賢愚經

Chapter Fifteen: Cu Da Gives His Body

Thus have I heard: At one time the Buddha was dwelling in the kingdom of Rajagriha, on Vulture Peak.

At that time, the Blessed One was afflicted by a disorder of wind. His disciples summoned Jivaka, the King of Physicians, to treat him. Jivaka blended thirty-two medicinal ingredients into clarified butter, offered it to the Buddha, and said:

“Revered Blessed One! This year the seasons are unseasonable, giving rise to many strange illnesses. I have reverently prepared this medicine. I humbly ask that you take thirty-two taels each day.”

The Blessed One joyfully accepted it and bestowed a blessing upon him.

At that time, Devadatta habitually harbored jealousy toward the Buddha. Arrogant and conceited, he wished to place himself on an equal footing with the Buddha. When he learned that the Buddha was taking medicinal clarified butter, he also summoned Jivaka and ordered him to prepare medicine for him to take.

When Jivaka had finished preparing it, he presented it to Devadatta and said:

“Venerable sir! This medicine is extremely potent. You may take only four taels each day!”

Devadatta asked, “How many taels does the Buddha take each day?”

“Venerable sir! The Buddha takes thirty-two taels each day!”

Devadatta asked:

“Why can the Buddha take thirty-two taels each day while I can take only four?”

“Venerable sir! The Buddha is different, and you are different! If you take as much as the Buddha, your body will certainly be harmed!”

“My digestive power is fully sufficient. What difference is there between my body and the Buddha’s body? Let me take it and see whether it is as effective for me as it is for the Buddha!”

“Venerable sir! You may do as you please, but if anything happens, we will accept no responsibility!”

“Of course! Do not concern yourself.”

Devadatta weighed out the full thirty-two taels and swallowed it all at once. After taking it, he fell flat on his back, foam pouring from his mouth like a heap of soap suds. He thrashed about on the bed, rolled off onto the floor, and cried out in agony.

The Blessed One, feeling compassion for his suffering, extended his golden arm from afar and, through his spiritual power, reached Devadatta and stroked his head. Through the power of the Buddha’s loving-kindness and compassion, the medicine was digested, his illness vanished, and his body and mind became peaceful and at ease. Looking up and seeing the Buddha’s hand, Devadatta said to himself:

“Siddhartha possesses many miraculous powers, yet they are of no use to the world. Now he has even learned the physician’s art, all for the sake of fame and gain.”

When I, Ananda, heard him utter such heartless and unrighteous words, I knelt and addressed the Buddha:

“Revered Blessed One! Devadatta is utterly ungrateful and faithless! You saved him from his affliction, yet not only did he fail to thank you, he even uttered such vile words. How can he possess such a heart, forever harboring nothing but jealousy toward the Blessed One?”

The Buddha said to me:

“Ananda! It is not only today that Devadatta has harbored sinister intentions and sought to harm me. In past lives as well, he employed one scheme after another to injure me.”

I then said, “Revered One, we do not know how he harmed you in the past. I humbly ask you to instruct us so that we may understand.”

The Buddha said, “Listen carefully, and I shall explain it for you!”

“Yes! I shall listen with reverence.”

The Buddha said, “Ananda! You should know that incalculable asamkhya kalpas ago, here in this very Jambudvipa, there was a great kingdom named Varanasi. Its king was named Brahmadatta. He was cruel by nature and devoid of compassion. Moreover, he was infatuated with sensual pleasures, brought injury to myriad living beings, and kept venomous malice deeply lodged within his heart.

“One night, he dreamed of a golden-furred beast. From the purple tips of its hairs, rays of golden light streamed out to the left and right. When he awoke, he thought to himself, ‘The beast I have just seen in my dream must surely exist somewhere in this world.’ Having thought this, he summoned his hunters and commanded them:

“‘My ministers! I have summoned you here today because I wish to tell you about a dream of mine. Last night, during the third watch, while I slept soundly, I saw a beast whose body was entirely covered in golden fur. From the tips of its hairs, rays of light shone forth. I am certain that such a beast exists in the forest. Find it and capture it, then skin it and bring me its hide. I shall richly reward you, ensuring that your descendants for seven generations have abundant food and necessities. But if you fail to devote yourselves to finding and capturing it for me, I shall exterminate every member of your clans.’

“The hunters broke out in a terrified sweat, but they did not know what they could say. They all bowed in acknowledgment and withdrew.

“After returning, they gathered in one place to consider how to carry out the task the king had just assigned them. They said:

“‘Friends, this matter is exceedingly difficult for us. From the time I first learned to carry a gun and hunt until now, I have never seen a beast like the one in the king’s dream! If we fail to capture this golden-furred beast, all our clans will be put to death beneath the king’s tyrannical hand. It would be better for us to take our wives and children and flee to another country to make our living and escape this calamity!’

“One young man then said:

“‘Good friends! There are many venomous creatures and ferocious beasts in these mountains, and the roads are perilous. One may set out without knowing whether one will ever return. In my opinion, it would be best to hire someone to go in our stead!’

“Everyone agreed. After finding a man to hire, they made this pledge to him: ‘Devote yourself to entering the forest and hunting on our behalf for the golden-furred beast whose hair tips emit light. If you return safely, we shall richly reward you with a quantity of gold and silver. If you perish in the wilderness, we shall give that gold and silver to your wife and children for their support.’

“The man thought to himself, ‘For the sake of saving others, I would willingly give up even my life.’

“Having thought this, he said, ‘Good friends, I accept responsibility for this matter on your behalf, and I vow that I shall return only if I succeed.’

“They all rejoiced and prepared provisions and money for his journey.

“When he was about to depart, everyone wished him a safe return. Bidding them farewell, he set out. After traveling for many days and enduring innumerable hardships and dangers, his provisions were nearly exhausted. Tormented by hunger and thirst, his body became emaciated and his strength was spent. As he crossed a desert beneath the blazing sun, the sand seemed to roast and boil, while waves of scorching heat surged upward. His mouth was parched and his throat was dry; he could do nothing but await his final breath and death. In the extremity of his suffering, he cried out:

“‘Is there anyone with a compassionate heart who will take pity on me and save my life now?’

“In those mountains lived a wild beast named Cu Da. Its fur was golden, and light shone from the tips of its hairs. From afar, it heard a human voice crying for help. Moved by compassion, it hastened forth in search of him, crossing streams of cool water along the way. When it arrived, it saw a man lying exposed upon the ground, seemingly on the verge of death. Cu Da warmed and sheltered him with its own body. After a long while, the man regained consciousness. Cu Da carried him to a stream, bathed him to cool his body, and then went to gather various delicious fruits for him to eat. After eating them, the man recovered his strength.

“When the man fully revived, he thought to himself:

“‘This golden-furred beast is precisely the one I set out to capture and present to the king. Yet when I encountered mortal danger, it rescued me. I have not yet repaid its kindness; how could I bear to harm it? But if I do not capture it and present it to the king, the families of all those hunters will be put to death.’

“Thinking thus, he became sorrowful and could find no way to resolve his dilemma.

“Cu Da asked, ‘Why are you unhappy?’

“With tears falling, the man replied, ‘I am thinking about a personal matter!’

“Cu Da asked again, ‘What is it? Please explain it clearly to me!’

“‘This matter is difficult to resolve, and I dare not speak of it.’

“Cu Da continued, ‘Tell me. If I am able to help, I shall help you.’

“The man pondered for a long while and then truthfully told Cu Da of his purpose in seeking the golden-furred beast.”

Cu Da joyfully said:

“It is not difficult. I can give you my skin! You should know that, if all the bodies in which I have died from the distant past until now were counted, they would be immeasurable, innumerable, and impossible to reckon. Yet those bodies never accomplished anything beneficial. Today I can offer my golden skin and my life to save someone—what could bring greater joy? So go ahead and flay it from me. I give it willingly, but do not take my life at once. I am delighted to make this gift to you and feel not the slightest regret!”

Hearing Cu Da’s words, the hunter remained troubled and remorseful, but had no choice but to draw his knife and flay Cu Da’s skin.

He first placed the knife at the nose and cut deeply. Fresh blood poured forth as though being ladled out. He then drew the blade over the head and down to the tail, before beginning to peel the skin apart toward both sides.

Cu Da remained perfectly composed, without the slightest struggle, and made this vow:

“I sincerely sacrifice my skin to save the lives of others. May the merit of this deed be dedicated to all sentient beings, so that they may cross beyond the ocean of suffering in birth, death, and samsara and reach the bliss of nirvana.”

No sooner had Cu Da completed his vow than the three-thousandfold world spontaneously shook in six ways. The celestial palaces tilted and swayed, and all the devas were astonished. Looking to discover what had happened, they saw the bodhisattva giving away his skin to save a life. They flew down to that place, scattered flowers as offerings, and all shed tears.

When the flaying was finished, Cu Da’s body was as red as a ripe gac fruit, and blood flowed everywhere. The sight was so horrifying that no one dared gaze upon it for long. Flies and ants swarmed over his body, gnawing his flesh and drinking his blood. The pain was unbearable. He wished to turn over, but feared harming the flies and ants, so he endured the agony and dared not move.

Because those flies and ants were able to eat the bodhisattva’s flesh, after they died they were reborn in the heavens.

The man took the skin back and presented it to the king. The king was greatly pleased and praised him for having exerted himself so arduously on his behalf. He rewarded him with a noble title, a high position, and abundant gold and silver.

The king used the skin as a sleeping mat, and whenever he lay upon it, his mind felt peaceful, joyful, and delighted.

At this point, the Buddha reminded me:

“Ananda! You should know that Cu Da was none other than I in a former life. King Pham Ma Dat is now Devadatta. As for the flies and ants that ate Cu Da’s flesh and drank his blood at that time, when I first attained Buddhahood and turned the Dharma Wheel, they all realized the Path and were reborn in the heavens. At that time Devadatta injured me and endangered my life, and even to this day he has not the slightest wholesome intention toward me. All day long he seeks only some means to harm me!”

At that time, when the entire assembly and I heard the Buddha speak thus, everyone was saddened and deeply moved. On seeing this, many diligently sought the essential Dharma. Some attained the fruit of stream-entry, once-returning, non-returning, or even arhatship. Some planted the cause for becoming pratyekabuddhas, while others aroused the aspiration for the Unsurpassed Path. Some reached the stage of non-retrogression. Everyone rejoiced, reverently believed, accepted, and practiced the teaching, then paid homage and withdrew.

Chapter Thirty-Two: The Bhiksuni Vi Dieu

Thus have I heard: At one time, the Buddha was staying in the kingdom of Sravasti at the Jeta Grove Monastery. After King Prasenajit had passed away, Crown Prince Virudhaka assumed power. He was violent, tyrannical, greedy, and cruel, and released elephants to trample countless people to death.

At that time, daughters of noble families, disillusioned with worldly life by what they saw, came together in great numbers to renounce household life and cultivate the Path in search of liberation.

The people saw that these women, some from the Sakya clan and others from the families of marquises, all belonged to honored and noble lineages, yet had abandoned glory, comfort, and pleasure to renounce household life and cultivate the Path. There were five hundred of them in all, and the people held them in great reverence and vied with one another to make offerings to them.

One day, the women discussed among themselves:

“Although we have renounced household life and bear the title of bhiksunis, we understand nothing of the Buddha-Dharma. We have not yet drunk the Dharma medicine that dispels the habitual obstructions of lust, anger, and delusion accumulated since beginningless time. We should now go to the Bhiksuni Thau Lan Nan Da to seek instruction and ask her to transmit the Dharma of the Eight Principles of Reverence to us.”

They went together, paid homage, and said:

“Venerable lady, we do not know through what blessed causes and conditions we have had the good fortune to encounter the Three Jewels, renounce household life, cultivate the Path, and become bhiksunis. Yet we understand nothing of the Buddha’s profound teachings. Today, all five hundred of us have come to beseech you compassionately to bestow the milk of Dharma upon us, so that we may partake of the blessings of its merit!”

The Bhiksuni Thau Lan Nan Da said:

“You were born and raised amid nobility, honor, wealth, and privilege, with no lack of splendor. You are still in the prime of youth; why renounce household life and study the Path, causing your fresh young lives to suffer? Come, give me your robes and alms bowls, return home, marry husbands, and enjoy comfortable lives in your private chambers. Why commit yourselves to being bhiksunis in desolate monasteries, burying your lives like heaps of cold, dead ashes?”

After hearing her words, the women became confused and disheartened. Shedding tears, they paid homage and withdrew. As they walked away, they said to one another:

“We wish to escape the worldly path of passionate attachment, foolishness, and delusion. Yet instead of offering us any guidance, she used words that would entice us into a cavernous pit and the jaws of wolves, causing us to fall into degradation life after life. Let us therefore go to the Bhiksuni Vi Dieu and beseech her to deliver us.”

The five hundred women went to the Bhiksuni Vi Dieu, bowed their heads to the ground in homage, and said:

“Venerable lady, we have lived amid deluded worldly customs. Although we have renounced household life, our minds remain filled with craving and attachment, and desire constantly flares up like a consuming fire that we have no means to restrain. We beseech you to teach the Dharma and free us from this root of wrongdoing!”

The Bhiksuni Vi Dieu replied:

“Of the three times—past, present, and future—which do you wish to ask about?”

“Venerable lady, the past and future are too distant for us to venture to ask about. We wish to ask you about the binding transgression of sexual desire in the present life. Is it bad or good? Is it wholesome or unwholesome? What consequences does it bring upon us? Is it beneficial or harmful to the future? We beseech you to explain!”

“If you wish to understand clearly, listen attentively!”

“Yes, we shall listen attentively!”

“You should know that all devas and human beings, and even the myriad things possessing form throughout this universe, are born through the karma of craving and desire. Sexual desire is like a fiercely blazing mass of fire that can burn and destroy mountains, forests, trees, grass, wood, stone, and even the vast universe. One who is afflicted by sexual desire is like a household invaded and ravaged by bandits. Such a person will fall into the three evil destinies, with no appointed time for release.”

Those who cling to household life crave the joyful union of affection and love. Because of these causes and conditions, there arise birth, aging, sickness, death, separation, illusory perceptions, and torment. When loved ones are torn apart, one grieves, weeps, and laments. Attachment wounds the heart so deeply that one faints and revives; the mind is fettered as though imprisoned.

I was born into a Brahmin family, and my father was among the most highly honored men in the kingdom. At that time, the elder of another Brahmin family had a handsome and intelligent son. Seeing that I was beautiful and of noble lineage, he spoke with my parents and arranged for me to marry his son. After we established our household, my husband and I had a son. Having long been separated from my father and mother, I missed them beyond words. While I was pregnant again, reflecting upon the uncertainty of life and death, I asked my husband for permission to return home and visit my parents. My husband consented.

That morning, the two of us set out carrying our son and our belongings. When we had gone about halfway, dusk fell, and we lay down to rest beneath a great tree. Tragically, late that night, labor pains came upon me and I gave birth, with blood flowing profusely. Venomous snakes, attracted by the smell of blood, came and bit my husband to death while he was fast asleep. I called to him repeatedly, but he did not answer. At daybreak, I took his hand and tried to pull him up, but found him icy cold and rigid as a piece of wood, utterly insensible. Looking closely, I realized that a snake had bitten him. Overcome with grief, I cried:

“Heavens! Why must my suffering be so terrible?”

At that moment, I knew not where my spirit had flown. I fainted and lay unconscious. My little boy sat beside me, calling and weeping. Gradually I regained consciousness. I then carried the boy on my back and held the newborn infant in my arms, walking onward as I wept.

After passing through a desolate region, I came to a great river. The water was not very deep, but there was no boat with which to cross. I therefore left the older boy on the bank and carried the infant as I swam across. Reaching the other side, I placed the infant on that bank and swam back to fetch the older boy. Tragically, the boy had somehow fallen into the river and disappeared. When I swam back again to the other bank, a tiger had carried away my newborn child. I saw only drops of blood streaming across the ground. My anguish was overwhelming. I fainted once more, and only after some time did I regain consciousness.

I wandered alone along the road. After walking several miles, I met a close friend of my father. He asked:

– Where have you come from, child? Why do you look so filthy and haggard?

– Sir, yesterday my husband and I set out with our children to visit my parents. Last night, tragically, my husband was bitten to death by a snake. This morning, I lost both children: one fell into the river, and the other was carried away by a tiger. My suffering is truly unbearable!

– Alas, is that so? Yesterday your family home caught fire. Your parents and everyone in your household were burned to death. What could bring you even greater suffering than this?

Hearing this was like being struck by a thunderbolt beside my ear. I collapsed to the ground and remained unconscious for a long while before reviving. I wept and lamented without end. It was truly a tragedy beyond measure. That man took pity upon me in my suffering, brought me into his home, cared for me, and regarded me as his own daughter.

After a long time had passed, my anguish gradually subsided. There was a young man in that place, also of Brahmin lineage, who saw that I was beautiful. Through a matchmaker, he sought to enter into a lifelong union with me. I thought, “I may as well close my eyes and take the step, and see where the turning course of life will lead.” Thus, he and I were married.

Before long I became pregnant. When the months were fulfilled and the day of delivery arrived, labor pains came upon me late that night. My husband had gone out somewhere to feast and drink, or perhaps to gamble. When he returned, he knocked and called at the door. Since I was at that very moment giving birth, I could not go out and open it. Enraged, he broke down the door, entered, and beat me without pause. I pleaded with him, saying:

– Husband, I am suffering the pains of childbirth. It was not from laziness or contempt that I failed to open the door for you!

That brutish man flew into a rage, killed my newborn child before my eyes, and then forced me to eat the child’s flesh raw. I refused, but he beat me so cruelly that I shut my eyes and desperately forced myself to eat. Afterward, remorse filled my heart, and I thought, “My life is devoid of blessings, for I have encountered this inhuman man.”

The following morning, I abandoned that house and went to the kingdom of Varanasi. I sat outside the city. The son of a wealthy elder there had recently lost his wife, and each day he went outside the city to visit her grave. Seeing me, he asked:

– Where have you come from, and why are you sitting here alone?

I then told him truthfully all that had happened, just as I have related it above. He said to me:

– Come with me to an inn, and let us have something to drink.

As we sat drinking and conversing pleasantly, he asked:

– If someone wished to enter into marriage with you now, would you consent?

– Sir, I have grown deeply weary of such things. Happiness lasts but a little while, while suffering comes in unceasing succession. Instead of meeting a virtuous man, I encountered an inhuman one who only added to my pain.

– Then how can you live alone throughout your life?

– I need not live alone, but I would marry only if I met a virtuous, ethical, and learned man.

– My lady, speaking indirectly or directly all comes down to the truth: I myself am the son of an elder of this city, and my wife has recently died. Seeing that you are a virtuous woman, I wish to become your lifelong companion. What do you think?

Seeing that he appeared gentle and was also of noble lineage, I agreed to marry him. Yet misfortune again befell me. Before we had lived together for even three years, he fell ill and died.

The law there was: “If a wife dies, her husband may take another wife; but if a husband dies, his wife must be buried with him.” Thus I, too, was buried in the same grave with my husband. But I was not yet completely dead. That night, a band of robbers came to open the grave and steal the gold and silver ornaments buried with me. Their leader saw that I was beautiful and took me away to become his wife.

Only a few days later, the robber was captured and beheaded. His followers recovered his corpse, brought it back, and compelled me to be buried alive together with him. After three days, tigers dug open the grave, intending to devour the body. At daybreak, however, they saw crowds of people going to market and fled. Taking advantage of this, I pushed my way out of the grave and sat alone, lamenting:

– I do not know what offenses I committed in a former life that I must now undergo so many calamities. Several times I have died and returned to life. How pitiable it is to bear the body of a woman! Upon reflection, countless other women, together with their husbands and children, are likewise held beneath the yoke of enslavement by deluded and ignorant minds. They do not recognize the pure and noble life, set foot upon the true path, seek to understand the truth, and cultivate the Way so as to escape the worldly realm. This is solely because the karma of craving and ignorance obscures them. From the time they first awaken to human awareness, they secretly harbor thoughts of marriage and destined bonds within the depths of their hearts, surrendering themselves to the lair of seductive desire. Thus they sink into the vast ocean of birth and death, revolving through samsara.

I suddenly remembered: “Formerly, a man of the Sakya clan left home to cultivate the Way, and he has now become a Buddha. I shall go to him and seek refuge so that I may escape suffering.”

I rose and set forth, hungry and aching, along a long road filled with dangers. As I walked, I asked others for directions. By the time I reached the Jeta Grove, dusk had fallen. From afar, I saw the Tathagata shining brilliantly like a mountain of gold, majestic and awe-inspiring, yet filled with compassion. Overjoyed, I knelt and, with single-minded reverence, turned toward him, earnestly imploring him to save and deliver me.

He came to where I was. At that time, I was sitting naked upon the ground, and in my shame I covered my breasts with my hands. The Buddha instructed Venerable Ananda to bring me a robe. I then approached the Blessed One, bowed my head at his feet, recounted all the sufferings I had just endured, and requested permission to leave the household life and cultivate the Way.

He instructed Venerable Ananda to entrust me to Mahaprajapati Gautami for guidance. Following her instruction, I received bhiksuni ordination, and she then taught me the Dharma of the Four Noble Truths—suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path—as well as impermanence and non-self.

I practiced diligently, and before long I attained the fruit of the path. I gained knowledge of past and future lives and perceived the offenses I had committed in former lives, for which I had received painful retribution without the slightest deviation.

“Venerable lady, what offense did you commit in a former life that caused you to undergo such retribution in this life? Please explain it clearly to us.”

“If you wish to know, listen attentively.”

“Yes, we shall listen attentively.”

“That life was exceedingly long ago. At that time there was a wealthy elder who had no children. Later, he took a second wife. Because she was beautiful, he loved her dearly. The two were bound together in deep affection, and before long she gave birth to a son. From that time onward, the elder became even more devoted to her than before. Seeing this, the first wife secretly thought:

“‘Through my arduous labor and frugal management, our family became wealthy. In the future, the son of this second wife will inherit everything, and all my efforts will have been in vain. It would be better simply to kill him and be done with it!’

“Having devised this plan, she took a long needle and waited until no one was present, then drove it deeply into the crown of the child’s head. A few days later, the child died. The second wife, grieving for her son, wept day and night without ceasing. She then thought:

“‘My son was neither sick nor in pain, yet he suddenly died. Surely the first wife killed him!’

“She asked, ‘What offense had my son committed that you could bear to kill him?’

“The first wife replied, ‘How strange! Why do you speak such wild and deranged words? I swear that if I killed your son, then in life after life my husband shall die from a snakebite; if I have children, they shall be drowned in water, carried away by tigers, or seized by wolves; I myself shall be buried alive and shall eat the flesh of my own children; and my parents and my entire household shall be burned to death in a great fire.’ You should know that the elder’s first wife at that time was I in a former life. Because I had no faith in offenses, merit, and karmic retribution, I maliciously killed the second wife’s son and then uttered that oath. Consequently, in this life I have undergone painful retribution exactly as I swore in the past, without the slightest difference.”

“Venerable lady, what meritorious deeds did you cultivate that enabled you in this life to encounter the Buddha and attain the path of liberation? Please tell us.”

“Listen attentively. In the distant past, in the kingdom of Varanasi, there was a great mountain called Mount of the Immortals. On that mountain dwelt many pratyekabuddhas, sravakas, and non-Buddhist sages. At that time, a pratyekabuddha entered the city to seek alms. The wife of an elder in that city joyfully made offerings to him. After finishing his meal, he rose into the air and manifested various miraculous transformations. Seeing this, the elder’s wife respectfully joined her palms, looked up toward him, and made this vow:

“‘Homage to the Venerable One! May I, in a future life, also attain the path as you have done!’

“You should know that the elder’s wife at that time was I in a former life. Because I reverently made offerings to that holy member of the Sangha and formed this vow, in this life I encountered the Buddha and attained the fruit of arhatship. Although I have now attained arhatship, I often experience a piercing pain that runs from my head down to my feet, just as though a needle were penetrating to the very marrow of my bones. Thus, no matter how many kalpas may pass, the retribution for an offense can never be erased.”

When the five hundred nuns heard her recount the successive lives of her past existences, they all trembled with fear. They examined the root of sensual desire and saw it as a fiercely blazing fire, whereupon their craving and lust vanished entirely. They regarded the sufferings of the world as no different from imprisonment. Their defilements naturally disappeared, their minds became luminous, and they thoroughly understood the wondrous path. Their innermost minds grew tranquil, and they entered the attainment of cessation and became arhats. When they emerged from samadhi, they said to Venerable Utpalavarna:

“Venerable lady, we had long been entangled in sensual desire and could not free ourselves. Today, through your kindness, we have attained liberation.”

The Buddha praised Venerable Utpalavarna, saying:

“Excellent! Utpalavarna has taught the Dharma for the benefit of herself and others. She is truly a disciple of all Buddhas of the three times!”

The nuns and all those in the assembly who had listened rejoiced, paid homage, and withdrew.

Chapter Thirty-Five: Asoka

Thus have I heard: At one time, the Blessed One was dwelling in the kingdom of Sravasti, in Anathapindika’s Garden in Prince Jeta’s Grove.

Early one morning, the Buddha and I entered the city to seek alms. We encountered a group of children playing with earth in the middle of the road. They had built a city of earth, complete with houses, storehouses, and granaries. One child saw the Buddha’s radiant light and spontaneously gave rise to a mind of reverence and joy. When the Buddha drew near, the child joined his palms, bowed, and offered Him a handful of earth.

The Buddha accepted it, handed it to me, and instructed me to take it back and smear it upon the floor at the entrance to His sleeping quarters. When we returned to Jeta Grove, I did with the earth as He had instructed. The Buddha said:

“Ananda, because that child joyfully offered earth just now, approximately one hundred years after I enter nirvana, he will become a king named Asoka. The other children who are his companions will become great ministers, and together they will govern all the kingdoms of Jambudvipa. He will cause the Three Jewels to flourish, distribute my relics, and build eighty-four thousand stupas throughout Jambudvipa as offerings to me.”

Rejoicing, I said to the Buddha:

“Homage to the Blessed One! What meritorious deeds did You cultivate in past lives that You shall be honored with so many stupas? I respectfully beseech You to explain this clearly to us.”

The Buddha said, “Ananda, if you wish to know, listen carefully, and I shall explain it to you.”

“Yes, Blessed One. I shall listen attentively.”

“Ananda, in the remote past there was a king of a great kingdom named Prasenajit, who ruled over eighty-four thousand smaller kingdoms. At that time, a Buddha named Pusya appeared in the world. The king and his people revered the Buddha’s teaching and each day solemnly presented the four kinds of offerings: food and drink, clothing, beds and seats, and medicine. The king thought:

“‘The Buddha is the field of merit for humans and devas. Whatever wholesome cause one plants in that field will yield a corresponding fruit. The people of my kingdom can frequently see the Buddha, pay homage to Him, and make offerings to Him. But the people of the smaller, distant kingdoms do not know where they may find a refuge in which to cultivate merit. I should therefore commission artisans to paint images of the Buddha and distribute them among those kingdoms so that the people may make offerings and seek blessings.’

