釋迦譜 5.24

5.24

The Sūtra on the Causes and Conditions of King Aśoka's Son Dharmavardhana's Loss of Eyes states: The consort Shanrong and the minister Yaśa stole the king's seal and forged a royal edict to gouge out both of the prince's eyes. Later, the prince made a vow to regain his faculty of sight; through spiritual resonance, pure eyes grew anew. Seeing these auspicious signs, beyond reckoning, the king took off his own jeweled crown and bestowed it upon Dharmavardhana, who succeeded as a wheel-turning king and governed for six years. After Dharmavardhana had governed for six years, he addressed his royal father, saying, "I beg you to permit me to leave home." The king then granted his permission, allowing him to leave home and study the Path. Sengyou remarks: The account in the Āgama does not mention Dharmavardhana succeeding to the throne; this was likely an omission. Thus, after Dharmavardhana left home, his son Saṃprati became crown prince, and Aśoka resumed the royal throne.