經律異相 18.8

18.8

The brāhmaṇa Rāṣṭrapāla asked the Buddha for ordination. The Buddha said: 'First take leave of your parents.' His parents would not give permission. Rāṣṭrapāla lay on the ground for many days without eating. His parents comforted and pleaded with him, but to the end he remained silent. Pitying his determination, they then granted permission. He went forth, received full ordination, and became an arhat. Ten years later, he returned to his village, begging for food from house to house in sequence. His father saw him, did not recognize him, scolded him, and gave him nothing. A maidservant took his bowl, filled it with discarded rotten food, and gave it to him. She returned and reported to the master of the house: 'Rāṣṭrapāla has returned!' The father immediately went out to look, and asked: 'Having returned, why did you not come to my gate?' He replied: 'I already arrived, and received scolding.' The father pulled him into the room, prepared various fine foods, and had elephants carry gold and silver to place in the courtyard higher than a man, along with countless coins and goods, [saying]: 'You may return to secular life.' The mother ordered the newlywed wife to dress up and go to Rāṣṭrapāla's side. The relatives joined together in repeatedly admonishing him. Rāṣṭrapāla said: 'If you wish to give food, then give it; why bother me with harassment?' (From the Madhyama Āgama, fascicle 28)