根本說一切有部毘奈耶雜事

Volume Twenty-Eight

Next, in the fourth uddana of the sixth section of the separate divisions: The Story of Mahauṣadha.

After gaining a clear understanding of the affairs of the kingdom, Mahauṣadha led the four divisions of the army on an inspection throughout the country. Whenever he arrived at a city, town, or village, Mahauṣadha asked the people:

– Who governs these towns and villages?

The people replied:

– This place belongs to such-and-such a minister, and that place to another minister, each having taken it as his private fief.

Hearing this, Mahauṣadha realized that all the villages, towns, and cities belonged to the six ministers, while the king possessed nothing more than his palace and provisions for food and drink.

After completing his inspection and returning, Mahauṣadha addressed the king:

– Which cities, towns, and villages belong to Your Majesty?

The king replied:

– At present, I am powerless and do not know what to do. Fortunately, the devas foretold to me that a boy named Mahauṣadha would be born into the family of Pūrṇa in the city of Pūrṇadhana. They said that when he grew up, he should be appointed chief minister, and that merely by remaining seated in one place, I would be able to bring stability to the people. For this reason, from the time you were still in the womb, I obeyed the divine decree and provided everything necessary. Now that you have come of age and attend closely upon me, you hold the office of chief minister. In accordance with the devas’ prophecy, widely employ your wisdom and strategies, and administer the affairs of the kingdom so that I, as king, may possess authority and dwell securely.

Mahauṣadha then bowed to the king and respectfully said:

– Great King, do not be anxious. I shall assist you and enable you to dwell in peace and happiness.

Mahauṣadha dispatched messengers to the cities, towns, and villages throughout the kingdom that were under the control of the six ministers, proclaiming:

– You should all know that the ministers do not obey the laws of the kingdom. Their commands, taxation, and forced labor have caused immeasurable suffering. Being greedy, wicked, corrupt, and deceitful, they give the people no means of livelihood. I tell you truthfully: if you obey my words, you shall forever enjoy peace and happiness and no longer endure hardship. You shall pay taxes only according to your means, and your relatives, wives, and children shall no longer be subjected to exhausting labor. Those of you in the six cities should defend them yourselves. Even if commands come from the king and the six ministers, do not obey. If they arrive in person, do not open the gates, but announce:

– When Chief Minister Mahauṣadha comes, we shall submit.

Throughout the kingdom, all who heard these instructions acted accordingly and no longer obeyed the former commands.

Those ministers then went together to the king and said:

– The cities have rebelled. What are we to do?

The king said:

– Lead the four divisions of the army to each place and demand an account of their offenses.

When they arrived, the people would not obey them. The ministers therefore reported to the king:

– We are powerless. We beg Your Majesty to go there in person.

Although the king went there himself, the people still did not submit. Fighting ensued, causing great hardship and consuming much time. The people within the cities addressed the king:

– We have no intention of rebelling against Your Majesty. We refuse to obey solely because the six ministers are tyrannical. If Chief Minister Mahauṣadha is sent here, we shall all submit.

The king sent a messenger to summon him. In obedience to the royal command, Mahauṣadha hastened to meet the king.

When the people in the cities heard that Mahauṣadha had arrived, they all submitted and opened the gates to welcome him. Mahauṣadha immediately abolished the oppressive policies and established new rules and laws that were lenient and accorded with morality and good order. No one harbored resentment; all praised the changes and rejoiced as though restored to life. Mahauṣadha provided for the poor, assisted widows and orphans, and loved everyone as his own parents.

The people throughout the kingdom gathered in great numbers. Mahauṣadha escorted the king to the cities, and his fame spread to other kingdoms; people near and far praised him. The king gave his daughter to Mahauṣadha in marriage. Although he received great rewards and favor, Mahauṣadha showed no pride or extravagance.

At that time, a poor man entered the king’s service in the hope of obtaining a stipend. Seeing that the king would not accept him, he went instead to seek Mahauṣadha’s aid. Out of compassion, Mahauṣadha took him in and supplied him fully with clothing and food.

A brahmin came to ask for rice bran. Mahauṣadha ordered that it be given to him. The storekeeper was negligent, however, and kept delaying without handing it over.

Later, on one occasion, the king, the chief minister, and the court officials assembled in one place. The king asked them:

– To whom may one disclose one’s secrets?

Some said:

– To friends.

Others said:

– To one’s parents.

Still others said:

– To one’s wife and children.

Mahauṣadha, however, remained silent and said nothing.

The king asked:

– Mahauṣadha, why do you say nothing?

He replied:

– How can such a matter be spoken of lightly? As I see it, no secret whatsoever should be told to any man, much less to a woman.

The king asked:

– Can this truly be so?

He replied:

– Whether this is true or false, Your Majesty may test it yourself.

Afterward, the king’s peacock went missing. Mahauṣadha caught it and concealed it elsewhere. He then killed another peacock in front of his wife and asked:

– Have you heard that the king has lost his peacock?

She replied:

– I have heard.

Mahauṣadha said:

– This is that very bird. Quickly prepare it. I wish to eat it. You must not tell anyone about this.

Hearing this, his wife thought:

– My royal father trusts this man exceedingly. Why, then, has he killed the bird to eat it? This is truly a vile act, showing no fear of the law at all.

Mahauṣadha then brought a very beautiful, splendidly adorned maiden into his house and told his wife:

– This maiden is a woman from the king’s palace. Because I love her, I have brought her home. Do not let word of this spread.

Hearing this, his wife grew even more furious and thought: “Why did my father fail to investigate carefully before appointing this ungrateful, treacherous outsider as chief minister and entrusting the affairs of the kingdom to him? Why has he brought a woman from the king’s palace into his own chamber, captured and slaughtered the king’s beloved peacock for food, and taken in a foreign stranger, supplying him with clothing and provisions and maintaining him as a devoted retainer?”

His wife reported all these matters to the king and said:

– Father, you place great trust in that man, but I have seen that nothing could surpass his wicked conduct. Dismiss him from office and send him back to his estate.

Upon hearing this report, the king underwent an extraordinary change of heart. He ordered the executioners to seize Mahauṣadha and put him to death according to the law.

The caṇḍālas tied bright-red flowers beneath his neck and beat drums with a fearsome sound. Vicious men followed, carrying terrifying blades like messengers of Yama, and led Mahauṣadha to the charnel ground. When the time came for the execution, however, no one was willing to kill him. The onlookers wept as though grieving for themselves, all sobbing and imploring the devas and beseeching the Buddha.

At that time, the foreign stranger whom Mahauṣadha had supplied with clothing and food said to everyone:

– I can kill this man.

As they went outside the city, the brahmin followed them, seized the hem of Mahauṣadha’s robe, and demanded a sheng of rice bran. Seeing what was happening, Mahauṣadha spoke this verse:

One should not become intimate with kings,

Nor is it easy to approach the wicked.

If a matter is to remain secret,

Do not let a woman know of it.

I did not eat the peacock,

Nor did I seduce a woman of the palace.

I harbored no deceitful intent,

Yet I still owe this man his rice bran.

As he was about to be executed, Mahauṣadha spoke this verse. After hearing it, the messenger asked Mahauṣadha:

– You possess wisdom surpassing that of others, yet you utter meaningless words.

He replied:

– These are not meaningless words. You are simply unable to understand them. Take my words and repeat them to the king.

The messenger went and recited the verse to the king. Although the king heard it, he too did not understand. He therefore ordered the messenger to summon Mahauṣadha and asked him:

– What is the meaning of those words?

He replied:

– Their meaning is very profound.

The king asked:

– What do they mean?

Mahauṣadha said:

– I beg Your Majesty to listen attentively while I explain the meaning of the verse.

– One should not become intimate with a king means this: formerly, the cities and villages in the kingdom were not under the king’s direct authority, and he possessed only his food and palace. Through my strategies, I subdued those powerful ministers. The kingdom became secure, the king’s authority was restored, the royal enterprise flourished, the whole country rejoiced, and the treasuries became abundant—all through the strength of this minister. Now he wishes to kill this minister in recompense for those services; hence it is said that one should not become intimate with a king.

– It is difficult to associate with wicked people means this: formerly, some poor people wandered to other regions seeking hired work and approached the king to beg for food to sustain their lives. Receiving no assistance from the king, they came to this minister. Seeing their destitution, the minister supplied them with clothing and provisions. Once their lives were secure, they remembered not the slightest kindness; now they have even come to kill this minister.

– If a matter is secret, do not disclose it to a woman means this: formerly, while holding court, the king asked everyone to whom a secret matter might be told. Some said it could be told to one’s parents, or to one’s wife and children, and so forth, as related previously. This minister said that such people could not yet be trusted and that the matter should be examined carefully; the king ought to test it himself. This minister did not eat the king’s peacock, but brought another bird and told his wife to cook it for him.

– Do not violate the women of the king’s inner palace: I temporarily sent the palace woman wearing the jeweled necklace elsewhere and engaged another person to impersonate a palace maid and enter the house. If anyone does not believe this, please summon them here and question them.

The king summoned the palace women to verify the matter, and it was exactly as stated.

– Do not incur a debt of bran to another means this: when the king sent an executioner who was about to kill this minister, that man hurried over, seized the minister’s robe, and cried, “Return to me one sheng of barley bran.” Without compassion and unable to act according to the circumstances, he had formerly begged for bran, but now, seeing the minister about to die, came to demand repayment.

Having heard the meaning of the verses and carefully examined the matter, the king clearly understood that Mahauṣadha was innocent. He joyfully released him and held a grand ceremony appointing him as a chief minister.

Mahauṣadha then paid homage and addressed the king:

– Judging from this, should secret matters be told to women? The princess whom the king bestowed upon me is truly of no benefit to this minister; please take her back. I ask to seek for myself a maiden whose speech is truthful, who possesses virtue, comes from a family of suitable standing, and is intelligent and wise, so that I may marry her.

After taking leave of the king, Mahauṣadha assumed the appearance of a brahmin. Holding a purification flask in his hand, wearing an auspicious cord and a deerskin garment, and having three lines painted upon his face, he set out toward his former city to seek a wife. In the evening, a brahmin encountered Mahauṣadha on the road and asked:

– From where have you come, sir?

He replied:

– I have come from the city of Videha.

The man asked:

– Where do you wish to go?

He replied:

– To the city of Mãn Tài.

The man asked:

– Do you have any acquaintance here with whom you can stay for the night?

He replied:

– I do not.

The man immediately brought Mahauṣadha home and duly arranged a place for him to rest. Seeing that the brahmin’s wife was not chaste, Mahauṣadha wished to depart early the next morning after spending the night there.

The brahmin said:

– My humble dwelling is your home, my friend. You may come and go and spend the night whenever you wish, without hesitation.

After clasping hands in agreement, Mahauṣadha took his leave. Continuing along the road, he saw in a barley field ahead a maiden of beautiful appearance and the dignified bearing of one from a respectable family. Mahauṣadha felt affection for her and asked:

– What is your name and family name?

She replied:

– My name is Viśākhā.

He asked:

– Whose daughter are you?

She replied:

– The headman of this village is my father.

Mahauṣadha thought:

– Although she is beautiful, I do not yet know the quality of her wisdom. I should therefore test her.

Entering the barley field, Mahauṣadha raised both hands but trod upon the grain with his feet. Viśākhā said:

– Since you know to restrain your hands, you should do likewise with your feet.

Knowing that she possessed wisdom, Mahauṣadha asked:

– Your earrings are truly lovely, and their color shines with unusual brilliance.

She replied:

– They merely conceal an unattractive body; what beauty is there in them?

He said:

– You are very beautiful.

She replied:

– This body was born of my parents; I attach no importance to outward appearance.

He asked:

– Where has your father gone?

She replied:

– Alone, he is performing two tasks.

He asked:

– What does that mean?

She replied:

– He has gone both to set thorns across the old road and to clear a new road.

He asked:

– Where is your mother?

She replied:

– She has returned home to obtain seed for sowing a field late in the season.

He asked:

– Could you become my wife?

She replied:

– That matter rests with my parents; I cannot know.

He asked:

– On the way to the city of Mãn Tài, which road is level and easy and free of thorns? Please show it to me so that I may travel safely.

After giving him directions, the maiden went ahead by herself. Reaching the bank of a pond, she spread out her garment and sat down, then narrowed one eye to see whether Mahauṣadha would recognize her.

A moment later, Mahauṣadha reached the bank of the pond. Upon seeing her, he recognized her at once and spoke this verse:

Your body wears no garment woven of silk,

Nor one that has been sewn of felt.

Narrowing your eye, please point out to me

Which road leads to the city of Wondrous Flowers.

Hearing this, the maiden smiled and replied in verse:

Advance along the smooth road;

Do not take the rugged path.

When you behold a great forest,

Pass close beside it.

You will also see land planted with grain,

Where there is a tree blooming with red flowers.

Leave it on your left and pass to the right;

Follow that road onward.

Following her directions, Mahauṣadha reached the city of Wondrous Flowers. Viśākhā’s home was not far from the city, but her parents were absent. Mahauṣadha asked the city elders:

– If you would give Viśākhā to me in marriage, I would be deeply grateful.

Hearing this, those people became very angry and said to the brahmin:

– You beg another person for his daughter and truly know no shame. Why are you so hasty in proposing marriage to Viśākhā, a maiden as beautiful as a celestial nymph? Leave the city at once. If you return, we shall have the dogs devour your flesh.

Disappointed, the brahmin returned to Viśākhā. As soon as she saw him approaching, she welcomed him. Mahauṣadha related how he had just spoken to those people and had nearly been beaten.

The maiden said:

– You acted wrongly and showed no resourcefulness at all. A marriage proposal cannot be made in that way.

Mahauṣadha asked:

– How should it be done?

She replied:

– First you should become acquainted with them, then draw close to them. Afterward, hold a feast and invite them to partake of fragrant delicacies. Only then should you express what you desire.

Having heard her instructions, Mahauṣadha followed them. Only when they had eaten and drunk did he speak of his wish to marry Viśākhā. Everyone said:

– We shall act according to your wishes.

While they were discussing the matter, her parents arrived. Mahauṣadha and the city elders went to their home and spoke to her parents about the marriage.

They replied:

– Please be patient and allow us time to consider the matter.

