法句譬喻經 23.p6

23.p6

Having uttered these words, Buddha explained how that in ages gone by there was a certain Bhikshu possessed of the five supernatural powers (iddhi), who dwelt in the mountains under a tree, practising austerities with a view to final release. Whilst dwelling thus, four animals also came and took up their abode near him, namely, a small bird (sparrow?), a large bird (quail?), a poisonous snake, and a deer. On one occasion the Bhikshu heard these creatures also contending between themselves which was the greatest misery in the world, and they also, from their various dispositions, assigned the same causes of suffering as you have, namely, lust, hunger, anger, and fear. Whereupon the Bhikshu explained to them also, as I have done to you, that the body, the source of all sorrow, is the greatest misery, and therefore the greatest happiness is to get rid of the body and obtain Nirvāna. And on this they were able to understand the truth. Now at that time I was the Bhikshu, and ye were the four creatures. On hearing this the mendicants were filled with holy fear and self-upbraidings, after which they were able to come to the condition of Rahats.