經律異相 25.34

25.34

Formerly there was a man-eating demon who became a king among men, constantly eating human flesh as his kitchen meat. Conquering neighboring kingdoms, he captured ninety-nine kings. The ninety-nine kings addressed the rākṣasa king, saying: “In a neighboring kingdom there is a king named Sunaksatra who loves practicing giving and benefits, cultivates the virtue of a bodhisattva, and never goes against people's wishes in whatever they seek. If your majesty can capture him, we will willingly accept death without regret.” Thereupon the rākṣasa king raised his demon army and went to watch for an opportunity. It happened that Sunaksatra was traveling in an outer park to view the bathing pond. There was a brahmacārin who had left home to study abroad. According to the custom of brahmacārins, when taking leave to depart, he addressed his parents, saying, “I am now leaving home to accompany companions in study; the date of my return is not yet fixed. If wealth runs short, borrow from the king; when I return I will repay it.” After the man's studies were accomplished, he returned home only to see an empty house with no people. He asked the neighbors, “Where have my present parents, brothers, and sisters gone?” The neighbors replied, “After you left to study, they borrowed the king's wealth and goods and had no means to repay; they were bound by the king and are now in prison.” The man thought to himself, “My family is poor and destitute, with no wealth or treasure. If I go to the prison to visit my parents, I will also be detained and suffer the same misery, unable to escape the king's law. I should now remain outside, change my appearance and clothes, and secretly go begging; only after fully repaying the official debt can they be released.” The man further thought, “In a neighboring kingdom there is a king named Sunaksatra, who practices the Way and virtue and whose mind of giving never ceases. I should go there and sincerely petition him; he will surely not refuse me, and it will suffice to repay the king's debt.” He went there at once and begged of the king as he followed him. The king said, “Very well, I will supply you. Wait until I finish bathing, and I will bestow it upon you. Wait a little while and do not worry; I will not break my promise.” The king went to the bathing pond and was captured by the demon army. The king immediately looked back, weeping sorrowfully with tears falling. The demon king asked, “We have heard that your majesty is benevolent, kind, broadly loving, and relieves all; though meeting with distress, why do you weep sorrowfully?” The king replied to the demon, “In my life of giving, I have never felt regret. Just now there was a brahmacārin outside who begged of me; I promised him but have not yet given it, and for this reason I am anxious and sorrowful.” The demon king said to the king, “Your majesty keeps sincerity and trust, unchanging from the past. If I now release you, and after completing the giving you return in time, I will know your heart.” The king was able to return to the palace; he opened his treasury and gave, satisfying the man's wishes. He immediately returned to fulfill his trust, proceeding to the demon king's place. The demon king said to him, “Do you not fear me? Why have you come to receive death?” Sunaksatra answered with a gāthā: