經律異相 2.8

2.8

'"Their king was born into poverty and baseness, upholds the ten precepts, and does not indulge in external desires. Although he has palace women, they are all elderly. If we search throughout the country, irrespective of noble or base, and select a full one hundred renowned maidens who are young, upright, and pleasing to the mind, and present them together with abundant treasures as a tribute—if he accepts them, we may borrow troops from him and join forces to attack and fight, and there will be none who will not submit to us." The king then followed the minister's plan and presented them all at once. The king was greatly delighted, reviewed and selected a million elite troops, and sent them to assist him. After a hundred days of bitter fighting, more than half of the soldiers died. The king of Mālava was completely executed, and only then was victory attained. Because of these beautiful women, [the king] forgot his original purpose, indulged in luxury and pursued pleasure, neglecting state affairs. The hundred officials and ministers conspired together in rebellion, and the children of good citizens were abducted as slaves. The wind and rain became untimely, and the roads were filled with the starving. Enemies from foreign lands then came to invade and plunder. From this, his country was brought to ruin. He was born into the hells, where he suffered all manner of bitter torments. Relying on the power of his prior learning and wisdom, he remembered his past lives, harbored remorse in his mind, and reformed his past to cultivate the future. After an instant, he ended his lifespan and was born among the hungry ghosts. There he further repented and apologized, mindfully cultivating the ten wholesome deeds. After an instant, he ended his lifespan and took on the body of a jackal. Still remembering his former conditions, he again practiced the ten wholesome deeds. Recently, encountering a lion, he fell into this well. With an open mind, he resolved to die, hoping to be born in heaven to leave suffering and enjoy bliss. Because you received me, I lost my original wish, and must now undergo bitter hardship—when will I ever be free? For this reason, I said that your saving my life was of no merit.'