Everyone said:

– Do not deliberate any longer. This brahmin is young and handsome and possesses broad knowledge of the scriptures. He has mastered the five sciences and the six treatises. Even if many months and years passed, it would be difficult for these two to meet again. Quickly bring the betrothal gifts; there should be no delay.

Because everyone spoke to Mahauṣadha in this way, her parents agreed to give him their daughter in marriage. Seeing that they had consented, Mahauṣadha presented her parents with garments of the finest quality, left gifts for Viśākhā, and then returned to the city of Videha.

While traveling back to King Trùng Hưng, Mahauṣadha encountered a great assembly where alms were being distributed. He received one sheng of flour, wrapped it, and placed it inside his robe. Arriving at the house of the brahmin who had previously given him lodging, Mahauṣadha knocked at the door. The wife came out and asked:

– Who are you?

He replied:

– I am a friend of your husband.

– My husband is not at home, so I do not receive outsiders. Go and seek lodging at another house, the wife said.

Mahauṣadha thought:

– Something must be happening here; that is why she will not let me stay for the night.

After walking a short distance, he saw another man enter that house. Mahauṣadha thought, “Because an outsider is there, she would not let me enter.”

While Mahauṣadha was hesitating, the husband returned and called for the door to be opened.

Hearing her husband call, the wife was terrified and did not know what to do, so she hid her lover inside the grain bin.

As he entered through the door with the husband, Mahauṣadha asked:

– Where should I put my flour?

The wife said:

– Put it on the ground.

Mahauṣadha said:

– I fear the mice will eat it.

Looking all around the corners of the house and beneath the bed, he saw nothing except a small grain bin nearby. Thinking that the man must be inside it, Mahauṣadha said:

– Put it in the grain bin.

The wife said:

– All the possessions in our house are kept in there. If the flour is put inside, what will become of those things?

Her husband said:

– You malicious woman! Why not take the things out and then put the flour in?

She resisted and would not let them approach. When she realized that her husband had firmly made up his mind and could not be stopped, she became extremely frightened and did not know what to do. She could only say:

– It is damp inside the bin. I fear the flour will be spoiled.

– Do not worry. I will not let it spoil.

Having said this, Mahauṣadha immediately placed firewood, grass, and dried cow dung around all four sides of the bin, intending to set them alight.

Fearing that her lover would be burned to death, the wife secretly sent someone to inform his father:

– Your son is in danger. Come quickly and save him.

On hearing the message, the father hurried over. Knowing that his son was inside the bin, he said to Mahauṣadha:

– If you need this grain bin, I will pay you for it. How much do you want?

He replied:

– Five hundred gold coins.

While they were bargaining, the fire blazed up on all four sides. The father said:

– If my son dies, what use will money be to me?

He hurriedly handed over the money and carried the grain bin away.

The following morning, Mahauṣadha gave one hundred gold coins to his host, recounted the entire affair, and told him that his wife was of bad conduct and that he must do his utmost to guard against it.

Mahauṣadha then wrote a letter, enclosed four hundred gold coins, and gave them to his host to take to Viśākhā in the city of Wonderful Flower. He instructed him to tell the lord of the city that he was not a traveler, but a minister of the king who had previously come to the city in search of a bride, and to tell Viśākhā to take good care of herself.

After Mahauṣadha had returned to Videha, the brahmin took the letter and money to Viśākhā, but handed her the letter and only three hundred gold coins.

On receiving the letter, Viśākhā saw that it read:

Four pieces make a garment;

If one is missing, it cannot be sewn.

If one stake is missing,

The fetter for the feet will retrieve it.

After reading the letter, she counted the money and found only three hundred gold coins. Viśākhā immediately began searching beneath the bed for the fetters. The messenger asked:

– What are you looking for?

She replied:

– A criminal belonging to the royal household is here, so I need the fetters.

After finding them, Viśākhā said:

– I do not know how to use these. Please extend your feet so that I may try them out.

Being dull by nature, the messenger stretched out his feet and placed them in the fetters. Viśākhā immediately turned the lock and fastened them securely.

The messenger asked:

– Why have you fettered me?

She replied:

– He sent four hundred, but you took one hundred for yourself.

Thinking, “How extraordinary! Both of them are wise; it is difficult to deceive them in this matter,” the messenger immediately returned the one hundred gold coins, restoring the full amount.

When her parents arrived, Viśākhā showed them the money and said:

– The man who previously came to seek my hand in marriage was not a poor brahmin. He was Mahauṣadha, the chief minister of the king of Videha.

Hearing this, her parents and relatives were all overjoyed. They said, “We are blessed to obtain as our son-in-law the foremost minister. Our family will surely prosper through him.”

From that time onward, they provided Viśākhā with the finest and most exquisite bathing supplies, clothing, food, and bedding, making her appearance even lovelier and more beautiful than before.

When they heard that Mahauṣadha had returned to the city, the king and all the officials rejoiced. When Mahauṣadha entered the court, the king asked:

– Mahauṣadha, did you find a wife?

He replied:

– I did.

The king asked:

– What is she like?

He replied:

– The maiden is as beautiful as a flower and peerless in loveliness. She is intelligent, greatly wise, and exceptionally capable. She is truly worthy to be my wife. I ask Your Majesty’s permission to bring her here.

The king said:

– You are a great minister and have committed no fault. The wedding ceremony must therefore be celebrated with extraordinary splendor. Adorn it as you wish, so that everyone may rejoice.

Obeying the king’s command, Mahauṣadha, together with the officials, brahmins, householders, and citizens, some traveling by carriage, some on horseback, and some on foot, led the four divisions of the army to the city of Wonderful Flower. They went to Viśākhā’s home and celebrated the wedding together. After the marriage, they returned together to the city of Videha and lived in happiness.

At that time, five hundred horse merchants from the north came to the city of Videha. In that city were five hundred courtesans, graceful and beautiful in appearance, whose singing, dancing, and speech were all unsurpassed. Every merchant who came there was induced by them to squander all his wealth and merchandise. These five hundred courtesans met the five hundred merchants and made merry with them, but the leader of the merchants alone remained unbewildered. The chief woman among the courtesans approached him and tried to become intimate with him, but he would not yield to her wishes. She and the other women came to him every day, yet he remained resolute and unmoved. Seeing that she continually came to talk and laugh with him, the merchant leader said:

– I harbor no improper thoughts. Your repeated visits are only a waste of effort.

The courtesan said:

– If you change your mind, what will you give me?

He replied:

– I will give you five superior horses. But if I commit no transgression, you must give me five hundred gold coins.

After they had made this agreement, the woman employed many further means to entice him, yet she still could not make the merchant leader change his mind.

The other merchants said:

– She is the most beautiful woman in this city. You should not disappoint her.

The merchant leader said:

– Last night I dreamed that I had intercourse with her, so what need is there for us actually to meet?

When they heard this, everyone reported it to the courtesan. She immediately led five hundred knife-bearing people to demand that the merchant leader hand over five horses according to their previous agreement, saying that he had changed his mind and committed an improper act with her.

The merchant leader said:

– You truly have no sense of shame! You falsely accuse an innocent man.

They brought their dispute before the king’s tribunal, but by evening no judgment had been reached as to which party was right. They were therefore instructed to return the next morning for further examination.

Seeing that Mahauṣadha returned home later than usual, Viśākhā asked:

– Why have you come home so late?

