經律異相 16.32

16.32

There was a country called Nālī near the shore of the southern sea. Its people gathered pearls and sandalwood as their regular trade. In the country was a household with two brothers. When their parents died, they wished to divide the estate. The family had a slave named Puṇṇa, who was young, intelligent, and skilled in commerce. He went to sea to make a living and knew all matters. The household wealth was divided into one share, and the slave Puṇṇa was made into the other share. The brothers drew lots, and the younger brother got Puṇṇa. Taking his wife and children, he left the house empty-handed. The times were plagued by famine; though he had gained Puṇṇa, he feared they could not survive, and was filled with sorrow. The slave Puṇṇa said to his master, 'Please do not sorrow. I, Puṇṇa, will devise a plan. Within a matter of days and months, I will cause you to surpass your elder brother.' The master said, 'If you can truly do so, I will release you as a free person.' The master's wife had some personal pearls and goods, which she gave to Puṇṇa as capital. At that time the sea tide came in, and the people of the city went to the water's edge to gather firewood. Puṇṇa took the pearls and goods outside the city. He saw a beggar carrying firewood, and among the firewood was gośīrṣa-candana sandalwood, which could cure severe illnesses. One ounce was worth a thousand ounces of gold. In those times it was rare and could not regularly be obtained. Puṇṇa recognized it, bought it with two gold coins, and brought it home. He broke it into several dozen pieces. At that time an elder fell severely ill and needed two ounces of this gośīrṣa-candana to compound his medicine, but sought it without success. Puṇṇa brought it to him and immediately received two thousand ounces of gold. In this way he sold it all, and the profit gained was incalculable, ten times richer than the elder brother. The master was deeply grateful. Not violating his word and vow, he released Puṇṇa as a free man, allowing him to do as he pleased. Puṇṇa bid farewell to go and study the Path. He arrived in the land of Śrāvastī and made obeisance to the Buddha. Kneeling long, he addressed the Buddha: 'My origin is lowly and base, but my mind delights in the virtues of the Path. I only pray the Bhagavat bestow compassion to deliver me.' The Buddha said, 'Welcome.' Puṇṇa's hair fell away at once, the Dharma robes adhered to his body, and he immediately became a śramaṇa. The Buddha taught the Dharma for him, and he soon attained the path of an arhat. Sitting in reflection, he thought: 'That I have now attained the six supernatural knowledges and freedom over life and death is entirely due to the kindness of my former master. I should now go to deliver him, and also convert the people of that land.' At that time the Venerable Puṇṇa traveled to his native land and arrived at his master's house. His master rejoiced, invited him to sit, and set out food. When the meal was finished and he had washed his hands, Puṇṇa flew up into space, divided his body into separate parts, and emitted water and fire from his body. His bright light shone through, and descending from above, he told the master: 'These supernatural virtues are all the merit of you releasing me. This is what I learned upon reaching the Buddha.' The master replied, 'The spiritual transformations are subtle and marvelous! I wish to see the Bhagavat and receive his instructions.' Puṇṇa replied, 'Only set out offerings of food with a sincere mind. The Buddha, possessing the three clearances of wisdom, will certainly come of himself.' Thereupon offerings were prepared, having been arranged overnight. Facing toward Śrāvastī, he prostrated, knelt, burned incense, and invited the Buddha: 'I only pray you deign to come and widely deliver everyone.' The Buddha knew his intent, and with five hundred arhats, each using their supernatural powers, went to his house. The king of the country and his people were all awed and reverent; coming to the Buddha, they cast their five limbs to the ground, and then withdrew to sit in the royal seats. When the meal was finished and washing complete, the Buddha extensively explained the clear Dharma for the master, the king, and his officials. They all received the five precepts and became disciples of the Buddha. Rising to stand before the Buddha, they praised Puṇṇa, saying, 'Diligent as a layman, attaining the path as a monastic, his spiritual virtues are exalted and profound; our family and country have received deliverance. How can we repay his kindness?' Thereupon the Bhagavat praised Puṇṇa and spoke a verse: