大方便佛報恩經 1.54

1.54

"At that time, Sujāti, seeing the beasts displaying such tremendous ferocity, said in a faint voice: 'If you wish to eat me, take and eat as you please; why do you show such terrifying forms?' At that time, Śakra, king of the devas, said: 'I am not a lion, tiger, or wolf; I am Śakra, king of the devas, and came purposely to test you, sir.' At that time, seeing Śakra, king of the devas, the prince rejoiced boundlessly. Then Śakra, king of the devas, asked the prince, saying: 'You are able to give up what is difficult to give up, offering your body's flesh and blood to your parents. For the sake of what do you seek such merit: to be born in heaven as a Māra king, a Brahmā king, a deva king, a human king, or a cakravartin king?' Sujāti replied to Śakra, king of the devas, saying: 'I do not wish to be born in heaven as a Māra king, a Brahmā king, a deva king, a human king, or a cakravartin king. I seek the unexcelled, truly authentic path, to deliver and liberate all living beings.' Śakra, king of the devas, said: 'You are exceedingly foolish. Anuttarasamyaksaṃbodhi is attained only after enduring diligent suffering for a long time. How could you endure such suffering?' Sujāti replied to Śakra, king of the devas, saying: 'Even if a glowing iron wheel should revolve upon my crown, I would never regress from the unexcelled path on account of this suffering.' Śakra, king of the devas, said: 'These are only empty words; who would believe you?' Sujāti then made an oath and vow: 'If I am deceiving Śakra, king of the devas, let the wounds on my body never close; if not, let my body be restored as before, and let my blood turn white into milk.' Immediately, his body was restored as before, his blood turned white into milk, and the appearance of his body became twice as handsome as usual. Rising, he bowed his head in homage at the feet of Śakra, king of the devas. At that time, Śakra, king of the devas, praised him, saying: 'Excellent! Excellent! I am not your equal. You are energetic and valiant; before long you will surely attain anuttarasamyaksaṃbodhi. When you attain anuttarasamyaksaṃbodhi, I pray that you deliver me first.' At that time, Śakra, king of the devas, disappeared into the empty sky."