經律異相 2.24

2.24

Formerly, there was a caravan leader who travelled with five hundred merchants to trade. Arriving at a great wilderness, they were exhausted by hunger and thirst. Taking refuge in the Bhagavat, Śakra, Brahmā, and the Four Kings, they were terrified and at a loss for a plan. At that time, the guide climbed a high place and looked into the distance; seeing a grove of trees with flying birds heading toward it, he hoped there would be water. They all ran together and soon arrived, but saw only trees surrounded by green grass, the ground clean and pure. The caravan leader nevertheless said to the merchants: ‘Let us dig the ground together to draw water; it will surely be found.’ Just as they finished conferring, a deva from afar in the heavens gazed upon this caravan leader and the five hundred men, distressed by lack of water. As quickly as extending an arm, he arrived at their place, stood upon a tree, stretched forth his right hand, and from between his five fingers flowed sweet water of eight flavours, supplying the caravan leader and the five hundred men. Each took what he needed without it being exhausted, and all were satiated. Why was this? In past lives they had been kin and had jointly cultivated gracious merit; therefore, the deva remembered them and descended to provide sweet water so that each attained peace. (Drawn from the Piyu jing, fascicle 3)