Udanavarga 1.74

1.74

法句譬喻經惟念品第六

In olden time, when Buddha was in the world, a certain Rāja called Fo-kia-sha was a friend of Bimbisāra Rāja; the first, however, was not a believer in Buddha, as Bimbisāra was. On a certain occasion Vaksha had sent seven precious umbrellas (chattas) to his friend Bimbisāra, On receiving them, the latter offered them to Buddha, and said, “My friend, Vaksha Rāja, has presented me with these precious umbrellas! Pray permit me to offer them to you, with the intention that his heart may be convinced and his eyes opened to behold Buddha, and he be thus led to receive your doctrine, and reverence the Holy Assembly as his reward.” Then Buddha replied: “Bimbasāra Rāja, cause to be written the Sūtra of the twelve Nidānas, and present the book to that king in return for the seven precious umbrellas; and his heart will be enlightened (or, receive deliverance wrought by Faith).” [Accordingly Bimbisāra did so, and his friend, in consequence, was convinced and became a disciple; and finally gave up the kingdom to his son. Having failed to obtain an interview with Buddha, although he had frequently met him in begging through the streets of Rājagriha, the Teacher at length caused the appearance of a Shaman to meet the king, and explain to him that by reflection on the work in his possession he might truly behold Buddha; and to this he added these words]:—