white garments and mounted the king’s shoulders. The minister, observing pure conduct, pronounced a benediction for the king, while the vina was played and the king neighed like a horse.

The man from Gandhara thought:

“How can there be the sound of a horse neighing on the seventh story of a pavilion? Surely we have both been mocked and humiliated by women.”

A feeling of sorrow arose in his heart, and he sang:

These matters closely resemble each other;

These matters are known to many.

All my wealth has been dispersed,

And my teeth remember the filthy stick.

Seeing that the man continued playing the vina with his hands and singing with his mouth, the king asked:

“Those verses are most unusual. What do they mean?”

Upon hearing the question, the man related his entire story to the king in due order. The king thought:

“This man now knows about me, so he must not be allowed to remain here.”

The king gave him five hundred gold coins and expelled him from the kingdom.

Afterward, the minister admonished the king:

“A ruler of a kingdom should not allow himself to be made into a woman’s plaything.”

Hearing this, the king was deeply ashamed and could only remain silent.

The king commanded Samvardhana:

“The brahmin minister is reproaching me. Can you arrange for his wife to shave his head?”

He replied:

“Your servant will see what can be done!”

Samvardhana returned home and asked his wife:

“The brahmin rebuked the king to his face. Do you have any means of making his wife shave his head?”

She replied:

“There is no need to speak of it beforehand. Wait until the shaving is done, and then you shall see.”

Her husband said:

“If you can accomplish it, that would be excellent indeed. An able husband is sure to have an able wife.”

The woman immediately cultivated a friendship with the minister’s wife. After they had become close and congenial, she said:

“Madam, my husband loves me dearly. Whatever I ask of him, he does.”

The other replied:

“Although you speak of being so beloved, how could you surpass me? My authority over my husband is unequaled.”

“If you truly have authority over your husband, try cutting off his hair. I am certain you cannot do it.”

She replied:

“Wait until it has been cut; then you will know whether I can do it.”

The minister’s wife immediately put on filthy clothes, lay down alone upon a bed, and began moaning.

The minister asked:

“Why are you like this?”

She replied:

“A heavenly deity is angry with me.”

He asked:

“Can it be that our household is so poor that we cannot make an offering in return, thus causing the heavenly deity to bear resentment toward us? I shall do whatever you ask, so that the heavenly deity may rejoice and your painful illness may be dispelled. What did you promise the deity?”

She replied:

“When you were still at home and had not yet received an official appointment, and the king summoned you for the first time, I prayed to the deity: ‘May my husband obey the king’s command, fulfill his aspirations, and return safely. I shall then shave off his hair as an offering to the heavenly deity.’ Since that time, our household has prospered and our wealth has increased. Coveting comfort and pleasure, I forgot to give thanks for the deity’s favor. Because of this arrogant state of mind, I have caused the deity to become angry. Now I shall surely die. How can I possibly pray to be spared?”

Her husband said:

“Since your prayer to the deity was truly made for my sake, I shall report the matter to the king and then carry it out.”

The wife immediately sent a letter to Samvardhana’s wife, saying:

“My husband has given his promise. He will certainly do it.”

Upon receiving the message, the wife informed Samvardhana:

“The minister’s wife has sent word that her husband has promised. We need only wait for him to present the matter to the king.”

Samvardhana entered the king’s presence and reported that the affair had been accomplished and there was nothing more to worry about. He added that if the minister came, the king should know what the matter concerned.

The king said:

“I understand. There is no need to remind me further.”

Then the minister came before the king and reported:

“Great King, I have a vow for which I must give thanks to a deity. I shall not leave my residence for six months. I beg Your Majesty graciously to allow me to fulfill my vow.”

The king said:

“Excellent.”

After returning home and having his hair shaved off, the minister was too ashamed to go outside. His wife sent a messenger to inform Samvardhana’s wife:

“His hair has been shaved off.”

