賢愚經

Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Jeweled Parasol

Thus have I heard: At one time the Buddha was staying in the kingdom of Rajagriha, at the Bamboo Grove Monastery. At that time, while I was meditating in the forest, I thought:

– The appearance of the Buddha in the world is truly a wondrous event, for he liberates so many people. They obtain abundant food and drink, and moreover are freed from all suffering. Kings, officials, and common people all receive boundless benefit. Why is this? Because he reveals the path and shows the way, enabling them to escape the three evil destinies, to enjoy blessed rewards among humans and devas in future lives, and moreover to attain the path to nirvana.

Having reflected thus, I arose and returned to the monastery. At that time, the Blessed One was teaching the Dharma to the great assembly. I arranged my robe to bare my right shoulder, approached him, knelt with my right knee upon the ground, joined my palms, gazed reverently at him, and reported these thoughts to the Buddha.

The Buddha said:

– Ananda! What you have thought is correct. The appearance of the Tathagata in the world is indeed wondrous, for all sentient beings obtain great benefit. Nor is this true only today; in past lives as well, I brought benefit to multitudes.

– Revered One! How did you benefit sentient beings in past lives? We humbly pray that you recount it for us.

– Ananda! In the distant past, incalculable asamkhya kalpas ago, in this very Jambudvipa, there were four rivers and two kings of great kingdoms. One was named Brahmadeva, which in Chinese means Brahma. He controlled three rivers, and his people were wealthy and prosperous, but his army was weak.

The other was named Vajrasena, which in Chinese means Adamantine Host. He possessed one river and had a small population, but his army was skilled in warfare.

King Vajrasena secretly thought:

– My army is powerful, yet I possess only one river with little water. King Brahmadeva's military strength is weak, yet he controls three rivers. I should send someone to demand that he return one river. If he returns it, I shall maintain friendly relations with him; whenever I obtain something precious, I shall present it to him, and if he encounters danger, I shall send troops to rescue him. If he refuses, I shall lead my army against him and take it back!

Having thought this, he summoned his ministers to discuss the affairs of state. After the council, the king sent an envoy bearing a letter to King Brahmadeva, setting forth what had been decided above.

After reading the letter, King Brahmadeva privately thought:

– This realm and its lands were bequeathed to me by my father; I did not seize them from him. Why, then, does he demand them?

Having thought this, he told the envoy:

– This realm and its lands did not come into my possession through my own actions; they were handed down to me by my father. To return them without cause to your sovereign would be utterly unreasonable. If your sovereign wishes to settle this through military force, I too shall not shrink from battle!

The envoy returned to his country and reported these words to the king. King Vajrasena then led a mighty army to attack. King Brahmadeva's forces were defeated and scattered in flight. Seizing the opportunity, Vajrasena's army pursued them to the capital and surrounded it on all four sides.

King Brahmadeva's soldiers were afraid and dared not go forth to fight. Seeing the peril, the officials reported:

– Your Majesty! Their army is strong, while ours is weak. Why should Your Majesty begrudge a single river and thereby bring disaster upon the myriad people? You might even lose the entire kingdom. We humbly implore Your Majesty to return it to them, so that amicable relations may still be preserved.

The king agreed and sent a man to address King Vajrasena:

– Your Majesty! My sovereign agrees to Your Majesty's former request and will return one river; he will also offer you one of his daughters. From this time onward, whenever either kingdom possesses something precious, it shall be presented to the other, and whenever danger arises, each shall come to the other's aid!

King Vajrasena agreed and withdrew his army. He then took the maiden back with him and made her his wife.

After some time, she became pregnant, and a parasol made of the seven precious substances constantly appeared above her head. Whether she walked, stood, lay down, or sat, it was always so. When her term was complete, she gave birth to a son. His body was golden in color, his hair was deep blue, and radiant light shimmered from his body. From the moment he was born, that parasol hovered above his head.

The king and the physiognomists came to examine him, and they all praised him, saying to the king:

– Your Majesty! This is most auspicious. The crown prince possesses all the noble marks, and his virtue and power are perfect. There is none like him in the world!

Hearing the physiognomists' words, the king and queen rejoiced greatly. They then asked them to name the crown prince.

According to ancient tradition, a name had to be based upon two things:

1. An auspicious sign.

2. The constellations.

The physiognomists asked the king:

– Your Majesty! Did any wondrous sign occur during the pregnancy?

– During the pregnancy, a parasol made of the seven precious substances hovered above her head.

– Your Majesty! In accordance with this sign, we ask that he be named Chatrakarya, which in Chinese means “The Matter of the Parasol.”

When the crown prince reached adulthood, the king died. After the king's funeral rites had been completed, the crown prince succeeded to the throne. Having governed for several years, he often traveled through the countryside to observe how the people lived and worked.

The sun blazed as though scorching the earth. Farmers, stripped bare to the waist, drove buffaloes that pulled the plows with creaking sounds through muddy fields, laboring painfully and subjecting their bodies to great hardship.

The king asked his attendants:

– What are these people doing that is so arduous?

– Your Majesty! A nation takes its people as its foundation, and the people take grain as the sustenance of life. If they do not labor arduously, they will have nothing with which to preserve their lives. If the people become impoverished, the nation will be endangered and perish!

The king said:

– If the merit and virtue by which I have become king are genuine, may the people have no need to plow or sow, and may grain arise naturally in sufficient abundance for all their needs.

As soon as the king made this vow, every household throughout the kingdom possessed grain. Whatever variety of grain anyone desired immediately appeared. From then onward, the people no longer needed to plow or sow, for food arose naturally of itself.

After some time, the king went out a second time. He saw people cutting firewood, carrying water, and pounding rice, their bodies drenched in sweat, and they appeared to be laboring with great difficulty. The king asked his officials:

– What are these people doing that is so arduous?

– Your Majesty! Through Your Majesty's grace, the people receive grain naturally and need not plow or sow. However, they must still hull and grind it, gather firewood, and cook it before they can eat. Therefore, they must still toil!

The king said:

– If the merit and virtue by which I have become king are genuine, then whenever the people of my kingdom desire food, may all kinds of prepared dishes naturally appear before them.

Whatever the king declared came to pass. From then onward, all the people naturally obtained every kind of prepared food without having to labor for it.

After some time had passed, the king again went out traveling. He saw people carding cotton, spinning thread, weaving cloth, and sewing garments. The king asked:

– What are these people doing that appears so arduous?

– Your Majesty! Through the beneficent influence of Your Majesty's virtue, the people naturally obtain food. Now they are weaving cloth to make garments to wear.

The king said:

– If the merit and virtue by which I have become king are genuine, may the trees throughout the kingdom produce all kinds of garments!

As soon as he finished speaking, all the trees upon the earth produced garments of blue, yellow, red, and white, according to each person's wishes and preferences.

After some time had passed, the king again went out traveling. He saw the people eagerly making various kinds of music and asked:

– What are these people doing?

– Your Majesty! Through Your Majesty's grace, the people have sufficient food and clothing. Now they are making various kinds of music so that they may sing, amuse themselves, and delight their hearts!

The king said:

– If the merit and virtue by which I have become king are genuine, may the trees upon the earth produce musical instruments according to each person's wishes and preferences.

As soon as he finished speaking, all the trees upon the earth produced every kind of musical instrument.

After some time, the officials of the royal court came to pay their respects. When it was time for the king’s meal in the royal hall, the king invited them to remain and dine. That day, the officials partook of the king’s dishes and found them exceedingly delicious—food such as they had never tasted before. Upon eating it, their bodies became strong and blissful. They all addressed the king:

“Your Majesty! In the homes of your humble servants, we never have food such as this. It is both delicious and strengthening, and after eating it, we feel peaceful and joyful in body and mind.”

The king said:

“If you wish always to receive food like today’s, simply eat at the same hour that I do, and you will obtain delicious food.”

The king subsequently issued a decree throughout the entire realm: whenever it was time for the king to eat, drums were to be beaten to notify the people. From then on, whenever the people heard the signal of the drums, they thought of eating; thus, everyone throughout the country obtained food as delicious as the king’s.

At that time, King Brahma sent an envoy to say to King Gai Su:

“In your father’s time, I granted him a river. Now that your father has died, return it to me!”

Gai Su told the envoy:

“As for this territory and these lands and rivers, I did not seize them by oppressing your kingdom. Moreover, although I am king, I do not burden my people. Yet this is a minor matter. Let it be deferred until your sovereign and I can meet in person and discuss the essential affairs between our two countries.”

The envoy returned and reported these words to the king. King Brahma agreed, and a date was appointed for their meeting.

When the appointed day arrived, both kings brought their armies to the river marking their common boundary, boarded boats, and went to the middle of the river to meet.

King Brahma saw that King Gai Su’s body shone brilliantly like a golden mountain; his hair gleamed like vaidurya; his eyes sparkled like stars; his mouth was radiant like a blossoming flower; his nose was straight, his face square, and his ears long and pendant. His majestic bearing was awe-inspiring. King Brahma spontaneously gave rise to reverence, thinking, “He is like the Great Brahma Deva himself, yet here the two of us meet to discuss the mundane matter of a river between our kingdoms!”

Gai Su said:

“The food and necessities of my country’s people arise naturally and require no exhausting labor to produce. Nor do I collect taxes or impose monetary penalties. I never conscript the people to labor for the king.”

While they were conversing, the hour for the meal arrived, and King Gai Su’s army beat the drums. King Brahma trembled with fear, thinking that they intended to seize and kill him. He immediately rose to apologize, his hands and feet shaking.

King Gai Su stood up, helped him sit down, and said:

“Why is Your Majesty so frightened? It is merely time for the meal, and my army is beating the drums to announce it. When the people eat at the same hour that I do, they obtain an abundance of delicious food!”

King Brahma joined his palms and said:

“May the Great King mercifully allow the people of our country also to obtain such naturally arising food. From this day onward, we submit to your rule.”

From then on, King Gai Su ruled all the peoples of the countries of Jambudvipa.

After the day of his enthronement, as he sat within the jeweled palace, all the ministers and officials attended him day and night.

Early one morning, just as the sun rose, the precious Golden Wheel chariot came flying from the east. King Gai Su descended from his throne, knelt upright, joined his palms, and reached up with his hand. The chariot immediately came to a halt. It was magnificent, and light radiated from it in all four directions.

The king said:

“If I am to become a wheel-turning king, may this chariot remain here!”

When he had spoken, the precious Golden Wheel chariot remained suspended in the sky before the king’s palace at a height of seven tala trees above the ground. Thereafter, the precious elephant, the divine jewel, the jewel woman, the military commander, and the treasurer arrived one after another, flying through the air.

From then on, King Gai Su became a wheel-turning king, fully endowed with the seven treasures, and ruled the four continents. Through the transforming power of his virtue, all beings dwelt in peace, joy, and happiness. In accordance with the king’s policies, the people cultivated the ten wholesome deeds:

1. Not killing living beings

2. Not stealing or plundering

3. Not engaging in sexual misconduct

4. Not speaking falsely

5. Not speaking divisively

6. Not speaking harshly

7. Not speaking frivolously or fabricating stories

8. Not being covetous

9. Not becoming angry

10. Not being deluded.

After their lives ended, they were all reborn in the heavenly realms.

Having spoken thus, the Buddha explained:

“Ananda! You should know that King Gai Su at that time was none other than I in a former life. King Vajrarasi was my present father, King Suddhodana, and the woman who gave birth to King Gai Su was my present mother, Maya.

“Because I cherished loving-kindness toward sentient beings and constantly gave them both material wealth and the Dharma to guide them, through these causes and conditions I have now attained Buddhahood. I am uniquely honored throughout the three realms, with none my equal. Therefore, sentient beings should also cultivate vast loving-kindness and compassion, whose benefits are boundless.”

I again asked:

“Homage to the Blessed One! By what causes and conditions did King Gai Su become a wheel-turning king in a past life? And why, when he entered his mother’s womb, did a canopy adorned with the seven treasures shelter him? I respectfully beseech you to explain this clearly to us.”

The Buddha taught:

“Ananda! In the distant past, an immeasurable number of asamkhya kalpas ago, here in this very Jambudvipa, a pratyekabuddha dwelling on Mount Rishi contracted an illness caused by wind. A physician said that he would recover only by drinking cow’s milk.

“At that time, there was a merchant named Aryamitra, which in Chinese means ‘Noble Friend.’ The pratyekabuddha told him of his illness and allowed him to make an offering of milk.

“The merchant Noble Friend joyfully made the offering. After the pratyekabuddha had consumed the milk for three months, he recovered from his illness. Out of gratitude and wishing his benefactor to gain great benefit, the pratyekabuddha flew into the air, where he walked, stood, lay down, and sat. Water and fire issued from his body. At times he manifested a body so immense that it filled the sky; then he made it as small as a fine autumn hair. In this manner, he displayed transformations eighteen times.

“Noble Friend was overjoyed upon seeing this! The pratyekabuddha then descended from the sky and accepted his offerings. After some time, the pratyekabuddha entered nirvana.

“Remembering him with affection, Noble Friend conducted the cremation rites as an offering, gathered his relics, placed them in a golden vessel, and built a jeweled stupa in which he enshrined the golden vessel containing the relics. He also made a canopy to shelter it and, every day for the remainder of his life, presented offerings of incense, flowers, and music and venerated the stupa.”

Having spoken thus, the Buddha explained:

“Ananda! You should know that because Noble Friend made offerings to that pratyekabuddha, he received meritorious rewards for immeasurable kalpas. Whether reborn in the heavenly realms or in the human world, he was always honored and lived in joy and happiness; while he was in the womb, a jeweled canopy sheltered him. You should know that Noble Friend at that time was none other than I in a former life. Therefore, all sentient beings, whether monastics or householders, should cultivate merit as their undertaking. Throughout life after life and kalpa after kalpa, they will receive immeasurable and boundless benefits such as these.”

At that time, everyone in the Dharma assembly, including myself, rejoiced and resolved to cultivate merit and make offerings. We bowed our heads in homage and withdrew.

Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Great Donor Who Emptied the Sea

Thus have I heard: At one time, the Buddha was dwelling in the kingdom of Rajagriha, on Vulture Peak, together with his eminent disciples and one thousand two hundred and fifty bhikshus. At that time, the Blessed One wished to appoint an attendant.