After recounting the entire affair, Mahauṣadha said:

– The case has still not been settled.

His wife said:

– All of you understand principles and reasoning, yet you cannot discern this matter. How can that be called wisdom?

Mahauṣadha asked:

– We have not understood it. Are you able to judge the case?

His wife said:

– Let me try judging it in this way, and we shall see what insight it displays. First, report to the king and ask him to summon the officials. Then take the five horses with you to the edge of a lake. In the presence of everyone, call the courtesan forward and say, “The merchant leader truly committed an improper act with you, so it is right that the horses should be handed over. Since the act occurred in a dream, you may lead away the horses’ reflections in the water as you please.” If she says that the horses’ reflections are not real and therefore cannot be led away, tell her that intercourse in a dream is likewise unreal.

On hearing this, Mahauṣadha was filled with admiration. Early the next morning, he reported to the king and invited the officials. Everyone assembled at the lakeside together with the courtesan and the five horses. Standing on the bank of the lake, Mahauṣadha followed Viśākhā’s plan and questioned the woman point by point.

On hearing this, the king and everyone present were filled with admiration. They said to Mahauṣadha:

– If you had judged the case in this way yesterday evening, there would have been no need to trouble everyone by assembling again today. Whose plan was this?

He replied:

– It was Viśākhā’s. When I returned home yesterday evening, I recounted this affair to her...

The king and his officials all marveled and declared that Viśākhā possessed great wisdom and ingenuity.

Viśākhā’s fame spread everywhere and became known both near and far.

At that time, the northern region presented two horses, one the mother and the other her offspring. Their forms, sizes, and coat colors were completely identical, so no one could distinguish which was the mother and which was the offspring. The king and everyone else examined them together, but no one could tell them apart.

Hearing of this, Viśākhā said:

– The one with coarse hair is the mother; the one with soft hair is the offspring.

Everyone marveled at her.

On another occasion, a man skilled in snake spells brought before the king two snakes identical in appearance, such that no one could distinguish the male from the female. Everyone was at a loss. Mahauṣadha told Viśākhā about this. On hearing it, Viśākhā smiled and said:

– If you do not know even this, how can you be called wise? Those who attend upon the king receive their stipends in vain.

Mahauṣadha asked:

– Do you know how?

She replied:

– I know clearly. Tie a soft object to the tip of a reed and stroke it along the snakes’ spines. The one that bends and moves is the male; the one that remains lying still is the female.

Mahauṣadha followed her instructions and found it to be exactly so. Everyone praised her skill.

A merchant from the southern country brought the king a sandalwood staff whose two ends looked identical, so that no one could distinguish the root end from the tip. When asked about it, Viśākhā smiled and said:

– Place the staff in water. The root end will sink, while the tip will float.

When tested, it proved to be exactly so, and everyone marveled.

The king thought:

– I shall test my great ministers and see who among them possesses the greatest wisdom.

On the upper story, the king had a tall banner erected, with a brilliant precious jewel placed at its top. The sunlight was reflected from it, and the jewel’s image appeared in a pond as though it were real.

The king told everyone:

– Whoever can enter the pond and retrieve the jewel will receive a reward from me.

Everyone entered the pond and searched, but they could not obtain it. Mahauṣadha again informed Viśākhā.

She laughed and replied:

– Look upward in the opposite direction, and you will find the real jewel itself.

Mahauṣadha followed her instruction and obtained the jewel.

The king asked:

– Whose supreme wisdom was this?

He replied:

– Viśākhā’s.

The king immediately presented her with the jewel and praised her.

Seeing that Viśākhā possessed beauty rarely found in the world, the great ministers all became enamored of her. They sent her jewels and treasures, hoping to enter into an illicit relationship with her. Yet Viśākhā’s resolve remained unchanged.

Seeing that they persisted in their desire, Viśākhā said to Mahauṣadha:

– In your country, men who see another man’s beautiful wife desire to have an illicit relationship with her. This is truly despicable.

He replied:

– This is a worldly custom handed down from one person to another. Yet a steadfast and chaste woman will not comply.

His wife said:

– I wish to humiliate them. Please do not blame me.

He replied:

– Do as you wish.

His wife said:

– Pretend to be ill, and leave the matter to me.

Obeying her, Mahauṣadha reported that he was ill and withdrew from everyone. The great ministers sent messengers to inquire of Viśākhā.

She replied:

– My husband is ill, so I am free to do as I please.

Viśākhā immediately had a craftsman make a wooden figure resembling Mahauṣadha. She placed it on the bed and covered it with a thin garment. She then informed everyone:

– My husband is gravely ill and has little life remaining. Act according to your ability, and when you come to make love with me, do not let outsiders see you.

She had six large chests made and placed them in six rooms. Whenever a great minister arrived, Viśākhā told him to hide temporarily inside a chest, lest someone discover him. Once he had entered, she locked the chest. After she had confined all six great ministers in the chests, Viśākhā told everyone:

– Mahauṣadha has died.

The king and all his fellow officials were grief-stricken and wept loudly, thinking:

– How could such a talented man suddenly die?

Viśākhā brought the six large chests before the king and said:

– Great King, Mahauṣadha has passed away. All his precious possessions are kept in these chests. Please accept them. (And she spoke two verses.)

Seeing this, the king was deeply distressed, thinking that Mahauṣadha had died that very day and that now even his belongings had been brought before him.

At that moment, Mahauṣadha entered through a side door, adorned with necklaces and ornaments. He approached the king and said with a smile:

– Your Majesty loves your servant very dearly indeed! No sooner had I died than you took possession of my property.

The king said:

– I did not demand your property. Viśākhā personally brought it here and spoke these verses:

May the Great King understand:

Mahauṣadha has passed away.

These precious treasures were his;

Please inspect these treasured chests.

Now that my husband is no more,

I am a lonely, helpless widow.

Fearing that outsiders might deceive me

And the king’s possessions might be lost.

Mahauṣadha said:

– If that is so, Your Majesty may open the chests and see what treasures they contain.

After the chests were opened, all six great ministers emerged from within.

When the king asked them why they were there, the six men replied:

Because of sensual desire,

We were deceived by a woman.

May the Great King show us mercy;

We shall never dare do this again.

The king said:

– The wandering-on of the world in samsara is entirely caused by sensual desire. You have suffered this humiliation and committed a grave offense besides. Return home, and henceforth examine yourselves carefully.

The king further lamented:

– Alas! That a woman should possess such exceptional chastity and purity! Her peerless stratagem has never been seen from ancient times until now, and she has caused great ministers and chief counselors to be humiliated in this way.

Because of this incident, the king issued a prohibition against indulgence in sexual desire. Delighted, he bestowed further rank and stipends upon Viśākhā, causing her fame to spread to other countries.

The king then thought that Mahauṣadha possessed great merit and was therefore able to obtain such a wise and talented wife. He said to Mahauṣadha:

– Find for me a consort endowed with wisdom and ability, one who can bring peace and security to the governance of both the inner palace and the realm beyond, so that I may simply fold my arms and live at ease.

Mahauṣadha said:

– Where should I seek such a woman?

The king said:

– I have heard that in the kingdom of Pañcāla there is a maiden named Wonderful Medicine. Her beauty is unequaled in the world, and her aspirations are noble and surpass those of others. If you go there to seek her hand in marriage, you will surely succeed.

