經律異相 2.15

2.15

In the past, Śakra Devānām Indra suffered the departure of the five marks [of decay] from his body and knew for himself that his life was at an end, and that he was destined to be born in a potter's house to take on the womb of a donkey. Sorrowful and anxious, he reflected to himself: 'In the three realms, the only one who can deliver beings from suffering and peril is the Buddha alone.' He hastened to where the Buddha was, bowed his head prostrate on the ground, and with utmost sincerity took refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Holy Saṅgha. Before he had risen, his life suddenly ended, and he entered the womb of a she-donkey. At that time, the donkey broke free, ran, and shattered the unfired earthenware. Its owner beat it, immediately injuring the fetus. His consciousness then returned into his former body; the five virtues were restored, and he was once again the Heavenly Emperor. The Buddha praised him: 'Excellent! At the brink of death, you took refuge in the Three Venerable Ones. Your sinful retribution is now finished, and you will not undergo further bitter toil.' The Buddha spoke a verse for him.