All the eminent disciples understood his intention. Then Kaundinya arranged his robe to bare his right shoulder, came forward, knelt upright, joined his palms, and addressed the Buddha:

“Homage to the Blessed One! I vow to serve as your attendant throughout my life. I humbly beseech you, in your loving compassion, to rejoice and consent, allowing me to partake of the blessing of this merit!”

The Buddha said:

“You are now advanced in years and frail. I could not bear to trouble you with the work of attending me!”

He bowed in gratitude and withdrew. Next came Venerable Mahakasyapa, Venerable Sariputra, Venerable Maudgalyayana, and the five hundred disciples, each in turn coming forward to pay homage and ask to serve as his attendant. But the Buddha accepted none of them.

At that time, Venerable Anuruddha perceived that the Buddha wished to appoint Ananda, and the great disciples likewise understood this.

Venerable Sariputra and Venerable Maudgalyayana rose, came over to me, and said:

“Ananda! The Buddha wishes to appoint you as his attendant! You alone possess a blessing greater than ours. Quickly rise, pay homage, and ask the Buddha to permit you to attend him personally, so that the entire Sangha may also receive great benefit through you!”

After hearing the two senior monks, I joined my palms and said:

“Venerable Elders, the World-Honored One’s virtue is vast and his wisdom profound. If I attend him closely, I fear that some inadvertent fault might cause me to incur blame and bring misfortune upon myself. What then?”

Venerable Sariputra said:

“We perceive that the World-Honored One has taken particular notice of you. Having determined that you are capable of bearing this responsibility, he wishes to appoint you as his attendant.”

When the two senior monks spoke in this way, I did not know what to do. I said:

“Yes. If the two Venerable Elders will ask the Buddha to grant these three requests, I shall agree to serve as his attendant:

1. The World-Honored One must not give me his used robes to wear.

2. The World-Honored One must not give me his leftover food to eat.

3. I must be allowed to use my own discretion in arranging the proper times for people to be admitted into his presence. If these requests are granted, I shall accept.”

The two senior monks reported my requests to the Buddha. The Buddha said:

“Ananda does not wish to wear my used robes because he is farsighted and fears that the disciples might harbor resentment. Kings, officials, and common people offer the Buddha precious and beautiful robes; others might suppose that he became my attendant because he coveted them. Second, he does not wish to eat my leftover food because he fears that the disciples might think: ‘The food remaining in the Tathagata’s bowl contains a hundred rare, delicious, and nourishing flavors.

Has he drawn close to the Buddha because he covets such food?’ As for his third request—that he himself be allowed to judge the proper times for admitting people—he fears that disciples and followers of other paths might come to raise difficult questions at inappropriate times and disturb me. Yet an attendant must discern the proper times and offer suitable food for the benefit of the Tathagata’s body; every matter must be conducted according to an established order.

For these reasons, he has made these three requests. Nor is it only in this present life that he knows the proper times and makes such a request. In a past life he also attended me and likewise knew well the appropriate times for admitting people into my presence.”

Venerable Sariputra then said:

“Homage to the World-Honored One! In a past life, how did Ananda attend you and understand the proper times? Please explain the causes and circumstances for us.”

The Buddha said, “Sariputra! If you wish to know, listen attentively, and I shall tell you.”

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

“Sariputra! Immeasurable asamkhyeya ages ago, there was a king of a great realm who ruled over eighty-four thousand lesser kingdoms and eight billion settlements in Jambudvipa. The king resided in the city of Varusisa.

In that city lived a Brahmin of penetrating intelligence and wisdom. The king revered him as a teacher, and the eighty-four thousand rulers of the lesser kingdoms all admired and honored him. They presented him with gifts from the four directions and regularly dispatched envoys to inquire after him.

In short, they served him no differently from the way ministers serve their king. His wealth rivaled that of an entire kingdom, but he had no son to inherit his estate, and so he was always sorrowful. Not knowing where his prayers might be answered, he went to shrines dedicated to Brahma, Sakra, the Four Heavenly Kings, Mahesvara, and all the other devas, and prayed fervently for twelve years.

Because of his sincere prayers, his chief wife conceived. He summoned someone to determine whether the child was male or female. A young woman came to examine her and said, ‘Madam is carrying a son.’

“He was secretly delighted and assigned maidservants to attend her diligently and carefully, never acting contrary to her wishes.

“When the months were complete, she gave birth to a boy whose body was golden in color. His hair was dark blue and lustrous, his forehead high, his nose straight, his ears thick, his eyes bright, and his mouth broad and radiant. He possessed all the auspicious physical marks. The Brahmin was overjoyed and invited a physiognomist to examine him.

“After examining the boy, the physiognomist said:

“‘This child is endowed with merit and virtue such as have never before appeared in the world. In the future, he may become the preceptor of the realm!’

“Hearing the physiognomist’s words, the Brahmin was filled with joy and asked him to name the child. By custom, names were always chosen according to two conditions:

1. The constellations.

2. The appearance of extraordinary omens.

“The physiognomist asked, ‘Sir, while the lady was carrying this child, did any extraordinary omen occur?’

“‘Venerable sir, she had previously accumulated much unwholesome karma, possessed little compassion, and was not diligent in cultivating merit and wisdom. But from the time she conceived this child, her disposition changed. She became compassionate toward those in peril, frequently assisted the poor and hungry, devoted herself to giving, and no longer greedily hoarded wealth as before.’

“The physiognomist joyfully said:

“‘This naturally results from the wisdom and principles embodied by your son. I shall name him Mahatyagavan, which in Chinese means “Great Giver.”’

“As the boy grew older, his parents cherished him deeply. They built a separate mansion for him, divided into three palaces suited to the heat and cold of the year: in winter he stayed in the warm palace; in summer, in the cool palace; and during spring and autumn, in the central palace, where the temperature was mild and harmonious. They appointed young women to attend him and keep him entertained day and night. The boy loved learning and was naturally intelligent. He mastered the eighteen secular scriptures and became highly proficient in every art and craft. One day, he said to his father:

“‘Father, I have remained in this palace for a long time. Please allow me to travel through the countryside and see how the people live and work.’

“‘Very well! You may go out and enjoy yourself. I give you permission.’

“His father ordered the roads to be repaired and sprinkled with fragrant water. Flags were raised, banners hung, and incense burned. Upon the back of a great white elephant they placed a howdah made of the seven treasures, covered it with brocade, and adorned it with hanging bells for the boy to ride in. Those leading the procession played musical instruments, beat drums, and sounded flutes. Behind him, thousands of people riding elephants and horses followed. They traveled along a broad, level road beneath a cool sky, while luminous clouds shone in five colors. It was as though a Wheel-Turning King had descended into the world. The people eagerly came out to watch and could not gaze their fill. Everyone exclaimed:

“‘Truly, this is rare! His majestic bearing towers aloft, awe-inspiring as the god Brahma himself!’

“After a while, they encountered a group of beggars. Their clothes were tattered, and they staggered barefoot, holding broken bowls and pleading for a little food or money. Great Giver asked:

“‘Why do you suffer such hardship?’

“‘Young master, we have no parents, siblings, wives, or children. We are poor and destitute, with nowhere to seek refuge!’

“Some said, ‘We have been continually ill and cannot work. We have no means of sustaining our lives!’