Mahauṣadha replied:

– That is a neighboring country and may be hostile toward us. We should first devise an expedient means; only afterward can our objective be achieved.

The king sent his chief counselor to seek the marriage. Seeing the envoy arrive, the king and ministers of that country deliberated together: “The king of Videha possesses great military strength. By seeking a marriage alliance with us, he wishes to establish friendly relations. If he comes here himself, whether the outcome be auspicious or disastrous, we may act as we please.”

After deliberating, the king agreed. He selected an auspicious date and time and informed the other kingdom that they should come there to hold the wedding ceremony.

The envoy returned and reported to the king:

– The princess’s hand has been obtained, and the wedding ceremony is appointed for the agreed date.

When that day arrived, the king of Pañcāla prepared a sumptuous banquet, put poison into the delicious foods, and then sent an envoy to inform the king of Videha:

– The banquet is ready. Please come quickly.

When the envoy arrived, Mahauṣadha said to the king:

– We should not act hastily. We must deliberate carefully. From ancient times until now, neighboring countries have ordinarily been enemies, frequently waging war and finding it difficult to live in friendship.

The king said:

– With whom should we deliberate?

He replied:

– Great King, do not be concerned. I have a parrot named Endowed with Marks, who possesses great wisdom and thoroughly understands human affairs. Send him to that city to investigate, and afterward he will return and report what he has learned.

The king said:

– Do as you see fit.

After receiving his instructions, the parrot uttered a cry, beat his wings, and flew to that city. Perching atop a tree, he surveyed the four directions to see with whom he might confer and to whom he might entrust the exchange of information. But there was no bird with whom he could devise a plan. Flying into a bamboo grove, he saw the nest of a śāri bird. The parrot immediately flew beside the nest and offered his greetings.

The śāri bird asked:

– From where have you come?

Endowed with Marks replied:

“I have come here from the court of King Śrī in the north. Formerly, I was an envoy charged with overseeing the royal garden, and I took a śārikā bird as my wife. She was young and beautiful, peerless in form, diligent and intelligent, and well versed in speech. When she once went outside, she was carried away by a hawk. Because of this, I suffered as though an arrow had pierced my heart. I searched everywhere for her and, traveling little by little, eventually came here. I have no companion at all, so I ask to take you as my wife.”

She replied:

“I have never heard or seen that a parrot takes a śārikā bird as its wife.”

Then Jùxiàng sought to persuade her with many words, speaking this verse:

I served the king of the north,

Guarding the garden of Śrī city.

A śārikā bird was my wife,

Intelligent and skilled in speech.

Because she went out to play,

She was carried away by a hawk.

In searching for her,

I have wandered and drifted here.

The śārikā bird replied:

A śārikā as a parrot’s wife—

Such a thing has never been heard.

A parrot seeks another parrot;

All wise ones know it is so.

After speaking these verses, they continued conversing. Their hearts and intentions accorded, so the śārikā bird consented to become his wife. Once they had become intimate, their mutual affection made it difficult for them to part.

At that time, Jùxiàng clearly saw that the king’s household was preparing excellent food and drink, with many rare dishes of varied colors. Seeing this, he asked the śārikā bird:

“Why is the palace preparing such a sumptuous feast? Might I taste its flavors?”

She replied:

“Although these superior dishes are fragrant and delicious, they have all been poisoned.”

He asked:

“Why?”

She replied:

“King Videha is about to arrive. This food is being prepared ostensibly to hold a celebration, but the secret intention is to kill the king and his ministers.”

After questioning her closely and learning the matter clearly, Jùxiàng spoke this verse:

They say this royal maiden

Will be given in marriage to Videha.

Although I have heard this rumor,

I do not know whether it is true or false.

The śārikā bird replied:

The king will not give away the royal maiden;

The fool does not know his own measure.

By employing this method,

He intends to destroy them all.

Having learned of this matter, the parrot rejoiced like a great merchant-chief who had obtained rare and precious treasures, and said to the śārikā bird:

I shall fly back to the north

And report to the king of Śrī country

That I have gained a beautiful, intelligent wife,

One who knows how to speak human speech.

The śārikā bird said:

Noble son! Fly away

And return to visit the king of Śrī.

Come back quickly within seven days;

You must not remain away too long.

Flying into the sky, before long the parrot returned and met Mahauṣadha. He related the entire matter. Mahauṣadha in turn reported it to the king and advised him not to go.

Hearing that the other kingdom would not come, the king on this side led the fourfold army to the city of Videha and surrounded it on all four sides, leaving no opening.

The king and Mahauṣadha deliberated over what stratagem they should employ.

Mahauṣadha said:

“We should not engage in battle. Let us use a stratagem to sow dissension.”

At that time, five hundred ministers in the opposing camp each received many precious treasures as bribes from the king. Having accepted those valuables, the ministers all changed their minds and no longer obeyed their king’s commands.

After carrying out this scheme, Mahauṣadha and the king sent an envoy to announce:

“It is not that we are unable to fight against the king. Since he is to be the father-in-law, he is naturally very dear to us. Consider carefully: preserving your own persons is the surest course. If you are brought into our hands, you will no longer be free. If you do not believe this, investigate. We have given such-and-such objects ... to Minister .... All five hundred of those men accepted the gifts. Search them, and the truth or falsity of this will become clear.”

After investigating, they found the matter to be exactly as stated. Knowing that dissension had arisen within his own ranks, the king ordered the army to withdraw at midnight. As soon as he returned to the city, he ordered all five hundred ministers executed and appointed their sons in their places.

Mahauṣadha said to the king:

“Now that matters have come to this, there is no further difficulty. I wish to go and seek the royal maiden’s hand in marriage. Whether they will consent is not yet known; we must first ascertain their intentions.”

The king said:

“Do as you see fit.”

Leading troops to the kingdom of Pañcāla, Mahauṣadha lodged temporarily in a garden.

When the king there summoned him into the city, Mahauṣadha replied:

“I shall not enter the city. For the present, please allow me to stay at a minister’s residence.”

The king said:

“Do as you see fit.”

At that time, the sons of the ministers conferred among themselves, saying, “Our fathers were all killed because of Mahauṣadha. We must not allow this enemy to leave.” They reported to the king:

“King Videha possesses no stratagems whatsoever; the prosperity of his royal dominion is entirely due to Mahauṣadha’s achievements. For that reason, we have been unable to invade them. Now detain him and do not allow him to go anywhere. We shall lead the army and destroy that city.”

The king praised their proposal. They led the fourfold army and surrounded the city of Videha.

At that time, learning that the king of Pañcāla had taken the ... road to the city of Videha, Mahauṣadha also discerned that the place where the king’s precious treasures were stored was the very place where the royal maiden Miao Yao resided. Mahauṣadha immediately broke into the palace, took all the precious treasures together with Miao Yao, and, commanding his troops, returned by another route. The king and his minister were reunited; they assembled all the officials of the court and rejoiced together beyond measure.

Then men from Pañcāla reported to their king that the precious treasures and Miao Yao had been carried away. On hearing the news, the king hastily ordered the army to withdraw.

The king of this country then held a grand wedding celebration. When the marriage rites were completed, the king elevated Miao Yao to the position of chief consort.