“Having thought this, the king summoned painters to the Buddha’s presence so that they could observe Him and accurately portray His form. Yet no matter how they tried, they could not complete the image. Later, the Buddha Pusya Himself drew a model for them to copy.

“Following that model, the painters produced eighty-four thousand exceedingly beautiful images, each resembling the picture the Buddha Himself had drawn.

“King Prasenajit distributed one image to each kingdom and commanded the people of those lands to welcome it with incense, flowers, and music and escort it back in solemn procession.

“Although the kings, officials, and people of those kingdoms had received only a painted image, they revered it and made offerings to it just as though they were in the living presence of the Buddha Himself.

“Ananda, you should know that King Prasenajit at that time was I in a former life. At that time, I commissioned painters to make eighty-four thousand images of the Buddha Pusya and distributed them among the people of all the kingdoms so that they might make offerings and pay homage. Because of that merit, in life after life I became a sovereign lord among humans and devas. Wherever I was born, my body was always handsome and splendid, endowed with the thirty-two marks and the eighty excellent characteristics. My present attainment of Buddhahood also arose in part from that merit; and after I enter nirvana, I shall receive the karmic fruit of eighty-four thousand stupas.”

When all those present and I had heard the Buddha’s teaching, everyone rejoiced, resolved to cultivate merit and make offerings, bowed their heads in homage, and withdrew.

Chapter Thirty-Six: Seven Jars of Gold

Thus have I heard: At one time, the Buddha was staying in the kingdom of Sravasti, in Anathapindika's Garden, in Prince Jeta's Grove.

During that year's rains retreat, the Buddha permitted the bhiksus to go wherever they wished to assemble and observe the retreat.

When the appointed period had ended, they all returned to visit the Buddha and receive his instruction. The Buddha and the bhiksus had been apart for nine weeks, and now that they had returned to him in great numbers, he was joyful. With compassion, he extended his arm marked with a thousand spirals, stroked their heads, and asked:

“While you were away, did you pass the rains retreat peacefully? Did you have sufficient food and drink? Were you little troubled by illness and affliction?”

“Yes, World-Honored One! Through the merit of the World-Honored One, this year we passed the rains retreat peacefully. All necessary conditions were sufficient. Teaching and guiding others was easy, and sentient beings were joyful!”

The Buddha's merit is as lofty as the heavens and as vast as the great ocean! Throughout the human and heavenly realms, who could equal him? Yet today, although he was merely inquiring after the bhiksus, his manner was unusually humble and respectful. Surely there was some profound meaning behind it. I therefore came forward, knelt upright with palms joined, and addressed him:

“Revered World-Honored One! Your appearance in the world is exceedingly rare. Your merit and wisdom are as vast as space and as great as the Dharma realm. Today, you have graciously inquired after the bhiksus with humility and respect. I do not know whether the cause of such humble and respectful speech lies in the recent or distant past. I bow my head and ask you to instruct us so that we may understand.”

The Buddha said, “Ananda, if you wish to know, listen attentively, and I shall explain it for you.”

“Yes, World-Honored One! I shall listen attentively.”

“Ananda, this story took place in the distant past, so long ago that the time cannot be calculated. In this same Jambudvipa, there was a great kingdom named Varanasi. There lived a man intent on accumulating wealth. Whenever he earned any money, he used it only to buy gold, which he carefully stored away. He did not dare spend anything on food, drink, clothing, or other necessities. Gradually, he accumulated a jar of gold and buried it. Continuing in this way, he labored diligently and endured hardship for many years, not daring to spend anything or assist his parents and siblings. Later, he accumulated six more jars and buried and concealed all of them as well.

“After some time, he unfortunately fell ill and died. Because he remained attached to his gold, he fell into the body of a venomous snake and stayed in his former home to guard the seven jars of gold. After many years, the house decayed and collapsed, and the snake also died. Because the snake's consciousness remained greedily attached to the gold, he again fell into the body of a snake. For tens of thousands of years, he lingered around the mound where the gold was buried, guarding it. After guarding it for so long and seeing that it brought no benefit, he became weary and disgusted, and thought to himself:

“‘Because of my greedy attachment to gold, I have had to endure this ugly and evil body. I should therefore offer this gold as an offering and pray that, life after life, I may obtain abundant merit and blessings in the human and heavenly realms.’

“Having formed this thought, he crawled to the roadside and concealed himself in the grass. Just then, he saw a man passing by and called out loudly. Hearing the call, the man stopped and looked around, but saw no one, so he began walking again. The snake then crawled into the middle of the road and called:

“‘Good sir! Come nearer; I need your help with something!’

“The man replied, ‘You are so venomous and vicious! Why are you calling me? Do you want me to come near so that you can harm me?’

“‘Yes, I am indeed vicious. If you do not come near, I shall harm you!’

“Although the man was afraid, he had no choice but to approach.

“The snake said, ‘At my home there is a jar of gold. I wish to ask you to take it and make an offering so that merit may be gained. Can you help me? If you refuse, I shall bite you to death!’

“‘Yes, I shall help you. There is no difficulty.’

“The snake led the man to the mound where the gold was buried and told him to dig up one jar. He then said:

“‘Take this gold to the monastery as an offering. Remove a small portion and sell it for money. Use the money to buy rice, various foods, flowers, and fruit, and prepare a vegetarian meal as an offering to the Sangha. Once the date of the offering has been fixed, bring a staff here and carry me to the monastery!’

“The man took the gold to the monastery and presented it to the Sangha's supervising monk, explaining the matter to him as related above.

“The supervising monk laughed and said, ‘How could a venomous snake know to make such an offering? If he wishes to make the offering, I shall set a date for him!’

“‘Venerable sir, please let me know the date in advance so that I may make preparations.’

“‘The coming fifteenth day is an observance day and also a day of repentance. Making the offering on that day will produce immeasurable merit!’

“‘Yes, Venerable sir. With your permission, I shall return home and arrange everything.’

“On the appointed day, the man brought a staff. When the snake saw him, he joyfully greeted him. The snake then coiled himself around the staff and had the man cover him with a woolen blanket so that others would not see him. Along the road, someone asked:

“‘What beautiful thing are you carrying?’

“The man remained silent and did not answer. They asked again:

“‘What beautiful thing are you carrying?’

“They asked him three times, yet he remained silent and gave no reply. Seeing that the man would not answer, the snake became furious and thought:

“‘This fellow is truly inept! They courteously asked him three times, yet he said nothing. He is exceedingly foolish!’

“As he entertained this thought, his venomous anger flared ever more fiercely, and he intended to release his venom and kill the man. But then he thought again:

“‘This man is performing a meritorious deed on my behalf, and I have not yet repaid his kindness. I should therefore be patient.’

“After they had traveled a little farther and reached an empty and desolate place, the snake said:

“‘Put me down here!’

“As soon as the man set him down, the snake scolded him:

“‘People have mouths with which to speak and eat. What is your mouth for? Why did you not answer when they asked you three times? You are exceedingly foolish!’

“Although the man heard the snake berating him, he felt no anger. Instead, he humbly reproached himself and apologized. The snake further admonished him:

“‘From now on, you must not behave that way again. Whenever anyone asks you something, you must answer properly.’

“‘Yes, from now on I shall accept your instruction and shall not dare behave as I did before!’

“When they reached the monastery, the man placed the snake before the Dharma hall. It was precisely the time when the Sangha was taking the observance-day meal, and the man stood beside the walking-meditation path.

“The snake instructed him to offer incense to the Sangha. The snake watched him make the incense offering with eyes filled with reverent faith, never once blinking. When the members of the Sangha circumambulated the stupa, the snake instructed him to offer water and watched respectfully with eyes wide open.

“After the members of the Sangha had finished their meal, they taught the Dharma as follows:

“‘Giving and making offerings bring the blessed reward of wealth and honor, together with a strong and healthy body.

“‘Observing the precepts leads to birth among humans and devas, where one enjoys wholesome blessings. Joyfully beholding and revering the Buddha and the Sangha brings a dignified, handsome, and beautiful physical form. Those who are miserly and hoard their possessions, refusing to give, fall into the realm of hungry ghosts. Those whose minds are filled with greed, venomous anger, and delusion are reborn as vicious animals, venomous insects, pythons, and snakes.’

“Having heard this, the snake joyfully said:

“‘Venerable sir! Please come to the place where I live. There are still six jars of gold there. Bring them back to the monastery and offer them to the Three Jewels. Perform a prayer ceremony and dedicate the merit to me.’ Through the power of that prayer and the merit of the offerings, when the snake died, he was reborn in the Heaven of the Thirty-Three.

“At this point, the Buddha continued:

“‘Ananda, you should know that the man who carried the snake was none other than I in a former life! The venomous snake of that time is now Sariputra.

“‘On that occasion, when the snake scolded and reproached me, I felt ashamed of myself and gave rise to humility. Not only that, but I regarded all living beings with equality, and to this very day I have never retreated from that resolve.’

“At that time, after the bhiksus and I had heard the Buddha's account, we all deeply admired his equanimity and humility. With single-minded reverence, we bowed in homage, expressed our gratitude, and withdrew.

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Sai Ma

Thus have I heard: At one time, the Buddha was staying in the kingdom of Rajagrha, at the Bamboo Grove Monastery, together with countless disciples.

At that time, there was a man of the brahmin caste whose family was poor. Although he worked diligently, he still did not have sufficient food or clothing. This poor man asked others:

“What practices should one perform in this world to obtain blessed rewards in the present life?”

Someone advised him:

“Do you not know? At present, the Buddha has appeared in the world to liberate beings and bring benefit to all living creatures. He has four venerable disciples: MAHAKASYAPA, MAUDGALYAYANA, SARIPUTRA, and ANIRUDDHA. These four worthy sages have compassion for the poor and hungry and create merit for suffering beings.

“If anyone sincerely believes in, reveres, and makes offerings to them, then whatever that person seeks in this present life will be fulfilled.”

When the Brahmin heard everyone say this, he was overjoyed. He went out to work as a hired laborer and earned a small sum of money. He brought it home, purchased various foods, and solemnly prepared a vegetarian offering. With reverence, he invited the worthy and noble members of the Sangha to his home to receive offerings, earnestly praying for blessings in the present life. His wife was named Saima (translated into Chinese as Peaceful Warmth).

After the venerable disciples had come to their home and finished the meal, they taught the Dharma to the husband and wife as follows:

“Sin and merit follow one like a shadow follows the body and an echo answers a sound. Whatever cause one plants will produce a corresponding result. If one wishes to eliminate karmic obstructions and amass great merit and virtue, one must know to honor the Three Jewels, undertake and uphold the Three Refuges, the Five Precepts, and the Eight Precepts of the one-day fast, and practice generosity and make offerings. Then, whether in the present or the future, whatever one seeks will be fulfilled.”

The husband and wife bowed their heads in reverence and requested to undertake and uphold the Three Refuges, the Five Precepts, and the Eight Precepts of the one-day fast. After transmitting the precepts, the venerable ones returned to the monastery.

At that time, King Bimbisara was returning from the forest when he encountered a criminal who had been bound and suspended from the top of a post erected beside the road.

The criminal begged the king for food. The king agreed to give him some, but after returning to the city, he forgot. When he suddenly remembered, night had already fallen. The king ordered the attendants in the royal palace to take food to the criminal, but no one dared to go. They said to the king:

“Your Majesty, it is now late at night. There are many ferocious beasts and evil spirits. We would rather die here than dare to go.”

The king felt profound compassion for the man’s hunger and suffering, and ordered an announcement to be made outside the city:

“Tonight, whoever takes food to the criminal at the execution ground will be rewarded by the king with one thousand taels of gold!”

No one dared to go. Saima had often heard it said:

“If anyone undertakes the Eight Precepts of the one-day fast, demons and savage beasts will not dare to harm that person!”

With courage born of steadfast faith, she went to the king and asked permission to go. Before she departed, the king instructed her, “If you return safely and unharmed, I shall give you one thousand taels of gold.”

Saima set out, observing the Eight Precepts of the one-day fast with utmost sincerity and reverence. When she had traveled some distance beyond the city, she encountered a rakshasi named Lamba. The rakshasi had just given birth to five hundred demon children. Being hungry, when she saw Saima, she wanted to seize and devour her. But because Saima was observing the fast, the demon became frightened at the sight of her and did not dare to eat her. The demon asked Saima:

“Where are you going? If you have food, please give me a little!”

Saima gave her a small portion of the food. Although it was little, through the power of the demon it was enough to satisfy her hunger.

The rakshasi asked, “What is your name?”

“My name is Saima!”

The demon joyfully said, “Today I safely gave birth to my children. It was also through your merit that I survived, and moreover I have heard your auspicious name. In my home there is a golden axe that I wish to give you in gratitude. When you return past this place, remember to come in and take it.”

“Yes. Since you are so kind, I shall remember your instruction.”

The demon then asked, “Where are you going now?”

“Dear elder sister, I am carrying food to the criminal at the execution ground!”

“I have a younger sister named Alamba who also lives near that place. Please convey my greetings to her and tell her that I have just given birth to five hundred children and that we are all well.”

Saima went to the dwelling of the demon Alamba and relayed the message to her just as it had been given.

