經律異相 24.16

24.16

The king said: "Those who have compassion for me should remember and retain this teaching, and proclaim the royal command everywhere in the lands where there are people: 'You people should know that the great wheel-turning king, seeing all sentient beings submerged in the ocean of suffering and unable to find a way out, generated great compassion, gouged his body for a thousand lamps, and sought this half-gāthā. You people must now transcribe this gāthā, recite it, master it through practice, contemplate its meaning, and practice according to what is taught.'" With one voice, all the people praised the great king, saying: "Excellent, O Great King! You are truly a compassionate father, practicing such austerities for the sake of all sentient beings. We should hasten to write it down—either on paper and silk, or on stone, or on trees, tiles, gravel, and leaves. It should also be written in ravines, paths, and thoroughfares where many people walk." Those who saw and heard it all resolved upon the mind of awakening.