The Long Āgama Sūtra 23.30

23.30

爾時，佛告究羅檀頭曰：「乃往過去久遠世時，有剎利王，水澆頭種，欲設大祀，集婆羅門大臣而告之曰：『我今大有財寶具足，五欲自恣，年已朽邁，士眾強盛，無有怯弱，庫藏盈溢。今欲設大祀，汝等說祀法斯何所須？』時，彼大臣即白王言：『如是。大王！如王所言，國富兵強，庫藏盈溢。但諸民物多懷惡心，習諸非法，若於此時而為祀者，不成祀法，如遣盜逐盜，則不成使。大王！勿作是念言，此是我民，能伐能殺，能呵能止。諸近王者當給其所須，諸治生者當給其財寶，諸修田業者當給其牛犢、種子，使彼各各自營。王不逼迫於民，則民人安隱，養育子孫，共相娛樂。』」

The Buddha told Kūṭatāṇḍya, “A long time ago, there was a warrior king from a water-anointed clan who wanted to arrange a large sacrifice. He met with his priestly great minister and told him, ‘I possess a great fortune, and I freely enjoy the five pleasures, but I’m an old man now. My warriors are powerful; none is weak, and the treasury is overflowing. Now, I want to arrange a large sacrifice. Tell me about the way of sacrifices. What will be needed?’

“His great minister said, ‘So it is, great king! As the king has said, the country is wealthy, the army is strong, and the treasury is overflowing. However, the people harbor many evil thoughts, and they don’t practice the proper way. If a sacrifice is performed at this time, it wouldn’t accomplish the way of sacrifices, just as a thief sent to chase a thief wouldn’t become a messenger.

“‘Great king, don’t think, “These are my people. I can attack, kill, rebuke, and stop them.” Those who approach the king should be provided with what they require. Those managing businesses should be provided wealth. Those cultivating farmland should be provided cattle and seed. Putting these things to use, they will each take care of their business. When the king doesn’t oppress the people, the people will be peaceful. They’ll raise their children and be happy together.’”