Having heard it, Alamba joyfully asked:

“What is your name?”

“My name is Saima!”

The demoness joyfully said, “My elder sister has given birth safely, and your name is also very auspicious. In my home there is a golden axe that I would like to give you. When you return, remember to stop here and take it.”

“Yes, how precious! Since you are so kind, I shall accept it!”

The demoness then asked, “Where are you going now?”

“Dear elder sister, by command of the king, I am carrying food to the criminal at the execution ground!”

The demoness Alamba said, “I also have a younger sister named Punnaki who lives near that place. Please convey my greetings to her.”

Saima bade the demoness farewell and proceeded to the dwelling of the demon Punnaki. She conveyed the greetings from both elder sisters and added that the eldest sister had given birth to five hundred children and that all were safe. Punnaki was delighted to learn that her two elder sisters were well and asked:

“What is your name?”

“My name is Saima!”

“Your name is auspicious, and it is truly wonderful to receive news that my two elder sisters are in good health! In my home there is a golden axe that I wish to give you. When you return past this place, remember to come in and take it.”

“How precious! Since you are kind enough to give it to me, I shall accept it.”

After walking a little farther, Saima reached the criminal. She gave him the food and said:

“The king has given you this food. Take it and eat, so that you will no longer be hungry!”

He was overjoyed. He accepted the food and thanked her most earnestly. Saima returned, collected the three golden axes, and went to the king to receive the reward of one thousand taels of gold.

From that time onward, Saima and her husband became wealthy and lived in comfort. They built houses, purchased fields and farmland, kept servants, and had many people come to work for them.

King Bimbisara saw that Saima was a virtuous person and summoned her to the palace to appoint her as a high minister. Receiving the king’s favor and a state stipend, her household became even wealthier. From then on, Saima’s faith and reverence for the Buddha and Dharma grew ever stronger.

One day, Saima prepared a vegetarian feast and invited the Buddha and the Sangha to her home to receive offerings.

When the Buddha had finished the meal, he ascended the Dharma seat and taught about the merit of generosity, the practice of observing the precepts, and the means of attaining rebirth in the heavens.

Upon hearing this, Saima’s mind became clear, and she attained the fruit of stream-entry.

At that time, everyone present for this Dharma teaching rejoiced. They resolved to make offerings, practice generosity, observe the precepts, and cultivate virtue. They bowed their heads in homage and withdrew.

Chapter Sixteen: King Great Radiance

Those endowed with keen wisdom possess clear discernment. Whatever obstacle they encounter, they resolve it swiftly, and from a single minor condition they may accomplish a great undertaking. Those who are indolent and dull-witted, even when they encounter supreme favorable conditions, are unable to give rise to a lofty aspiration.

Therefore, people must always cherish the resolve to advance, establishing their aspirations and creating wholesome conditions that give rise to great vows. In the future, these will bear magnificent and sublime fruit.

At that time, the Blessed One was dwelling in the kingdom of Sravasti, in the grove of Anathapindika and Prince Jeta.

At that time, the four assemblies of disciples, together with kings, officials, and the populace, surrounded the Blessed One and made offerings to him. Many people in the great assembly thought:

“We do not know through what causes and conditions the Blessed One first gave rise to the aspiration for unsurpassed bodhi. He has now attained Buddhahood and brings benefit to all living beings. Therefore, we too should give rise to the aspiration to attain the Buddha Way, continue his resolve, and benefit sentient beings.”

I, Ananda, knew what they were thinking. I went to arrange my robes properly, approached the Buddha, knelt, joined my palms, and addressed him:

“Homage to the Blessed One! Everyone in this great assembly wishes to know clearly through what causes and conditions you gave rise to the bodhi-mind in the past. We respectfully beseech you to instruct us, so that everyone may receive benefit!”

The Buddha said, “Ananda, excellent! Excellent! Your question will bring immense benefit. Listen carefully and reflect upon it well. I shall explain it for you.”

At that time, everyone in the great assembly fell silent. The mountains, rivers, wind, waters, flying birds, and running beasts all gazed reverently upon him without making a sound. The great assembly, devas, nagas, demons, and spirits all fixed their hearts upon the Buddha, each filled with awe and eagerness to listen.

The Buddha taught:

“Ananda, you should know that immeasurable, boundless, incalculable asamkhyeya kalpas ago, in this very Jambudvipa, there was a king of a great kingdom named Great Radiance. He was intelligent and wise, possessed profound merit and virtue, and had a majestic yet gentle and sincere bearing. He was a close friend of the king of a neighboring kingdom. The two kings assisted each other both spiritually and materially, and whenever either possessed something precious, he would give it to the other.

“One day, while hunting, the king of the neighboring kingdom captured two young elephants whose bodies were as white as crystal. They were exceedingly precious and beautiful. The king rejoiced inwardly and thought:

“‘I shall present these elephants to King Radiance.’

“He brought them back, adorned them magnificently, and ordered attendants to lead them away and present them to King Radiance.

“When King Radiance saw these extraordinary elephants, he also regarded them as precious treasures. He therefore entrusted them to an elephant keeper named Tán Xà, instructing him:

“‘Care for them diligently, train them until they are thoroughly tamed, and provide them with fine food and drink.’

“The elephant keeper took them away and trained them. After some time, when they had become thoroughly disciplined, he came before the king and reported:

“‘Your Majesty! In obedience to your command, your servant has raised the elephant until it has matured. I have trained it so thoroughly that it obeys my every command. I humbly ask Your Majesty to have the elephant brought into the arena so that the people may witness your servant’s skill in controlling it.’

“The king gladly replied:

“‘Wait a few days so that I may first inform the officials, soldiers, and people.’

“After the king’s decree had been issued, great crowds came from the cities and the countryside to watch. The king rode the elephant into the arena, appearing exceedingly majestic, while the civil and military officials followed behind him. This young male elephant was then in the full vigor of its strength, and its passions were intense. As it approached the arena, it saw several female elephants eating lotus roots beside a lake. Suddenly inflamed with lust, it bolted straight toward them. The female elephants fled in alarm, and it pursued them relentlessly, even into the deep forest. The king’s robes were torn and his crown fell away. Thorns pierced his body, and blood soaked his garments. His vision darkened, he lost all sense of direction, and in terror he thought:

“‘How can I possibly get down now?’

“The elephant keeper said:

“‘Your Majesty, please seize a tree branch and lower yourself to the ground.’

“Following the elephant keeper’s advice, the king caught hold of a branch and descended safely to the ground. But when he touched his head, he discovered that his crown was gone; his robes were torn in every direction and soaked in blood, and his body was in agony. In the midst of this suffering, he did not even know the way out of the forest.

“The elephant keeper also caught hold of a branch, leapt down, and went in search of the king. After a while, he found the king sitting beneath a tree, looking anxious and sorrowful. The elephant keeper knelt and said:

“‘I humbly beg Your Majesty to forgive me and not to grieve any longer. When this elephant’s lust subsides, it will remember the fine grass and pure water, and it will return.’