The king of Pañcāla sent an envoy bearing a letter to Miao Yao, which said:

“I am deeply grieved. Do you not know this? Secretly investigate who disclosed the plan to mix poison into the food in order to kill that king.”

After receiving the letter and investigating the matter, Miao Yao learned that the secret had been reported by Mahauṣadha’s parrot. She sent an envoy to inform her royal father.

On receiving the news, her father secretly sent an envoy with this message:

“Because the parrot observed the matter and reported it, our kingdom was divided and brought to ruin. Send that parrot here.”

The royal maiden confined the parrot and sent it to her father. On seeing the parrot, the king became exceedingly enraged:

“Because of this wicked bird, the kingdom was lost and my kindred were torn apart. Say no more; kill it at once!”

Bowing before the king, the parrot said:

“I beseech Your Majesty to allow me to die according to the custom of my ancestors. If I die in that manner, I shall bear no resentment.”

The king commanded:

“Execute it according to its custom.”

The executioner asked:

“What manner of death is that?”

The parrot replied:

“Tie a hempen cord soaked in oil and grease to my tail, set it alight, and leave me to die.”

Obeying these words, the executioner did so and released the bird. The parrot shot into the sky and swept about with its blazing tail, burning down the entire royal palace. Afterward, it plunged into a pond and bathed, then beat its wings and flew back to Videha.

Mahauṣadha asked:

“Have you returned alive?”

The parrot recounted everything in full.

Mahauṣadha rejoiced greatly.

Furious beyond measure, the king of Pañcāla again sent a letter informing the royal maiden that the parrot had burned down the palace and must be tightly bound and sent over without delay. On seeing the bird, the king became exceedingly enraged and ordered that all its feathers be burned off and water brought to a boil. After plucking away all its feathers, the executioner cast the bird out onto the veranda and said:

“Go away.”

A hawk swooped down and carried the bird to a shrine. Seeing that the hawk intended to eat him, the parrot said:

“If you eat my flesh, you will be satisfied for only one day. But if you release me, I shall offer you excellent, delicious meat every day, enough for you to eat your fill.”

The hawk said:

“Who would believe you?”

The parrot replied:

“I swear it. Moreover, I no longer have wing feathers and cannot fly. Within one or two days, you will see whether my words are true or false.”

The parrot continued:

“Although you have compassionately granted me your favor, you have not yet brought me to the proper place. Please take me beside the shrine of the heavenly king and gently set me upon the ground.”

Heeding these words, the hawk carried the bird to the deity’s shrine. The bird entered the shrine and concealed itself in a small hole behind the divine image.

When the temple keeper brought incense and flowers to make offerings before the divine image, the parrot spoke:

– Go and inform the king that he has committed an evil deed, angering all the deities, and that calamity will befall him through my power. Unless he makes offerings, misfortunes will come without end. Every day he must offer abundant raw meat, sesame seeds, and soybeans, placed in a one-sheng measure. If he maintains such sincerity, I shall bestow my favor upon him.

The temple keeper went and reported this matter to the king. The king said:

– If that is so, I shall follow the instructions and perform all the offerings to the deity.

After many days and months, the hawk ate the meat while the parrot ate the sesame seeds, and their feathers and wings grew back so that they could fly again. When it wished to fly away, the parrot told the temple keeper:

– Go and inform the king: he has made offerings to me for a long time, but there is one further matter in which he must not disobey me. The king, the members of the palace, and all the officials must cut off their hair and then come to see me. I shall bestow upon them immeasurable wealth and happiness.

Upon receiving the messenger’s report, the king immediately shaved off his beard and hair, went to the temple, prostrated himself before the celestial deity, and begged forgiveness.

Flying up into the sky, the parrot spoke this verse:

Whatever deeds are done,

All must bring their retribution.

You plucked out my feathers;

Now I have shaved your head.

After speaking, the parrot flapped its wings, flew high into the sky, and returned to Dai Duoc.

Dai Duoc asked:

– I have been wondering why you were gone for so long.

The parrot gave a complete account of everything it had experienced. Having heard it, Dai Duoc was greatly delighted and reported the matter to the king.

Deeply impressed, the king said:

– Dai Duoc! You are truly blessed, for all your attendants are intelligent. Ty Xa Khư possesses wisdom surpassing that of ordinary people, while such a parrot is rarely found in the world.

Afterward, the king thought, “Which of my officials possesses the greatest wisdom?”

The king gave each minister a dog to raise for the same period of ... and instructed them to teach it to speak in a human voice. After taking the dogs home, the officials exerted themselves in raising them, but had no means of making them speak in a human voice. After taking his dog home, Dai Duoc tied it beside the place where he ate. At mealtimes, Dai Duoc set out an abundance of fragrant and delicious cakes and fruits before it. Although the dog could see them, it was not given even a single morsel, but received only enough coarse food to keep it alive. It therefore became extremely thin, nothing but skin and bones.

The king ordered all the dogs raised by the ministers to be assembled so that he could determine whether they knew how to speak in a human voice.

When they arrived, all the other dogs were plump, but none could speak. Seeing that Dai Duoc’s dog was emaciated, the king asked:

– Why is your dog so thin?

He replied:

– Great King! It is because I always feed it the same food that I myself eat.

The dog immediately said:

– This man is lying. I am always so hungry that I am nearly dead.

Dai Duoc said:

– The king himself has now seen that this dog understands human speech.

The king was greatly delighted and praised him as truly unlike everyone else.

Some time later, the king again tested which of his ministers possessed wisdom. He gave each of them a goat to raise and said:

– You must fatten the goat, yet its flesh must contain no fat.

Those who lacked wisdom merely raised their goats until they were fat. After receiving his goat, Dai Duoc always provided it with ample food and drink so that it grew large, but he also made a wooden wolf and frequently used it to terrify the goat.

Although the goat received abundant food and drink, it developed no fat because of its fear. After the goats had been slaughtered and the truth examined, the king asked:

– Why do the other goats have fat, while yours has none?

Having learned what Dai Duoc had done, the king praised him:

– This is truly extraordinary wisdom.

One day, five hundred sons of the ministers gathered together to amuse themselves in a flower garden. After discussing all manner of subjects, they asked one another:

– If anyone has something marvelous in his home, or has seen such a thing elsewhere, let him tell us about it.

After everyone else had spoken, they asked Dai Duoc’s son:

– What marvelous thing do you have in your home?

He replied:

– My family has a stone empowered by a mantra. When it is dropped into water, it floats and does not sink.

Everyone said:

– We have never seen a stone float upon water.

They all made an agreement and wagered five hundred gold coins.

The son went home and told his father:

– I said that a stone could float, and I wagered five hundred gold coins.

His father said:

– You should not produce the stone. Give them the five hundred gold coins.

In Dai Duoc’s household there was a monkey trained to excel in music. Dai Duoc told his son:

– When you next gather with everyone, ask whether anyone has seen anything marvelous. After they have all spoken, you should say, “I have a monkey skilled in music and accomplished in singing, dancing, playing stringed instruments, and playing the flute.”

Everyone said:

– Previously, because there was no floating stone, you were fined five hundred gold coins. If this claim is also untrue, you must pay one hundred coins. If it is true, we shall give you one hundred gold coins.