The wife informed Samvardhana, and Samvardhana reported it to the king. Hearing this, the king was delighted and immediately sent a messenger to summon the minister.

At that time, Samvardhana taught two boys to sing this song:

If a woman is well-born and beautiful,

She can make her husband follow her will.

On the seventh story a horse neighs aloud;

Behold this minister, now without hair.

Upon hearing the king’s summons, the minister hurriedly put on his cap and entered the palace. Seeing him arrive, the king instructed him to sit to one side. The two boys immediately sang:

If a woman is well-born and beautiful,

She can make her husband follow her will.

On the seventh story a horse neighs aloud;

Behold this minister, now without hair.

Coming close before him, the two boys removed the minister’s cap. Seeing that he had no hair, all the officials assembled at court clapped their hands and laughed loudly. Ashamed within himself and humiliated before everyone, the minister hunched his shoulders, bowed his head, and silently departed through the gate.

After accomplishing this, Samvardhana boasted loudly to everyone:

“How can anyone who has been mocked and humiliated by women in this manner accomplish great affairs for the kingdom?”

In a secluded place, the king asked the minister:

“Do you have any means of causing Samvardhana to suffer humiliation?”

He replied:

“Great King, allow your servant to consider the matter first. I do not yet know whether it can be done.”

The minister said to his sister’s son, who was skilled in magical illusions:

“When attending court, the minister Samvardhana often treats me with contempt. Can you cause him to suffer severe humiliation?”

He replied:

“Uncle, allow me to think about how this might be done.”

After considering the matter, he replied:

– Secretly, the illusionist used his magic to conjure a group of merchants, transformed a great heap of dung into chambers, and used a dry skeleton to conjure the merchant chief’s wife, whose countenance was so beautiful that all delighted in beholding her. According to the law of the king’s realm, whenever a large merchant caravan arrived at the city, either the king personally collected the tax or sent Tăng Dưỡng to do so.

At that time, the king did not go but sent Tăng Dưỡng to collect the tax.

Upon reaching their encampment, Tăng Dưỡng asked:

– Where is the merchant chief’s chamber?

After they pointed out the place, Tăng Dưỡng entered the chamber and saw the merchant chief’s wife, whose lovely beauty stirred the hearts of those who beheld her.

As soon as he saw her, Tăng Dưỡng became infatuated and asked:

– Young woman, if you are willing to take pleasure with me, I shall collect no tax from the entire caravan.

She replied:

– As you wish.

– But we should not do so during the day. Let us wait until night.

The illusionist then veiled the day and made it appear like night. Tăng Dưỡng committed an illicit act with the illusory woman, then fell sound asleep with his arms clasped around her neck.

At that time, the illusionist dispelled his magic, and Tăng Dưỡng was lying upon the heap of dung, embracing a dry skeleton.

A minister came and reported to the king:

– Great King, please condescend to come and see Tăng Dưỡng.

The king left the city and went to that place. Clapping his hands, he awakened him and said:

– Tăng Dưỡng, you have coupled with a woman; could it be that you are now eating her flesh as well?

Seeing himself in such a state, Tăng Dưỡng reflected and realized that this prank had been arranged by the king. He thought, “How can I continue living here? I would rather take my own life than go on living.... Yet it is very difficult to cast away one’s life. I should go to the Venerable Mahakatyayana and ask to enter the monastic life.”

Upon arriving there, Tăng Dưỡng paid homage and said:

– Venerable Sir, I wish to enter the monastic life.

The Venerable immediately admitted him into the monastic life and conferred upon him the Five Precepts and the Ten Precepts, and then gave him full ordination. After instructing him, he told him to study the Ekottara Agama Sutra.

At that time, without Tăng Dưỡng, King Mãnh Quang’s mind was uneasy. He therefore compelled him to return to lay life and restored him to his former position.

THE MULASARVASTIVADA

VINAYA MISCELLANY

End of Fascicle Twenty-Two.