“The king said:

“‘Enough! Say no more. From this day forward, I will have nothing more to do with either you or that elephant.’

“The elephant keeper did not know what to say. He could only sit quietly and wait for the king’s anger to abate.

“Meanwhile, the officials who had followed behind found the crown, the robe, and the boots, while others saw drops of blood scattered along the way. Suddenly, they saw the king returning mounted on another elephant. The queens, royal consorts, princes, princesses, and all the people had turned pale with anxiety, fearing that the king had died, and everyone wept like rain.

“When they saw that the king had returned, they all rejoiced.

“After a short time, the elephant’s lust had been satisfied. Having been forced to eat foul grass and drink filthy water in the forest, it returned to the capital.

“When the elephant keeper saw that it had returned, he hastened to the royal court and reported:

“‘Your Majesty! The elephant returned today. I beg Your Majesty to come and see it.’

“‘Enough! From this day forward, I do not wish to see either you or that elephant again.’

“The elephant keeper again said:

“‘Your Majesty, even if you no longer wish to see your servant or that elephant, I beg you to witness your servant’s method of training elephants one more time.’

“The king said:

“‘Since you have asked, I shall permit it.’

“The elephant keeper bowed in gratitude and departed. He prepared the arena, fixed a date, and issued a proclamation inviting the people to come and watch.

“When the appointed day arrived, the king and his officials went to the arena, and a great multitude of people assembled to watch. The elephant keeper led out the elephant and brought with him seven large iron balls. He thought to himself:

“‘If I now compel the elephant to swallow these iron balls, it will die in vain. I should first address the king, for perhaps His Majesty will reconsider.’

“He said:

“‘Your Majesty! This white elephant is one that only a wheel-turning monarch may possess. It has committed only a minor fault. I beg Your Majesty to forgive it and not cast it aside.’

“The king said:

“‘If you cannot control it, why did you invite me here? Even if you can control it, I will no longer employ either it or you.’

“The elephant keeper said:

“‘Your Majesty! If Your Majesty will no longer employ your servant, so be it; but it is truly regrettable that you will not make use of this elephant.’

“The king angrily said:

“‘Go! Leave at once, this very moment!’

“The elephant keeper rose and said through his tears:

“‘Your Majesty shows neither intimacy nor impartiality, but delights only in clever, sweet, and flattering words!’

“All who heard this shed streams of tears and gazed intently at the elephant, for they saw seven iron balls being heated red-hot in a furnace, which the elephant keeper intended to force the elephant to swallow.

“Displaying his authority, the elephant keeper shouted:

“‘Elephant, swallow this iron ball! If you refuse, I shall use this iron hook to tear out your brain!’

“When the elephant heard the keeper’s words, it trembled with fear. It knelt upon both knees, faced the place where the king was seated, and tears streamed from its eyes. It seemed to beg the king for forgiveness, but the king’s anger had still not subsided. Instead, he became even more irritated and turned his face away. The elephant keeper shouted:

“‘Will you not swallow it? Are you waiting for me to use the hook?’

“The elephant glanced all around to see whether anyone might intercede and save it. But no one did. Knowing that it must die, and that there was no longer any power upon which it could rely, it had no choice but to lie on its back and open its mouth.

“The elephant keeper placed the seven red-hot iron balls into its mouth and forced it to swallow them all. Once it had swallowed them, its entrails burst, and it died immediately.

“Everyone who witnessed this was deeply moved and grieved for the elephant. Each person shed tears.

“The king himself was frightened and astonished. He summoned the elephant keeper and asked:

“‘Elephant keeper, since you possess such skill in training elephants, why were you unable to restrain it in the forest?’

“At that time, a deity of the Pure Abodes knew that King Radiance had aroused the aspiration for bodhi. Through spiritual power, the deity caused the elephant keeper to kneel and say:

“‘Your Majesty! This servant of yours can subdue only its body; I cannot subdue its mind.’

“The king asked:

“‘Is there anyone who can subdue both its body and its mind?’

“He replied:

“‘Your Majesty, only a Buddha can subdue both its body and its mind.’

“The king further asked:

“‘You speak of a Buddha. From what dispositions does a Buddha arise?’

“He replied:

“‘Your Majesty! A Buddha arises from two dispositions: the first is wisdom, and the second is compassion. One diligently cultivates six practices: generosity, moral discipline, patience, vigor, meditative concentration, and wisdom. These are also called the six paramitas. When the merit and wisdom of these six practices have been brought to perfection, one is called a Buddha. Such a one can subdue both himself and all sentient beings.’

“After hearing the elephant keeper’s words, the king appeared delighted. He rose and entered the inner palace, bathed until he was clean, put on his robes and crown in proper order, and ascended a high tower alone. He burned incense, faced the four directions, and made this vow:

“‘From this day forward, I shall regard all sentient beings with a mind of great loving-kindness and great compassion.’

“He then recited this verse of aspiration:

“May the merit of this deed

Be dedicated to the path of Buddhahood.

In the future, when I attain Buddhahood,

May I subdue my own mind

And all sentient beings.

If there is any sentient being who.”

In the Avici hell,

For the duration of an entire kalpa.

If I can bring them benefit,

And deliver them from their suffering,

I shall enter that hell,

Never forsaking the bodhi-mind.

When the king had finished proclaiming his vow, the six directions trembled, heaven and earth shook, and from the sky came the distant sound of music. The heavenly princes played their instruments and praised him, saying:

“Having made this lofty vow, before long you will attain Buddhahood. We beseech you to deliver us first in this pure Dharma assembly.”

At this point, the Buddha reminded the bhikkhus:

“Bhikkhus, you should know! The white elephant that was compelled by its mahout to swallow the red-hot iron ball at that time is now Nanda. The mahout is now Sariputra, and King Great Radiance was I in a former life. When I saw the mahout subdue the elephant, I first aroused the resolve to seek the path to Buddhahood.”

When those in the great assembly had heard the Buddha recount how he first resolved to cultivate the path, they all rejoiced. Some attained the fourth fruit, while others aroused the mind of the Great Way. Each of them reverently placed their faith in him, bowed their heads in homage, and withdrew.

King Radiance encountered a minor circumstance, yet through it resolved the great matter, owing to the courageous vigor of his wisdom. As for the indolent, even if they encounter a great opportunity, they will accomplish nothing. We should therefore courageously diminish and relinquish greed, desire, and delusion, and follow the radiant path laid out by the Buddha. Then one day we too shall sit upon a lotus dais, travel throughout the worlds, and guide and subdue sentient beings just as he did, with the aim of delivering them from the defiled and wretched cycle of afflictions, enabling them to attain sublime and radiant wisdom and spiritual powers, and to transcend birth, aging, sickness, and death.