Dai Duoc’s son brought the monkey before the king and commanded it to perform music.

After everything had been successfully demonstrated, the others had to pay him one hundred gold coins. The king said that he had never seen such a thing and, greatly delighted, bestowed many precious objects upon him and praised him, saying:

– Dai Duoc’s wisdom is truly foremost among all people.

In this city there lived an intelligent and wise brahmin who was deeply learned in the four Vedas. Not long after taking a wife, he had a daughter of beautiful appearance named U Dam. This brahmin made a vow: if any young man came to study under him and became as learned as he was, he would give this beautiful daughter to him in marriage.

Just as the girl reached maturity, another brahmin in the kingdom had a son whose appearance was repulsive and who possessed all eighteen ugly marks. Seeing this, his parents were displeased and named him Ugly Features. When he came of age, Ugly Features was given no education at all, for his deformity caused his parents shame.

When he grew older, he lamented his own ignorance and entered the city in search of learning. He went to the wise brahmin, paid homage, and said:

– I have come seeking benefit. May the teacher show me compassion.

The teacher agreed. Before long, this student had thoroughly mastered all the treatises known by his teacher. The brahmin thought, “I previously vowed that if anyone mastered all my knowledge, I would give him my daughter in marriage. Although this man is ugly, I must not violate my vow. Whoever betrays his own resolve cannot be reborn in heaven. Even if everyone ridicules me, I shall not break my vow.”

He therefore prepared all the proper rites and gave his daughter in marriage to the young man. The girl’s imposing beauty was so intimidating that Ugly Features did not dare approach her. Ugly Features thought, “At present I am a guest, so I still feel constrained. Once I take her back to my home, I shall be able to act as I please.”

When U Dam saw Ugly Features, she was unhappy and thought, “I possess every beautiful feature, while my husband is coarse and ugly. People will ridicule me. How can I have the face to go on living?”

As Ugly Features was taking U Dam back to his native village, they exhausted all their provisions along the way. Hungry, they came to the shore of a lake. A traveler there was mixing flour with water to drink. U Dam asked him for some, and he gave her a portion. Ugly Features took it elsewhere and consumed it alone.

U Dam said:

– You should share a portion with me, so that I may temporarily ease my hunger.

Ugly Features said:

– The ancient seers established a rule that women must not drink flour mixed with water; therefore I did not give you any.

Later, when they came to a wilderness, they found a piece of meat that had been dropped. Ugly Features ate it alone and did not share it with U Dam, saying:

– The ancient seers likewise did not permit women to eat this.

U Dam thought, “I truly lack merit and virtue, for my parents gave me in marriage to this wicked man. It is deeply regrettable.”

When they came to an udumbara tree, Ugly Features climbed it and picked fruit to eat.

His wife said:

– Pick some for me to eat as well. You should not eat alone.

Ugly Features immediately threw down the unripe fruit while eating the ripe fruit himself.

His wife said:

– Drop down some ripe fruit.

He replied:

– If you want to eat ripe fruit, climb up and pick it yourself.

Being extremely hungry, his wife climbed the tree and picked fruit to eat. Seeing this, Evil-Featured thought, “I am not handsome, and yet I have encountered such a coarse wife, who climbs a tall tree herself to pick fruit to eat. Moreover, I cannot even support myself; how could I also support this useless wife?” Having thus conceived contempt and aversion for her, Evil-Featured climbed down, piled thorns around the tree, and departed.

At that time, King Central Revival happened to be out hunting and came near that grove. Having lost her husband, the woman was distressed and cried out in lamentation. Hearing her cries, the king ordered:

– This is a deserted forest. Who is weeping there?

Following the sound of her cries, they came to the udumbara tree. Seeing that her beauty resembled a celestial maiden descended into the mortal world, the king took her for a divine being and asked:

– Why has a celestial maiden come to this place?

Udumbara spoke this verse:

May the great king understand:

I am not a celestial maiden,

Nor am I a divine being;

I suffer because I have no husband.

The king ordered his men to bring her down. Delighted that the lifelong desire of her heart had been fulfilled, she immediately boarded the carriage and returned to the palace with the king.

Meanwhile, as he was traveling along the road, Evil-Featured suddenly regretted his action:

– I have done wrong. Why did I abandon my young wife in that deserted forest? I should return and bring her home.

When he reached the foot of the tree, Evil-Featured could not find Udumbara. Someone told him:

– The king had her ride with him in his carriage and has taken her into the palace.

Hearing this, Evil-Featured became deeply sorrowful. He went to the palace gate but could not enter. By accompanying a man who was transporting jars, he managed to get inside. Seeing his wife enjoying herself with the king, he wondered how he might speak with her. Under the guise of speaking about something else, Evil-Featured loudly recited this verse:

You sit upon a golden seat,

Your flower-like face truly beautiful;

You take no delight with me—

A skilled craftsman holds axe and blade.

She replied in verse:

Hungry and thirsty, reaching the pond’s bank,

I followed you and begged for flour to drink;

You said a woman was not permitted—

Greatly resentful, worthy of a drum.

Together we passed through a deserted forest;

You ate the meat but shared no portion.

Thinking of this, my body suffers—

When dancing, one must follow the rhythm.

I climbed the udumbara tree myself

And ate ripe fruit, but you gave me none.

Remembering it, my body and mind grieve—

Harming an old woman nearing old age.

Evil-Featured spoke this verse:

You do not remember me,

Though learned and rich in wisdom.

Because of one small fault of mine,

You abandoned me and parted forever.

I shall climb a mountain and fall to my death,

Or drink poison and let this body die;

The guilt for my death will be yours—

A capable youth strives to embrace the pot.

She replied:

As you please, die atop a mountain,

Or drink poison and pass away.

I loved you, yet you despised me;

How, then, could the drum be beaten?

(In each of these verses, the fourth line refers to something immediately at hand. It was intended to prevent others from understanding and has no particular meaning.)

As the two spoke to each other under the guise of discussing other matters, the king asked:

– What do the lady’s words mean? I do not understand them. Explain them to me.

Udumbara clearly told the king:

– This man is the husband to whom my parents gave me in marriage. He possesses great wisdom and is thoroughly versed in the four Vedas. He has now come here because he seeks me.

The king said:

– Be silent; there is no need to speak further. But what is now in your heart? Do you still retain your former affection for him?

She replied:

– How could that be? He has already caused enmity between us. However, this brahmin knows many spells and magical arts, so one should not hastily inflict suffering upon him.

The king then reported the matter to Great Medicine. Great Medicine said:

– Your Majesty, do not be concerned. I shall cause her to love the great king dearly. That brahmin is ugly in appearance, whereas the lady’s beauty surpasses all others; thus, he will not dare approach her.

Great Medicine asked the brahmin:

– What do you seek by entering the palace?

He replied:

– The king has taken my wife into the palace.

He asked:

– Do you recognize your wife?

He replied:

– I do.

Great Medicine said:

– I shall summon all five hundred palace women before you. Whichever one is your wife, you may take her away. If you identify her incorrectly, you shall be beheaded.

He replied:

– I shall obey.

The king ordered:

– Let all the palace women adorn themselves and come before me.

They all adorned themselves and assembled, resembling five hundred celestial maidens in the palace of Shakra. Udumbara mingled among them and also came before the king.

Great Medicine asked the brahmin:

– Do you recognize your wife?

Seeing them all adorned with extraordinary splendor, Evil-Featured became speechless, like a dragon or serpent subdued by a spell. It was as though sunlight shone directly into his eyes, preventing him from opening them. While the brahmin stood staring in bewilderment, all the beautiful women passed by. Only one maidservant, whose form resembled a hungry ghost, came last. Evil-Featured seized her and declared that she was his wife.

Great Medicine said:

– If she is your wife, take her away as you please.

Evil-Featured led her away and spoke this verse:

The most beautiful loves the most beautiful;

A lovely person loves one equally lovely.

My form resembles a hungry ghost,

So I love one who looks like me.

Leaving this celestial palace,

Together we return to the house of ghosts.

Our forms and complexions must correspond;

It cannot be otherwise.

On another occasion, Great Medicine committed a minor fault. The king was displeased with him and therefore did not speak of him. The king entered the royal garden and spent the entire day amusing himself with the palace women. At that time, the lady removed a jeweled necklace worth hundreds of thousands of taels of gold and hung it upon a tree branch, but forgot to take it down. At dusk they returned together to their sleeping quarters, and only that evening did the lady remember it.

By then, a monkey had taken the jeweled necklace and carried it up a tall tree. The king dispatched a messenger to retrieve the necklace with all haste, but it could not be found.

A beggar, having gathered leftover food in the garden, was about to leave. The messenger detained him and said that no one else had entered the garden, so he must return the jeweled necklace.

He replied:

– I am a beggar and have not seen the jeweled necklace.

The messenger beat and interrogated him, then brought him before the authorities, who imprisoned him.

“I must devise a plan. If I remain here, I will surely starve to death.” Thinking thus, the man told the messenger, “I took the jeweled necklace and gave it to the guild-master’s son...”

The messenger immediately arrested the guild-master’s son... and confined him in the same cangue as the other man. At mealtime, the guild-master’s son received fragrant and delicious dishes. When the beggar asked him for food, the guild-master’s son said:

– You committed this deed and dragged me into it as well. I will give you nothing to eat.

After eating, the guild-master’s son wished to urinate.

The beggar replied:

– It is not yet time. I will not go with you.

The guild-master’s son then spoke gently to him:

– Come with me, and I shall make you comfortable.

He replied:

– First make a pledge, and then I shall obey you.

After the other man had sworn an oath, they went together to urinate.

The guild-master’s son told his family:

– From tomorrow onward, bring two portions of food here.

Because of this, the beggar was very pleased and thought:

“Previously, I wandered throughout the city without obtaining enough poor food to sustain myself. Now there is no fine dish that I lack. But I cannot lie here alone.

I shall declare that the foremost courtesan in the city also received a share of the jeweled necklace from me.” When the courtesan was arrested, she was imprisoned together with them in the same place. The beggar had illicit relations with her and was extremely delighted. He thought, “Even if I were imprisoned for twenty years, I would not seek release.” Yet he was still not satisfied with the five sensual pleasures.

Wishing to hear beautiful singing to delight his ears, he accused a musician of taking the jeweled necklace. Though innocent, that man was also imprisoned, and the beggar freely enjoyed his music. In this way, matters continued for many months.

Suffering greatly, everyone said to the beggar:

– Release us from this, and we shall make you comfortable.

The mendicant thought: “If they are all released, who will then care for me? As I see it, if I do not rely upon Đại Dược’s discerning wisdom, how shall I ever escape from this dark prison?”

Therefore, the mendicant immediately confessed that he had shared the jeweled necklace with Đại Dược’s son, and so the young man was arrested and imprisoned.

Đại Dược thought, “My son has been confined in a dark prison; how can I remain at ease?” He entered the palace and addressed the king:

“Though I may be guilty, my son has committed no offense. Why has he been imprisoned?”

The king said:

“The jeweled necklace, worth a hundred thousand taels of gold, was taken by the mendicant and carried outside to be divided among them.”

After hearing the king recount the entire matter, Đại Dược said:

“Your Majesty, do not be troubled. No one has taken away this precious necklace. If my plan is followed, I am certain it can be recovered. Please release all those people.”

Heeding his words, the king released them all. Entering the flower garden and going to the place where the necklace had disappeared, Đại Dược looked up into a tall tree and saw a monkey. He thought, “It was certainly this monkey that took the necklace, but I must devise a way to recover it.”

Đại Dược addressed the king:

“Have everything arranged as before, and let all the palace women adorn themselves with jeweled necklaces and enter the garden.”

Seeing this, the monkey also placed the jeweled necklace around its neck.

Đại Dược ordered:

“Let the palace women dance.”

Seeing them, the monkey danced along.

Đại Dược then ordered:

“Let everyone bow their heads.”

Seeing them, the monkey also bowed its head, and the jeweled necklace fell to the ground.

The king was greatly delighted. He praised Đại Dược’s excellent wisdom, pardoned him, and bestowed additional stipends upon him.

At that time, the six ministers gathered together in one place and discussed the matter, saying, “Formerly, we were all cherished and honored by the king. He allotted territories to us, and we lived in comfort. Now, because they have been taken back, we are destitute and possess not even the smallest parcel of land. That man merely displayed a little skill and was immediately promoted, causing us to lose all our stipends and positions and our cities and settlements to be seized. What are we to do?”

One minister said:

“Later, let us swear together never to betray our mutual pledges. With one heart and united strength, we shall put an end to enmity. Then Đại Dược and the king will no longer bear resentment toward us, and our stipends and positions will be restored as before.”

After discussing the matter in this way, early the next morning all six entered the flower garden. Seeing them assembled together in one place, Đại Dược knew that they must be discussing an important matter. He told the parrot everything and instructed it:

“Go into the flower garden and discover what they have gathered to discuss. Then return and report it to me.”

Flying there and hiding in the shade of a tree, the parrot listened to their discussion.

In the flower garden, the six ministers betrothed their sons and daughters to one another and then said:

“Now that we are relatives, we need no longer harbor suspicions about one another. Do not allow our plans to be divulged outside; let us speak truthfully with one another.”

One man said that he had once eaten the king’s peacock. Another said, “I had illicit relations with a palace woman.” The others likewise revealed what was in their hearts, and together they devised their plans. After their deliberations, the six ate and drank together.

Having heard everything, the parrot reported it to Đại Dược. Đại Dược entered the palace and informed the king:

“Such are Your Majesty’s loyal and virtuous ministers. Please examine the matter and determine the truth.”

Upon questioning them, the king learned that everything was true, and therefore banished them to the distant frontier.

The Buddha told the bhiksus:

“Do not entertain any doubts. Đại Dược in that former time was none other than I myself. King Trung Hưng was Śāriputra. Those six ministers were the Six Teachers. In the past, I expelled them. Now I am the most honored one in the three realms, and by manifesting great spiritual powers I have expelled the six non-Buddhist teachers. Bhiksus, you should associate closely with good and wise spiritual friends. Through such wise teachers, one comes to comprehend all writings, both inner and outer, and attains such a splendid accomplishment of flourishing virtue. You should train in this way.”

FUNDAMENTAL VINAYA MISCELLANY OF THE SARVĀSTIVĀDA

End of Fascicle Twenty-Eight