經律異相 18.50

18.50

The Buddha was dwelling in the kingdom of Śrāvastī. There was a certain monk residing in a grove among the people of Kośala. The monk sported with the wife and daughters of an elder, and an evil reputation arose. The monk thought to himself, 'I shall now commit suicide.' In the grove there was a deva who manifested the body of the elder's daughter and spoke to the monk, saying, 'The people of the world have falsely generated an evil reputation for me and you, saying that you and I associate closely and perform improper acts. Since there is already an evil reputation, you might as well return to lay life and enjoy each other's company.' The monk answered, saying, 'It is because of this reputation that I am now committing suicide.' The deva resumed his heavenly body and spoke a verse: