經律異相 18.28

18.28

When the Buddha was at the vihāra in Śrāvastī, four newly ordained monks went beneath an apple tree to practice seated meditation and cultivate the Way. The apple blossoms were flourishing, beautiful in color and fragrant. They said to one another, “Of all the myriad things in the world, what is pleasurable?” One said, “In mid-spring, when the hundred plants bloom and one disports oneself in the fields—this is the most pleasurable.” Another said, “When kin and clansmen gather auspiciously, passing cups of wine, with music, singing, and dancing—this is the most pleasurable.” Another said, “Amassing great wealth and treasures so that whatever one desires is obtained, with carriages, horses, and finery differing from the common crowd, going out and coming in with brilliant glory, observed by all wayfarers—this is the most pleasurable.” Another said, “Having wives and concubines who are upright and beautiful, wearing bright silk attire, perfumed with fragrant scents, indulging one’s desires and giving rein to one’s passions—this is the most pleasurable.” Knowing they could be transformed, the Buddha went to explain to them that these were, in fact, the greatest suffering. He said: “Formerly, there was a king named Puan (Universal Peace), who was close friends with the kings of four neighboring states. He invited these four kings to a banquet for a month, feasting and making merry. On the day of parting, King Puan asked, ‘Living in the world, what do you consider pleasurable?’ The replies of the four kings were no different from yours. Then King Puan [explained the reality of suffering] to them. Hearing it, the four kings rejoiced with faithful understanding. King Puan at that time was myself, and the four kings were you four men. We debated this before, yet today you still do not understand. Transmigration stretches long—how will it ever cease?” Then the four monks, hearing this meaning again, were ashamed and repented their errors; their minds were awakened, and they attained the Way of arhatship (from the fourth fascicle of the *Dharmapada-avadāna-sūtra*).