妙法蓮華經 2.38

2.38

"Bhagavat! At that time, the impoverished son, wandering about doing hired labor, happened to reach his father's house and stopped beside the gate. From afar he saw his father sitting on a lion throne, his feet resting on a jeweled stool, respectfully surrounded by brahmins, kṣatriyas, and householders, his body adorned with pearl necklaces worth tens of millions; attendants and servants holding white whisks stood by his sides. A jeweled canopy covered him, hanging with floral banners; perfumed water was sprinkled on the ground, and various famous flowers were scattered about; precious objects were arrayed, and receipts and expenditures were conducted. Adorned in such varied ways, his majesty and virtue were singularly revered. Seeing his father's great power, the impoverished son was seized with fear, regretting that he had come here. Secretly he thought: 'This is perhaps a king, or the equal of a king; this is no place for me to gain things through hired labor. It would be better to go to a poor neighborhood, where there is a place for hard labor, and food and clothing are easy to find. If I stay here long, I might be oppressed and forced into hard labor.' Having had this thought, he ran swiftly away."