“Others said, ‘We encountered a time of calamity, our families were ruined and scattered, and our debts became so great that we had no means of making a living. We therefore had to beg for food in order to survive and flee our creditors!’

“After Great Giver heard their words, his heart ached, and he walked onward with a sigh. After traveling several miles, he saw butchers slaughtering animals.

“Great Giver asked, ‘Alas! What are you doing?’

“‘Young master, our forefathers practiced only the trade of killing animals to support their families. If we now abandon this occupation, we shall have no means of livelihood!’”

Mahadana sighed and continued on his way. After traveling some distance, he saw people plowing the fields: as the plowshares turned over the soil, worms, crickets, and tiny creatures emerged, only to be caught and eaten by frogs and toads. He also saw snakes catching and eating the frogs and toads, which uttered pitiful cries; and he saw peacocks seize the snakes, carry them up into the branches of trees, and eat them.

Mahadana asked:

“What are they doing here?”

“Sir, they are plowing the fields to plant rice. When the harvest comes, they will have grain to eat and to pay taxes to the king.”

Having heard this, Mahadana felt compassion for living beings. Sighing inwardly, he continued on his way. After traveling some distance, he saw hunters spreading nets, setting snares, and laying traps to catch birds and beasts. He saw the creatures caught in the nets, twisting and writhing, struggling with all their might, crying out in terror. It was a heartrending sight.

Mahadana asked:

“What are you doing?”

“Sir, hunting is our sole occupation. If we did not do this, we would have no other means of livelihood!”

Hearing this, Mahadana felt both compassion and sorrow, and then continued onward. After a while, he came upon a great river. In boats drifting upon the water, fishermen cast their nets and hauled up great numbers of fish. They emptied them onto the bank, where some thrashed and others gasped, lying scattered everywhere.

Mahadana asked:

“What are you doing?”

“Sir, from the time of our forefathers down to us, we have had no other occupation. We live solely by catching fish.”

Hearing this, Mahadana was filled with compassion and thought to himself:

“Because all these people lack food and clothing, they create the evil karma of killing living beings. After death, they will fall into the realms of hell beings, hungry ghosts, and animals. From one place of darkness they will descend into one still darker. How truly pitiable they are!”

At this point, Mahadana said to everyone:

“That is enough. Please allow me to return home and rest.”

Because he grieved for the deluded beings of the world who created evil karma, Mahadana could never find joy. Seeking a way to relieve living beings of both physical and spiritual deprivation, he went to his father and said:

“Father, I have just traveled through the rural districts and seen that, for the sake of food and clothing, the people must toil in body and mind, killing countless living beings to sustain their lives and deceiving and cheating one another. Having created such evil karma, after death they must fall into the three evil paths. I have great compassion for them! Therefore, please give me one granary of rice so that I may offer it to the poor and hungry.”

“Do as you wish. What belongs to me belongs to you. If you wish to practice generosity, I shall gladly consent!”

Having obtained his father’s consent, Mahadana proclaimed to the people:

“All people who lack food, clothing, or money, please come to my house and take what you need. Whatever you desire, I shall provide in full!”

When the people of the kingdom heard that Mahadana had begun a great distribution of alms, all the poor, sick, solitary, and destitute came thronging together as though to a festival. Some came from a hundred leagues away, others from two or three hundred, or even a thousand leagues away, and still others from three thousand or five thousand leagues away. The strong carried the weak on their backs, and the sighted led the blind. Those who wanted food received food, and those who wanted clothing received clothing. Whatever anyone desired, their wish was fulfilled.

After he had practiced generosity for some time, one-third of the stores had been exhausted. The keeper of the storehouses went to the master and said:

“Master, young Mahadana has distributed one-third of the stores to the people. What will remain with which to entertain royal officials and visiting guests? Please consider this carefully, lest everything be exhausted and you later reproach me for not warning you beforehand!”

The master thought:

“I would rather let the storehouses become empty than oppose my son’s wishes!”

After Mahadana had continued giving for some time, two-thirds of the stores had been exhausted. The storekeeper again went to the master and said:

“Master, two-thirds of the stores have now been exhausted. If you do not put a stop to this distribution, nothing will remain for our own food and use!”

The master said:

“My love for my precious son is profound, and therefore I do not wish to oppose his will. Find some expedient and make some other pretext. If fewer supplicants come, perhaps something may remain for our use!”

Having received the master’s permission, the storekeeper shut the doors and went elsewhere.

Because the storehouses were closed, all those seeking aid went to Mahadana. He led them to the storehouses, but the storekeeper was absent. Mahadana sent people to search for him, and only after a long time did they find him. He returned and opened the storehouses for them, but gave out very little.

Mahadana thought to himself:

“The storekeeper would not dare to stop the distribution on his own authority. He must surely be acting on my father’s orders. Yet, as a son, I should not utterly exhaust my parents’ stores, and very little now remains in them. What, then, should I do to obtain wealth with which to aid the people, so that they may be well-fed, prosperous, and happy? Only then will my vow to practice generosity be fulfilled.”

Mahadana then asked everyone:

“What occupation in this world yields great wealth?”

Someone advised him:

“Sir, at present, cultivating the five kinds of grain yields great wealth.”

Another person said:

“Raising animals and selling them can bring great wealth.”

Still another said:

“If one does not fear dangers and calamities, traveling far away to conduct trade can bring great wealth.”

Yet another person advised him:

“Sir, none of the methods just mentioned yields very much. If you wish to provide all living beings in Jambudvipa with sufficient food and clothing, the supreme and most wondrous plan is to enter the ocean in search of precious jewels!”

Mahadana said:

“Cultivating crops, raising animals, and traveling afar to trade bring little profit. Entering the ocean in search of precious jewels may indeed be the better plan. I have therefore resolved to go in search of precious jewels.”

After saying this, he went to his parents and said:

“Father and Mother, I ask permission to enter the ocean in search of precious jewels and bring them back to aid the people. Please grant me your consent.”

His parents became deeply anxious and said:

“My son! Those who venture onto the ocean are impoverished people with no means of livelihood, who no longer cherish any hope for their own lives. What poverty afflicts you that you would enter the ocean and cause your parents to fear for your life? If you wish to practice generosity, you may distribute whatever remains in the storehouses. Voyaging upon the ocean entails many dangers: towering waves, violent winds, Makara fish, venomous dragons, rakshasa demons, mountains, and perilous waters that are nearly impossible to cross! Why would you cast your body into such danger? You cannot go. Abandon this foolish notion.”

Mahadana was overwhelmed with sorrow. He thought to himself:

“I wish to establish a great undertaking for the future. How could I accomplish it if I cling to and cherish my own life?”

Having thought thus, he prostrated himself before his parents and said:

“Revered Father and Mother! If you obstruct my aspiration and refuse to let me enter the ocean in search of precious jewels to save the people, then I shall lie here and never rise again!”

When his parents heard these words, their hearts burned with anguish as though consumed by fire. Together with everyone else, they tried to dissuade him, saying:

“The distant ocean is filled with dangers. Of those who go, many depart but few return. You should remember how your parents prayed with utmost sincerity at the shrine of the immortals for twelve years before we were blessed with you. Now that you are grown, it is not right for you to abandon your parents and depart! Rise, my son, and eat and drink, so that your parents may be comforted!”

With unwavering resolve, he replied:

“If Father and Mother allow me to go, I shall rise. Otherwise, I shall not rise!”

He remained lying there for six days without eating or drinking. His parents continually counseled and coaxed him, but he was resolved not to rise and endured the hunger.

His parents became terribly afraid and discussed the matter together:

“Our son has remained steadfast from beginning to end and has never once wavered in his resolve. We can only close our eyes to the danger and let him go, still hoping that one day he may return. If he lies here for more than seven days and dies, it will truly have been to no avail.”

Having reached this decision, his parents went to help him rise and said:

“Very well, my son. Rise and eat. Then we shall allow you to go.”

Mahadana was overjoyed! He rose and went to eat. When he had finished his meal, he wrote a public proclamation stating:

– I am going out to sea in search of precious jewels. Whoever wishes to go may come with me; I shall provide all the necessary provisions for the journey.

At that time, five hundred people agreed to accompany him. On the day of departure, his parents, the king, officials, and hundreds of thousands of citizens came to see him off, bringing provisions and money for the journey. The farewell was filled with joy. Everyone offered their good wishes: “May you travel safely and return soon.”

After traveling for several days, they reached a vast expanse of sand, where everyone stopped to rest. Unfortunately, they encountered a great band of robbers. Knowing that they were not strong enough to resist, Mahadana gave them all the money and provisions, and then the company resumed its journey. They eventually reached a city called Phong Bat. In that city lived a Brahmin elder named Ca Ty Le. He had a daughter whose body was golden in hue and whose hair was blue like lapis lazuli. She was the most beautiful woman of her time. Eighty-four thousand princes from many kingdoms had sought her hand, but she had accepted none of them.

Mahadana intended to ask for a loan. Standing outside, he knocked at the door. When the maiden heard someone calling, she ran out. Upon seeing him, she was spontaneously moved and filled with joy. She went inside and said to her father:

– Father! A man outside is knocking at the door and calling. That man is surely destined to be my husband!

Ca Ty Le opened the door and stepped outside. Seeing Mahadana’s extraordinary and majestic appearance, he was secretly delighted and asked:

– What business brings you here?

– Venerable Elder, out of compassion for the people suffering from hunger and thirst, I am going out to sea to seek precious jewels so that I may distribute them among them. Unfortunately, halfway through the journey, we encountered robbers who took all our provisions. I wish to trouble you to lend me three thousand taels of gold, which I shall repay upon my return.

The elder gladly said:

– Please come inside. That will not be difficult. I can lend you three thousand or even ten thousand taels, for my household has ample wealth.

He entered his treasury, took out the gold, and led his daughter with him. Smiling, he said:

– I offer this gold to you as a gift. This is my daughter. Many princes have sought her hand, but I have given her to none of them. Today, having met you, I am greatly pleased. My daughter also wishes to form a marriage bond with you. Will you accept this proposal? Please let me know.

– Venerable Elder, I am now setting out to sea, where dangers and perils abound. I know the day of my departure, but not whether I shall ever return. If I accept your proposal now and soon encounter disaster and perish in the vast ocean, how could I fulfill my promise?

– That does not matter. If you return safely, then please fulfill the promise!

The elder gladly gave him three thousand taels of gold and a great quantity of other provisions. Mahadana thanked him, bade him farewell, and resumed his journey.

Bringing the gold back, Mahadana instructed his companions to purchase a fine ship built with seven layers of planking so that it could withstand the wind and waves.

When the ship had been purchased, it was secured with seven ropes.

Mahadana rang a bell and proclaimed loudly:

– Friends, listen carefully! Take heed! Take heed! A sea voyage holds many dangers: black winds, rakshasa demons, violent winds, poisonous vapors, dark waters, rocky mountains, makara fish, and countless other calamities. You are traveling with me, but now, whoever wishes to turn back should remain here, lest disaster strike later, when regret will be of no avail. Only those whose hearts and resolve are steadfast, who do not cling to their lives, wives and children, siblings, or parents, should proceed. On the other hand, if you return safely, the wealth obtained will sustain your descendants for seven generations without being exhausted.

Having spoken, he cut one rope. In the same way, once each day he repeated this proclamation and cut another rope. After seven days, all seven ropes had been cut. The ship began its voyage, its sails raised to catch the favorable wind, and it sped along as though flying.

After a very long time, they finally reached a place abundant in precious jewels, gold, and silver.

Mahadana was intelligent and widely learned, and he thoroughly understood every kind of jewel: which were heavy or light, precious or ordinary, and which had good or inferior forms and colors. He instructed everyone in what to gather and cautioned them to take a suitable amount without greed, lest the ship become overloaded and sink. Yet if they gathered too little, the journey would not have been worthwhile.

When his companions had carefully finished gathering the treasures and were preparing to depart, Mahadana did not wish to board the ship. They asked him:

– Sir! We have gathered all the jewels and treasures and loaded them aboard the ship. Please board so that we may return home!

– Friends, return ahead of me! I now wish to go to the palace of the Dragon King to request the wish-fulfilling jewel, for with it I shall be able to give alms to all sentient beings throughout Jambudvipa. I am determined to go, and if I cannot obtain it, I am resolved not to return!

– Sir! It was through your courage and determination in facing danger that we were able to reach this place and obtain so many treasures and jewels. We had hoped that all of us would return safely together. Yet now you intend to abandon us and go alone. We are deeply unwilling to accept this! We beg you to return with us.

– Please set your minds at ease, friends. I shall pray that you return safely to your homeland and live happily with your parents, wives, and children. As for me, you need not worry!

All his companions were sorrowful. They joined their palms, wished him a safe and successful journey, bade him farewell, and departed for home.

The sails were raised, and the ships slowly turned their bows away. Standing aboard, his companions gazed at him with tears streaming down their faces.

When the ships had sailed far away and appeared only as dim shapes upon the sea, Mahadana offered incense and paid homage to all Buddhas of the ten directions, making this vow:

– With reverence, I beseech the greatly awakened and compassionate ones of the ten directions to bear witness! Heedless of the immense distance, dangers, and hardships, I have entered the ocean to seek jewels so that I may aid all beings and deliver them from the suffering and misery of hunger and thirst. Through the merit of this deed, may I attain Buddhahood. With a single-minded heart of utmost sincerity and reverence, I pray that my vow may be fulfilled and that these people may return safely without encountering any calamity.

On the first day of Mahadana’s journey, the water reached his knees. After traveling for seven days, the water reached his buttocks. After another seven days, it reached his waist. Seven days later, the water rose to his neck. After swimming for another seven days, he reached a mountain. Mahadana broke off two tree branches to use as staffs while climbing. After climbing for seven days, he reached the summit. He traveled across the mountaintop for seven days and then began his descent. After another seven days, he reached the foot of the mountain and came to the edge of a body of water. Golden lotus blossoms grew in the water, and venomous snakes lay upon the flowers and lotus stalks.

Seeing this, Mahadana sat upright in the lotus posture, gathered and concentrated his mind, and entered the samadhi of the contemplation of loving-kindness and compassion. He reflected that these snakes had created karma of anger, hatred, and jealousy in past lives and thus had fallen into rebirth in this place, enduring hideous and venomous bodies. Through the sympathetic power of Mahadana’s compassion, all those snakes lost their venom.

