經律異相 14.37

14.37

Maudgalyāyana had a full brother who was rich in goods and wealth, with overflowing storehouses, and servants and maids beyond counting. Maudgalyāyana said to his brother: 'I hear you are stingy and envious, not fond of giving. The Buddha always openly explains that when people practice giving, they receive countless retributions.' Hearing his elder brother's instruction, the younger brother opened his storehouses and gave alms, and built new storehouses, wishing to receive the retribution. Before ten days had passed, his wealth and treasures were exhausted; the old storehouses were completely empty, and the new storehouses had received no retribution. His mind was distressed, and he said to his elder brother: 'Earlier you instructed me that giving obtains great retribution. Not daring to disobey your teaching, I emptied my storehouses and gave alms; there were none among all the poor who came or passed by whom I did not provide for. My valuables are exhausted, yet the new storehouses have received no retribution. Could I have been misled and deceived by you, brother?' Maudgalyāyana said: 'Stop, stop! Do not utter these words; do not let adherents of other teachings and views of heterodoxy hear such coarse words. If merit possessed physical form, the realm of empty space could not contain it. I will now temporarily show you a small retribution; if you wish to see it, follow after me.' By the power of his supernatural feet, Maudgalyāyana took his brother by the hand to the Sixth Heaven. There were palaces formed of the seven jewels, with bath ponds before and behind, sweet breezes spreading far and wide, and overflowing storehouses beyond counting. Jade maidens in retinue numbered tens of millions, purely women with no men, nor any husband or master. The brother asked Maudgalyāyana: 'What palace is this, so majestic like this, without any men to be seen, but purely women?' Maudgalyāyana told his brother: 'Go and ask yourself.' He asked: 'What palace is this?' A heavenly maiden replied: 'In Jambudvīpa, in the land of Kapilavastu, there is a disciple of Śākyamuni Buddha of supernatural power named Maudgalyāyana. He has a brother who is very rich, delights in giving, and relieves the poor and destitute. After his life ends, he will be born here to be our husband.' Hearing this, the man rejoiced, and a wholesome mind arose. Returning to his elder brother, he felt deep shame and remorse; bowing his head in repentance, he returned to the world and gave extensively without weariness (from the *Mulian di bushi wang ji bao jing* [Sūtra on Maudgalyāyana's Brother Giving Alms Expecting Immediate Retribution]).