Udanavarga 3.8

3.8

於是世尊即說偈言：

In days of old, when Buddha was residing in the Jetavana, at Śrāvastī, preaching the Law for the good of Devas and men, at this time there was a Brahman village, consisting of some five hundred or more families, in which were also five hundred young Brahman students training themselves in the secret lore of their caste, and filled with disdain for all others, without any reverence for old age or superior rank. Now these five hundred youths, vaunting their own powers of investigating truth, spoke thus: “As for this Shaman Gotama, he does but self-style himself Buddha; his talents reach but little way compared with ours; we ought to challenge him to come here and dispute with us.” Accordingly, they sent one to challenge him; and so Buddha, with all his disciples, came to the place, and having sat down beside some running water, they ate their food and washed their hands. At this time an old Brahman and his wife passed along through the village, begging their food. Buddha, knowing that formerly this old man had been very rich, and one of the chief ministers of the kingdom, he immediately turned to the young Brahmans, and asked them whether they knew who this old man was? They all answered at once, “We know perfectly.” And then Buddha inquired again, “And who is he?” They said, “He was formerly a great minister, and very rich.” “Then how is it (Buddha asked) he is now begging his food?” To which they replied, “Because he took no care of his money, and was foolish in using it, he is now poor.” Then Buddha said, “Brahmans! there are four things in the world difficult to do; those who can do them shall certainly obtain much happiness (merit), and escape poverty. And what are the four? First, when in the heyday of youth not to be disdainful; secondly, when advancing in years to give up thoughts about pleasure (sensual indulgence); thirdly, when rich, to be ever mindful of charity; fourthly, to give respectful attention to the words of a wise teacher. It is for want of observing these four rules that this old Brahman (gentleman) has come to his present condition, and is like an old stork sitting beside a dried-up pond. And then the World-honoured added these stanzas, and said :—