經律異相 25.24

25.24

In the past, there was a king named Śrutasoma. This king diligently observed the precepts and constantly relied on truthful speech. In the morning, riding in his chariot, he led the palace women into a park for recreation. As he went out the city gate, a brāhmaṇa came begging. The king said: "Very well. I respectfully acknowledge your request. Wait until I return from playing and bathing in the park." At that time, there was a winged king named Kalmāṣapāda. He flew through the air, seized the king from among the palace women, and carried him off. The women wept and wailed aloud, the whole kingdom was alarmed, and there was turmoil and sorrowful panic inside and outside the city. Kalmāṣapāda carried the king through the air to the mountain where he lived, and placed him among ninety-nine kings. King Śrutasoma wept tears like rain. Kalmāṣapāda said to him: "Great kṣatriya king, why do you weep like a small child? In human life there is death; where there is union, there is separation." King Śrutasoma answered: "I do not fear death, but I regret breaking my word. Since my birth, I have never spoken falsely. This morning, when I went out the gate, a brāhmaṇa came and begged from me. At that time I promised him that I would give to him upon my return. Not considering impermanence, I failed his hopes and brought upon myself the fault of deception. That is why I weep." King Kalmāṣapāda said: "Since you fear false speech, I will allow you to return. When you have completed your giving to the brāhmaṇa for seven days, come straight back. If you do not return after seven days, with the power of my wings it will not be difficult for me to seize you." King Śrutasoma was able to return to his original kingdom, gave alms freely, and established the crown prince as king. Gathering the people, he apologized to them, saying: "My wisdom has not encompassed all things, and my governance was not according to the Dharma; please grant me your loyalty and forgiveness. As of today, my body does not belong to me, and I must return right now." The people of the entire kingdom and all his relatives kowtowed to detain him: "We pray the king will remain and kindly protect this country, and not worry about the demon-king Kalmāṣapāda. We will construct iron dwellings and employ extraordinary troops; though Kalmāṣapāda has supernatural powers, we need not fear him." The king said: "It cannot be so," and spoke a verse: