太子瑞應本起經 1.4

1.4

"The span from the beginning to the end of heaven and earth is called one kalpa, yet the times I have undergone the formation and destruction of heaven and earth cannot be calculated or recorded. I was moved to sorrow that worldly beings' covetous thoughts flow ever on, drowning them in the sea of desire, and because I alone wished to return to their source, I exerted myself to stand apart. For this reason, across life after life, I endured diligence and hardship without regarding them as toil; with an open mind I took joy in serenity, remaining unconditioned and free of desire; diminishing myself to practice generosity, keeping the precepts with supreme sincerity, practicing humility and forbearance, being valiant and energetic, focusing my mind on subtle reflection, and studying sage wisdom. I preserved the lives of the world with benevolence, grieved for the destitute, took pity on the distressed, soothed those who sorrowed, nurtured sentient beings, rescued those who suffered, served all buddhas, and distinguished the enlightened True Men; my merits accumulated so that they cannot be recorded. In ancient times, when Dīpaṃkara Buddha arose in the world, there was a sage king named Vijitāvin in the great kingdom of Padma. The people enjoyed longevity and joy, and all under heaven was in great peace. At that time I was a bodhisattva named Māṇava. From my youth I harbored intelligence and discernment; my aspirations were vast and comprehensive. I lived in seclusion amidst mountains and marshes, guarding the mystery and practicing dhyāna. Hearing that there was a buddha in the world, my heart was uniquely joyful. Donning deerskin garments, I set off wishing to enter the kingdom. Along the road I passed through a settlement, in which there were five hundred practitioners of the Way. When the bodhisattva passed through, through the entire day and night he discussed the Way and expounded its principles, so that master and disciples were all delighted. When they were about to part, each of the five hundred persons presented him with a silver coin, and the bodhisattva accepted them.