大方便佛報恩經 5.25

5.25

Furthermore, the supernatural power of the Tathāgata's benevolence, compassion, and upāya is inconceivable. When the Buddha was in Śrāvastī, at that time within Gṛdhra Mountain there were five hundred men dwelling, who cut off the roads and robbed people, committing all manner of unlawful deeds. The Tathāgata then, through the power of upāya, transformed himself into a man riding a great and renowned elephant, wearing armor and bearing weapons, holding a bow and arrows, and grasping a lance and spear. The great elephant he rode was fully adorned with the seven treasures; the man was also adorned with the seven treasures, and his pearl necklaces and ornaments all emitted bright light. All alone by himself, he entered the dangerous pass and proceeded to Gṛdhra Mountain. At that time, the five hundred bandits in the mountain saw this man from afar and said to one another: "We have been bandits for years, yet we have never seen the like of this!" Then the bandit chieftain asked the men: "What did you see?" The men replied: "We saw a man riding a great and renowned elephant, draped in necklaces, and the elephant's harness is made purely of the seven treasures. He emits a great light that illuminates and shakes heaven and earth. He comes along the road, and moreover is entirely alone. If we capture this man, our provisions for food and clothing will not run short for seven lifetimes." Hearing these words, the bandit chieftain rejoiced in his heart. Secretly issuing orders together, he said: "Be careful not to hack or shoot him; take him slowly!" They immediately surrounded him in front and behind and set upon him all at once. The five hundred men shouted with one voice. At that time, the transformed man, out of benevolence and compassion, took pity and sorrowed for them; he immediately drew his bow, fitted an arrow, and shot it. The five hundred men each received an arrow, and the pain of the wounds was unbearable. They instantly collapsed to the ground, writhing and wailing loudly, and got up together to pull out the arrows. The arrows were firmly stuck and could not be removed by strength. The five hundred men then harbored terror: "We today will surely die without doubt! Why is this? For this single man is difficult to resist, something never seen before." Thereupon they spoke a verse together in one voice, asking: