太子瑞應本起經 1.35

1.35

"The Prince departed on his own, crossing over renowned mountains and passing through the territory of Magadha. King Bimbisāra had gone hunting and saw the Prince in the distance, walking among the mountains and marshes. He immediately joined with his elders and ministers to pursue and meet him. The King said: 'At the Prince's birth there were many wondrous signs, and your physical marks are brilliant and distinct. You ought to rule the four continents as a cakravartin; the four seas look up to you with longing, hoping for the divine treasures to arrive. Why have you abandoned the heavenly throne and banished yourself to the mountains and thickets? You must have some extraordinary insight. I wish to hear your aspiration.' The Prince replied: 'According to what I have seen, of all beings between heaven and earth, wherever there is birth there is death. There are three extreme sufferings—the pains of old age, sickness, and death—from which there is no escape. Considering the body to be a vessel of suffering, one's anxieties and dreads are immeasurable. If one abides in high honor and favor, pride and indulgence arise; greedy pursuit of pleasure brings disaster to the world. This is what I abhor, and therefore I wish to enter the mountains to cultivate my aspiration.' The elders said: 'Old age, sickness, and death are indeed the common lot of the world. Why should you alone grieve in advance, abandoning an exalted title to live in seclusion and concealment, wearying your body? Is this not difficult?'"