釋門歸敬儀 1.28

1.28

He therefore cited an ancient story: In the past, a partridge, a monkey, and a great elephant lived together in the same forest as friends. They said to one another, "Those who are elder and senior should by propriety be sustained with offerings. How can we live together without knowing ritual respect?" The elephant said, "I saw this tree when its growth only reached up to my belly." The monkey said, "I once squatted on the ground and pulled down the top of the tree with my hand." The bird said, "In a distant forest I ate a fruit of this tree, dropped it out [in my droppings], and it sprouted; I must be the eldest." At once the great elephant carried the monkey on its back, the bird perched atop the monkey, and they traveled all around, whereupon they spoke a verse: / "Those who revere the elderly— / Such people can protect the Dharma, / Gaining renown in the present life, / And being born in the good destinies in the future." / Thereupon people all emulated them, and universally practiced ritual respect. All wise people grasp the meaning through metaphor. A sūtra says: "Revere stūpas and temples, / Humble yourself before all monks, / Stay far from a haughty mind, / And constantly contemplate wisdom." It also says: "If one has wisdom, there is no greed or attachment. If one is now greedy and haughty, accompanied by attachments, then such folly is unsurpassable."