大方便佛報恩經 3.43

3.43

"Then the five hundred princes gradually grew older. Later, at one time, they gathered in one place and sat by the edge of the lotus pond. Seeing their physical forms reflected in the water, the princes said to one another: 'All phenomena are like an illusion, like a transformation, like what is seen in a dream, like a form in the water—their substance is not real. We are also like this today. Although we are noble and honoured, residing deep in the palace and indulging in the five desires, vigorous youth and fine beauty cannot be preserved for long. What is formed must decay; where there is life, there must be death. Youth does not last long; old age will inevitably arrive. If food and drink are not taken in moderation, disease will inevitably occur. A lifespan of a hundred years will inevitably end in death.' The princes then became sorrowful and unhappy, unable to eat or drink. They immediately returned to the palace and addressed their parents: 'The world is entirely suffering; there is nothing in it to be enjoyed. Let our parents now permit us to leave home.' The king answered the princes: 'Birth, old age, sickness, and death are shared by all; why are you alone sorrowful?' They addressed their father the king: 'We can no longer receive birth through death, exhausting our spirit and revolving through the five paths.' The king could not bear to refuse them, and so he granted his permission. Their mother addressed her sons: 'If you leave home, do not abandon me to go far away; you may stay in the rear garden. It is pure and clean, with lush groves and trees, and the four requisites of support will not be lacking.'