Mahadana arose and walked upon the lotus blossoms for seven days, escaping the danger of the venomous snakes. Looking far ahead, he saw rakshasa demons approaching, for they had detected the scent of a human being and had come searching for him. Seeing them, Mahadana collected his mind and entered the contemplation of loving-kindness and compassion. Through the power of that contemplation, the demons spontaneously gave rise to reverence. They joyfully approached and asked:

– Bodhisattva, from where have you come?

– Venerable ones, I am seeking the wish-fulfilling jewel!

The demons rejoiced and thought:

– This man possesses the merit and virtue to reach the abode of the Dragon King, but it is still far away. How could he possibly travel there on his own? Let us help carry him past this dangerous region.

Having thought this, they used their supernatural demonic powers to transport Mahadana four hundred yojanas, and then they returned.

Upon arriving there, Mahadana looked straight ahead along the road and saw a great city made of silver, shining brilliantly like the sun. Knowing that this was indeed the city of the Dragon King, Mahadana joyfully proceeded directly toward it. Outside the city, he saw seven concentric moats, entirely filled with venomous snakes of a most terrifying appearance.

Mahadana thought to himself: “In their former lives, these snakes often harbored evil intentions, anger, and a desire to harm others. Therefore, they have now fallen into rebirth as snakes and must endure these exceedingly hideous bodies.”

When he brought forth loving-kindness and compassion for them, the snakes naturally withdrew and disappeared. Great Charity went straight into the city. At the city gate, he saw two dragons with their bodies coiled, their heads crossing each other like the leaves of a gate. When they saw Great Charity enter, they raised their heads and stared at him. Great Charity entered the contemplation of loving-kindness and compassion; the dragons lowered their heads and no longer dared to look at him. Great Charity stepped upon their heads and entered.

At that time, the Dragon King was seated in the Hall of the Seven Treasures. Seeing a man enter, he was astonished and thought to himself:

– My city is surrounded by seven concentric moats and ramparts. The moats contain many venomous snakes, and beyond them there are also poisonous dragons and yaksha demons. How could this man have entered? He must possess great virtue!

The Dragon King gave rise to reverence, came forth to welcome him and inquire after him, invited him to sit upon a couch of the seven treasures, and entertained him with delicious food. When the meal was finished, the Dragon King asked:

– Have you come here on some important business?

– O Dragon King! The people of Jambudvipa are impoverished, hungry, and afflicted. For the sake of food and clothing, they commit evil karma such as killing, stealing, lying, and deceiving one another. Therefore, after death they fall into the three evil destinies. Out of compassion, I wish to save sentient beings. Thus, heedless of the long and distant journey, I have come here to pay my respects to Your Majesty and ask for the wish-fulfilling jewel, so that I may return and help the people. I hope Your Majesty, in your loving compassion, will generously bestow it upon me!

– Indeed, the wish-fulfilling jewel is a most precious object. Your journey here has also been a perilous undertaking in which you disregarded your own life; how could I dare refuse you? Yet I ask that you graciously remain here for one month, accept my modest offerings, and teach the Dharma to me. Then I shall present it to you!

– Excellent! Since Your Majesty earnestly wishes me to remain and desires to hear the Dharma taught, I shall stay a while and dare not refuse.

Each day, the Dragon King made offerings with the utmost solemnity, presenting every kind of rare delicacy found in the dragon palace. During the meals, musicians and dancing women performed songs and dances as offerings, playing exquisite melodies upon their instruments and singing songs of surpassing beauty.

With unobstructed eloquence, Great Charity expounded the Dharma of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness to the king. At the end of one month, he took his leave and prepared to depart. The Dragon King removed the wish-fulfilling jewel from his topknot, presented it to him, and said:

– Great Charity possesses vast loving-kindness and compassion and a resolute, vigorous aspiration; you will certainly attain Buddhahood. After you become a Buddha, I ask to become one of your disciples foremost in wisdom!

– Excellent! O Dragon King, what power does this jewel possess?

– Great Charity, this jewel has the power to cause rain to fall over an area extending two thousand yojanas in all four directions. That rain transforms into whatever things sentient beings require for their livelihood.

Great Charity joyfully received the jewel and then thought to himself:

– Although this jewel is indeed precious, its power is limited and cannot bring relief to as many sentient beings as I have resolved to save.

The Dragon King and his ministers accompanied him beyond the city gate. Great Charity took his leave and set out upon his journey. Before long, he reached a city made entirely of blue vaidurya. The city was surrounded by seven concentric moats, in which there were many venomous snakes.

Great Charity thought to himself:

– In their previous lives, these snakes gave rise to much anger, delusion, jealousy, and envy; therefore, they must now endure such ugly and evil bodies.

Having thought this, he sat upright and entered the contemplation of loving-kindness and compassion, moved by pity for their suffering. The influence of his loving compassion spread to them and completely removed the venom from their minds.

Great Charity arose, stepped upon the heads of those snakes, and went straight toward the city gate. There he saw two dragons whose bodies encircled the city, their heads crossing before the gate as though standing guard. When the dragons saw him, they raised their heads, glared, and stared at him fiercely.

Great Charity immediately entered the contemplation of great compassion. His mind of loving-kindness reached them, and the dragons lowered their heads, displaying a gentle demeanor. Great Charity then proceeded inside.

The Dragon King was seated in the Hall of the Seven Treasures. Seeing a man enter, he thought to himself:

– How extraordinary! My city is surrounded by seven concentric moats and guarded by venomous snakes, poisonous dragons, and yaksha demons, making entry exceedingly difficult. How could this man have come inside? He must possess great virtue and cannot be an ordinary person!

Having thought this, he arose, went forth to welcome him, and respectfully inquired after him. He invited Great Charity into the jeweled hall to sit upon a throne of the seven treasures and entertained him with precious delicacies. After the meal, he spoke to him warmly and asked:

– From where have you come, and have you come on some important business?

– Your Majesty! I have come from the continent of Jambudvipa to ask you for the wish-fulfilling jewel!

– Venerable sir, the wish-fulfilling jewel is exceedingly rare! If you wish to use it, please remain here for two months, expound the bodhisattva practices, and accept our modest offerings.

– Excellent! If Your Majesty cherishes and reveres the unsurpassed treasure of the Dharma of all Buddhas, I shall respectfully explain it to you.

The Dragon King ordered a high Dharma seat to be prepared. Twice each day he requested Great Charity to teach the Dharma, and he solemnly arranged vegetarian offerings in accordance with the prescribed rites.

With unobstructed eloquence, Great Charity clearly expounded the Four Bases of Spiritual Power. At the end of two months, he took his leave and prepared to return.

The Dragon King brought forth the wish-fulfilling jewel, presented it to him, and made this vow:

– Great Charity’s mind of loving-kindness universally aids all beings; it is vast and boundless. You will certainly attain Buddhahood. At that time, I vow to become one of your disciples foremost in spiritual powers.

– Excellent! Your Majesty’s vow will be fulfilled! And what power does this jewel possess?

– Great Charity! This jewel has the power to rain down every kind of food and provision needed by sentient beings throughout an area extending four thousand yojanas in all four directions.

Great Charity joyfully accepted the jewel and then thought to himself:

– Although this jewel is quite excellent, it still does not accord with the aspiration I have formed!

The Dragon King and his ministers escorted him beyond the city gate and did not return until he had gone far away.

Great Charity had not traveled long when he saw a city made of gold. It was extraordinarily beautiful, radiating light for a hundred leagues. Drawing near, he saw that it was surrounded by seven concentric moats, in which there were many venomous snakes. Great Charity thought to himself:

– In their previous lives, these snakes harbored malicious minds, jealousy, hatred, and the desire to harm; therefore, they must now endure such venomous and evil bodies!

Having thought this, he entered the contemplation of loving-kindness and regarded them with loving concern, dispelling the evil thoughts of the venomous snakes. They lay flat upon the ground, and Great Charity stepped upon them and passed over. When he reached the gate, he saw two dragons whose coiled bodies encircled the city, their heads crossing as they guarded either side of the gate. Seeing a man, they raised their necks, opened their eyes wide, and stared at him viciously.

Great Charity immediately entered the contemplation of loving-kindness and compassion. The dragons lowered their heads, and he stepped through the gate.

At that time, the Dragon King was seated in the jeweled hall. Seeing a man enter, he was astonished and thought to himself:

– Outside the city are seven concentric moats, as well as venomous snakes, poisonous dragons, and yaksha demons. With so many obstacles, how could this man have entered? He must possess great virtue!

Having thought this, he gave rise to respect and reverence, went forth to welcome him and inquire after him, and then invited him into the hall to sit upon a throne of the seven treasures. With the utmost solemnity, he entertained him with precious delicacies from the dragon palace. When the meal was finished, the king asked:

– From where have you come, and what business brings you here?

– Your Majesty! The sentient beings of Jambudvipa possess little merit and live in poverty and misery. They labor arduously for their livelihood and even kill one another merely for food and clothing. They commit all ten evil deeds, and after death they fall into the three evil paths, where the ways are long and distant and the perils innumerable! I have heard that Your Majesty possesses a wish-fulfilling jewel capable of ending the suffering of sentient beings. Therefore, I have come to ask it of you, so that I may bring relief to the people.

– Great Charity! The wish-fulfilling jewel is the most precious treasure in the ocean repository. If you wish to use it, please remain here for four months, accept our modest offerings, and explain the principles of the Path to us.

“Yes, that would be excellent! If the Great King wishes to hear an exposition of the Tathagata’s True Dharma, I sincerely offer the unsurpassed treasure of the Dharma!”

The Dragon King rejoiced. Every day he offered fine and precious foods from the dragon palace, and he also had musicians perform twice daily as an offering.

Great Charity employed his unobstructed eloquence to expound the sublime truth.

The king diligently listened to the Dharma morning, evening, and night, never letting the proper time pass. The dragons and yakshas came to attend upon him, arranging their own times for coming forward and withdrawing from service. Throughout the four months, they acted with the utmost reverence and in full accordance with proper conduct.

At the end of the four-month period, Great Charity took his leave. The Dragon King loosened his topknot, removed the wish-fulfilling jewel, and offered it to him, making this vow:

“Great Charity, your vast vow is boundless and your compassionate heart is exalted! Out of pity for sentient beings, you shrink from no hardship. In the future, you will certainly attain Buddhahood. I vow to become your attendant, a disciple who retains all teachings!”

“How precious! May your great vow swiftly be fulfilled. What powers does this jewel possess?”

“Great Charity, this jewel has the power to rain down the seven treasures throughout an area extending eight thousand yojanas in all four directions.”

Great Charity joyfully accepted the jewel and thought:

“This land of Jambudvipa extends seven thousand yojanas, while the power of this jewel extends eight thousand yojanas. Thus, my aspiration can indeed be fulfilled!”

He wrapped all three jewels in a corner of his robe, thanked the Dragon King, and set out. The king and his ministers accompanied him beyond the city gate.

When Great Charity had gone far from the city, he placed a jewel upon his palm and prayed:

“If this is truly a wish-fulfilling jewel, may it enable me to fly through the sky!”

After making this prayer, he sprang upward and flew through the sky like a falcon. In a short while he crossed the sea, reached a sandbank, and descended to rest.

There Great Charity lay down and slept upon the sand. Several dragons living near the sandbank knew that he had returned after obtaining jewels from the Dragon King, and greed arose in their hearts. Taking advantage of his sleep, they secretly untied the jewels and dived beneath the sea with them.

Great Charity felt a movement and suddenly opened his eyes. He saw no one, but the three jewels were gone. He thought:

“How could there be any people here? Only the dragons could have taken my three jewels! I endured countless hardships before obtaining them so that I might bring them back, save sentient beings, and fulfill my aspiration to give. Since you have taken them from me, I vow that if I cannot recover them, I will never return. I shall bail out all the water and capture you. Even if I die in the attempt, I will willingly accept it; I will never return empty-handed!”

As he walked along the shore speaking these words, he found a tortoise shell.

The God of the Sea appeared and said:

“This sea is three million three hundred and sixty thousand miles deep. Even if all the inhabitants of Jambudvipa tried to bail it out, they could never empty it. How much less could you do so alone?”

Great Charity replied, “You should know that whoever resolutely undertakes a task will bring it to completion. I sought the wish-fulfilling jewel for the benefit of humanity. Though the undertaking was exceedingly difficult, I remained resolute and never abandoned my aspiration to attain Buddhahood. How could bailing out the sea be any more difficult than that?”

At that time, a being from the Pure Abodes saw that Great Charity, single in body and steadfast in purpose, had endured so many hardships to rescue sentient beings, only to have the dragons steal his jewels. He summoned a large company of beings, who concealed their forms and came to help bail out the sea.

Each time Great Charity scooped up water, they dipped their celestial robes into the sea, then carried the robes elsewhere and wrung out the water. Whenever Great Charity made one scoop, the sea level fell by forty miles; after two scoops, it fell by eighty miles; after three scoops, it fell by one hundred and twenty miles.

Seeing the waters recede so greatly, the dragons who had stolen the jewels became terrified. They came up to him and said:

“Stop! Stop! Great Charity, do not scoop out any more water! What do you intend to do with these jewels?”

“I shall use them to aid all the sentient beings of Jambudvipa!”

“According to what you have said, there are also innumerable sentient beings here in this sea. Why do you not give the jewels to us instead of taking them away?”

“Although there are sentient beings in this sea, they do not suffer as do the beings of Jambudvipa. For the sake of food and clothing, those beings kill one another, deceive and defraud one another, and commit all ten evil deeds. After death, they fall into the three evil realms. I wish to enable them to understand this Dharma, and therefore I came here to seek the jewels. First I shall provide them with sufficient food and clothing; afterward, I shall lead them to practice the ten wholesome deeds.”

After hearing this, the dragons returned the three wish-fulfilling jewels.

At that time, the God of the Sea, seeing his firm and vigorous perseverance, made this vow before him:

“Great Charity possesses such perseverance that he will certainly attain Buddhahood. At that time, I vow to become one of his disciples foremost in perseverance!”

After receiving the jewels, Great Charity flew into the sky. Before long he encountered the companions who had journeyed with him and descended to meet them. When they saw him, they were both astonished and delighted. They asked:

“Where have you come from? What immeasurable joy! Today we have met our dearest friend again.”

Having spoken thus, they clasped hands and greeted one another with great happiness, then returned together to the kingdom of Phong Bat.

When Kapila learned that Great Charity had safely returned from the sea, he joyfully went out to welcome him, warmly inquired after him, and then invited everyone home for a meal.

After they had eaten, they happily recounted all that had happened during the journey. Great Charity held up a wish-fulfilling jewel and pointed it toward the storehouses, whereupon all Kapila’s storehouses became filled with gold, silver, pearls, precious stones, and other treasures. Everyone clicked their tongues in amazement!

Kapila adorned his daughter beautifully. First washing his hands, he then led his daughter forward and entrusted her to Great Charity.

When they departed, he sent five hundred accomplished female musicians and five hundred white elephants to attend upon his daughter.

Great Charity had his companions mount the elephants, and they set out for his homeland. The farewell that day was extraordinarily lively and joyful, and reports of the auspicious event spread throughout the ten directions.

Ever since Great Charity had departed, his parents at home had missed him so deeply that they wept with longing. They grieved day and night until both became blind.

Great Charity came before his parents, bowed to them, and inquired after their health and the affairs of the household.

They were overwhelmed with joy. Because they were blind and could not see their son, they tenderly ran their hands over his head and face, saying:

“How could you bear to leave your parents and travel so far away for so long, leaving us at home to pine for you? What treasures did you obtain from the sea?”

“Father, I obtained a wish-fulfilling jewel from the Dragon King. Please hold it and see whether it is precious.”

His father took it and said:

“There is no shortage of stones like this in our storehouses. Why did you risk life and limb and endure so many hardships amid the dangerous waves of the great sea merely to bring this back?”

Great Charity took the jewel and pointed it toward his parents’ eyes. At once their sight became even clearer than before, like a wind dispersing clouds and mist, revealing the radiance of dawn throughout the sky. Their eyes now shone brightly, and they were deeply moved by the awe-inspiring power and boundless merit of the jewel. They said:

“How precious! Although you endured suffering, your efforts were not in vain.”

Great Charity then raised the jewel and vowed:

“May the seats upon which my parents sit become seats made of the seven treasures, with canopies of the seven treasures above them!”

As soon as he completed the vow, everything became just as he wished.

He further vowed, “May the storehouses of my parents, and those of the king, officials, and people, be filled to overflowing with gold, silver, and precious treasures!”

When he completed the vow, throughout the entire kingdom, from the king down to the common people, every household came to possess immense quantities of gold, silver, pearls, precious stones, ivory, and wealth.

Everyone who saw this was astonished and delighted!

After some time, Great Charity sent messengers riding elephants to travel eight thousand miles and announce to all the people of the kingdom:

– Young Mahātyāga has returned safely and auspiciously from the sea. After seven more days, the wish-fulfilling jewel will rain down every kind of clothing, food, and drink, and whatever anyone wishes to use will be granted according to their desire.

Yet only those among the people who observe the precepts, remain pure, and possess sincere reverence will enjoy these boundless blessings!

On the seventh day, Mahātyāga bathed himself thoroughly and put on new garments. He then went to a broad, elevated, level tract of land, placed the wish-fulfilling jewel atop a tall banner, held a censer in his hands, and made this vow:

– All sentient beings in Jambudvīpa are poor and endure bitter suffering. I wish to save them from deprivation. If this truly is a wish-fulfilling jewel, may it rain down, one after another, all the necessities required for the lives of sentient beings!

As soon as he had finished this prayer, clouds gathered from the four directions and spread cool shade. A strong wind arose and swept away every impurity from the ground. Rain then fell once, cleansing all the dust. Thereafter, delicious foods descended from the sky, followed by the five kinds of grain, which covered the earth. Clothing, silk, cloth, gold, and silver filled the entire human realm.

From that time onward, throughout all Jambudvīpa, every household had storehouses filled with gold, silver, lapis lazuli, diamonds, food, and abundant clothing.

Because these things were so plentiful, the people then regarded gold, silver, and diamonds as though they were mere earth and stones, without value.

Seeing that the people’s every wish had been fulfilled, Mahātyāga sent messengers to proclaim throughout all Jambudvīpa:

– Formerly, because all the people lacked clothing, food, drink, and precious jewels, they killed one another, forgot righteousness at the sight of gain, and had no regard for transgression or merit. After death they fell into the three evil destinies, like people passing from darkness into still deeper darkness, undergoing torment and suffering through many long kalpas. I constantly felt compassion for them, for no one came to their aid. Therefore, forgetting myself, I ventured into the great sea and endured countless hardships, dangers, and perils to obtain this wish-fulfilling jewel, so that the entire populace might have abundance and happiness! Now I hope that all people will diligently practice the ten wholesome deeds, guard their body, speech, and mind, and cultivate benevolence and filial devotion. Do not give yourselves over to heedlessness. Only then may you escape the three evil paths, be reborn life after life among humans and devas, enjoy wealth, honor, and freedom, and cultivate and realize the path to bodhi.

He later wrote letters to the kings and officials of every land, urging them to guide their people in practicing the Dharma of the Ten Wholesome Deeds. He also employed many skillful means to lead sentient beings, causing them to abandon error and return to what is right, forsake evil, and practice goodness.

At that time, all the people throughout Jambudvīpa, through Mahātyāga’s kindness, enjoyed material abundance and received his spiritual exhortation to practice the Ten Wholesome Deeds. They wondered what they could offer in repayment of such a great kindness. They knew only to follow his teaching by practicing the Ten Wholesome Deeds, diligently cultivating compassion and humility, and keeping body, speech, and mind pure, thereby repaying Mahātyāga’s kindness. After their lives ended, they were all reborn in the various heavenly realms.

Having spoken thus, the Buddha recalled:

– Śāriputra! You should know that the man Nyagrodha of that time was none other than my present father, Śuddhodana. The woman who gave birth to Mahātyāga is now my mother, Māyā. Mahātyāga himself was I in a former life. The Dragon King dwelling in the silver city is now Śāriputra. The Dragon King dwelling in the city of lapis lazuli is now Maudgalyāyana. The Dragon King dwelling in the golden city is now Ānanda. The Spirit of the Sea is now Revata.

At that time, Ānanda, as a Dragon King, entertained me with humility and reverence and skillfully understood the proper occasions. Today he likewise wishes to attend upon me at the proper times. He should be granted those three wishes, according to his desire.

I was filled with joy when the Buddha recounted this former life, so I immediately rose, went before him, knelt upright, joined my palms, and addressed him:

– Homage to the Blessed One! I personally vow to undertake the role of your attendant. I humbly beseech you, out of compassion, to grant me permission!

Everyone present was deeply moved by the Buddha’s immense virtue in forgetting himself for the sake of sentient beings. They then sat upright and contemplated the Dharma of the Four Noble Truths. Some subsequently attained the fruit of stream-entry, and others attained as far as arhatship. Some attained the causal conditions for becoming pratyekabuddhas; some aroused the aspiration to seek unsurpassed bodhi; and some entered the stage of non-retrogression. All rejoiced, paid homage in gratitude, and withdrew.