經律異相 26.6

26.6

The Buddha radiated brilliant light, brightly illuminating heaven and earth. None in the three bad destinies or the eight difficulties failed to rejoice. Hearing the Dharma and beholding the light, the king attained the track of the Path. Hearing it, the mother felt joy within her heart, and her affliction was eliminated. Ashamed, the two hundred brahmacārins repented of their errors and all became śramaṇas. (From the second fascicle of the Ci ren fajü piyu jing, and also from the first fascicle of the Dacheng fangbian jing.) Thenceforth, the king loved his people like children. The five grains ripened in abundance, and the whole kingdom was free of calamities or harm. Human lifespan reached eighty thousand years, and he compassionately protected sentient beings like Śakra Devānām Indra. Believing in and revering the Three Jewels, he constantly practiced the ten wholesome deeds, guiding and transforming all the people of the four garrisons. At that time, a poor man stole another's property. The owner caught him. The king asked, “Why did you steal?” He replied, “Being poor, I had no means of livelihood, and so I transgressed against the sacred law.” Sorrowful, the king said, “If the people are hungry, it is I who starve them; if they are cold, it is I who strip them naked. I have the power to make the kingdom free of poverty; the hardship or joy of the people depends solely on me.” Thereupon he issued a general amnesty throughout the kingdom. He opened the treasury of precious jewels to give alms to the hungry and cold. Carts, horses, broths, and medicines could be taken at will. Flying birds, walking beasts, and even down to insects and fish were all recipients of the king's giving. Later, the country was prosperous and the people were affluent, guiding one another in the Way. Even the names of the ten unwholesome deeds ceased to exist. Ghosts and spirits rejoiced and lent their aid, protecting his country. The five grains flourished in abundance, and every household had surplus wealth. They promptly obtained five blessings: first, long life; second, an even fairer complexion; third, virtue that shook the eight directions; fourth, freedom from illness and increase of strength; and fifth, peace and security within the borders, with hearts ever cheerful and glad. (From the third fascicle of the Duwuji ji jing.)