經律異相 23.20

23.20

Formerly, in the city of Śrāvastī, in the country named Kosala, there was a band of dissolute and licentious people who devoted themselves to wickedness. At that time, the bhikṣuṇīs in the country were sitting under trees, diligently and single-mindedly contemplating the correct path without letting it go from their thoughts. Foremost in wisdom among the bhikṣuṇīs was named Kṣemā, and foremost in supernormal powers was named Uppalavaṇṇā; each possessed lofty virtues and formidable dignity. As the weather was somewhat warm, they went together to bathe beside a flowing stream. The wicked band saw them from afar and immediately conceived evil thoughts, their lustful desires flaring up, wishing to violate them. They watched for the bhikṣuṇīs to take off their garments and enter the water to bathe, whereupon they rushed forward, seized their robes, carried them to a distant spot, and attempted to drag them off and violate them. The bhikṣuṇīs felt deep sorrow and pity for them. Thereupon, [Kṣemā] plucked out both her eyes, placed them in her palms, and showed them to the ruffians, saying: “What you love about me is only the look of my face. Now that I am blind and have no eyes, what is there to love?” She further showed them her belly and stomach; her bodily five viscera, hands, and feet were separated and cast to one side. She said to the wicked band: “Where is the beauty now?” When the wicked ruffians saw this, they were suddenly struck with dread, realizing that the world is impermanent and the three realms are like a temporary lodging, and that the body is transformed into impure bones and blood, with nothing worthy of greedy attachment. They immediately returned the robes and garments, prostrated themselves, and repented of their vile deeds: “We were rebellious and unrighteous; may we be spared this calamity!” Kneeling upright with palms pressed together, each received the five precepts. They were then led to the Buddha's presence, prostrated to the ground, and blamed themselves for their sins. (Extracted from fascicle 4 of the Chusheng jing; also from the Vinaya.)