經律異相 26.18

26.18

Formerly, in Jambudvīpa, there was a great king named Xianyu. He loved and revered the Mahāyāna, his mind was purely wholesome, and he had no harshness, malice, jealousy, or stinginess. His mouth constantly spoke pleasant words and wholesome words, his person constantly protected the poor and destitute, and he practised giving and vigor without cessation. At that time there were in the world no Buddhas, śrāvakas, or pratyekabuddhas. The king loved and delighted in the Mahāyāna Vaipulya sūtras, and for twelve years served brāhmaṇas, supplying all they needed. When the twelve years had passed and the gifts and provisions were concluded, he spoke these words: “Masters, you should now produce the mind of bodhi.” The brāhmaṇas said: “Great King, the nature of bodhi does not exist; the Mahāyāna scriptures are also like this. Great King, why would you wish to make people equivalent to empty space?” When the king heard the brāhmaṇas slandering the Vaipulya scriptures, he severed their lives on the spot. Because of this cause and condition, he did not fall into hell. Upholding and sustaining the Mahāyāna scriptures possesses such power (from the Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra, fascicle 11).