經律異相 25.30

25.30

Formerly in Jambudvīpa there was a great king named Kaurava, who ruled over eighty-four thousand small kingdoms and nourished the people. He thought to himself: “I merely supply everyone with wealth and goods, but never with the teaching of the Way; this is truly my fault.” He proclaimed throughout the kingdom: “Whoever possesses Dharma and can expound it for me, I shall supply whatever they require.” King Vaiśravaṇa transformed himself into a yakṣa and came to the palace gate: “Who wishes to hear the Dharma? I will explain it for him.” The king went out in person to welcome him and pay homage; he assembled the officials and requested to hear the true Dharma. The yakṣa said to him, “Studying the Dharma is a difficult matter; I require the king’s beloved wife and child to feed upon.” The king immediately commanded his consort and crown prince to be fed to the yakṣa. The ministers all wept, but the king's resolve did not turn back. When the yakṣa had finished eating them, he then spoke a gāthā: