經律異相 43.15

43.15

昔閻浮提。五百賈客。共行曠野經由嶮路。大山孔中極為黑闇。時諸商人迷悶愁憂。恐失財物。此處多賊而復怖畏。咸共同心。向于天地日月山海一切神祇。啼哭求哀。時薩薄。愍諸商客。告言莫怖。吾當為汝作大明照。是時薩薄即以白㲲自纏兩臂。蘇油灌之。然用當炬。將諸商人。經於七日乃越此闇。時諸賈客感戴其恩慈敬無量。各獲安隱喜不自勝。時薩薄我身是。諸賈客者今五百比丘是（出賢愚經第六卷）。

Anciently, in Jambudvīpa, five hundred merchants travelled together through a wilderness, passing along a perilous road. Inside a cave within a great mountain, it was exceedingly dark. At that time, the merchants were bewildered, distraught, and sorrowful, fearing that they would lose their goods and wealth. In this place there were many bandits, and they were also terrified. With one mind, they all wept and begged for mercy from heaven and earth, the sun and the moon, the mountains and oceans, and all deities. At that time, the caravan leader took pity on the merchants and told them, “Do not be afraid. I shall make a great, bright light for you.” At that moment, the caravan leader immediately wrapped both his arms in white cotton, poured clarified butter and oil over them, and burned them to serve as torches. Leading the merchants, after seven days they finally traversed this darkness. At that time, the merchants were filled with endless gratitude, compassion, and reverence for his kindness; each attained peace and security, overjoyed beyond measure. The caravan leader of that time was my own person; the merchants are now the five hundred monks. (From the sixth fascicle of the Damamūka-nidāna-sūtra.)