三寶感應要略錄 1.11

1.11

When the writing was finished, he handed it to the envoy, and instructed him, saying, "When you take the painted image to their realm, you should hang silk banners and parasols in a wide, spacious place, arrange incense and flowers, and set up grand adornments; only then open the image. If someone asks, 'What is this?', answer them, 'This is the image of the World-Honoured One, who abandoned the royal throne and achieved right awakening.' You may then explain the meanings of the characters written below in proper order." At that time, King Bimbisāra went forth joyfully. He completely painted the image and inscribed the matters, packed them in gold and silver boxes, and wrote an imperial letter to notify King Rudrāyaṇa. When Rudrāyaṇa had opened and read it, he was filled with fury. He said to his ministers, "I do not know what rare and superior state gift that country could have! His letter says: 'Repair and level the roads for two postal stations, adorn the city walls and moats, assemble crowds of people with floral parasols and pennants, and send me yourself, leading the fourfold army, far out to welcome and receive it.' Seeing this state of affairs, [I know] he intends to despise me. You should assemble the fourfold army; I myself will personally go and attack the kingdom of Magadha!" The minister memorialized, saying, "We have previously heard that that king has great tolerance; he would not despise your majesty. For now, you should comply with his words." The king made offerings according to the sealed letter, led [the procession] to the city, opened the painted image, and stood gazing at it with reverent admiration. At that time, merchants from the Central Region arrived together and, with one voice, chanted, "Namo buddhāya," and so forth. When the king heard this, the hair all over his body stood on end. He asked about the meaning step by step, and the merchants replied in full. The king recited the text, returned to his palace, and contemplated according to the text. Sitting without rising from his seat until dawn, he attained the first fruit [of stream-entry]. Rejoicing, he spoke a verse: