經律異相 28.18

28.18

King Prasenajit's daughter Bhadrā passed away. He loved her dearly and had never let her leave his sight. After the encoffinment and burial were finished, he went in person to see the Tathāgata, bowed his head to the Buddha's feet, and sat to one side. The Buddha said: "Why are your clothes dusty and soiled today, Great King, and why are you in such grief?" The king said: "I had a daughter who has just died. I loved her dearly. The encoffinment and burial have just finished; I would have ransomed my daughter's life with elephants, and even with chariots, horses, and hidden treasures!" [The Buddha said:] "Sorrow, grief, suffering, and distress are all born of affection and love. Why is this so? Anciently, Great King, in this city of Śrāvastī, a man's daughter passed away. Because he loved the girl, he had never let her leave his sight; he then became confused and lost his senses, wandering everywhere and asking the people: 'Who has seen my daughter?' By this expedient, Great King, you should know that sorrow, grief, suffering, and distress are all born of affection and love. Great King, do not harbour grief; all affectionate attachments must inevitably be separated, and whatever has been born must surely decay." In this way he expounded the Dharma at length. The king received the teaching and departed (from the Sūtra on King Prasenajit Inviting the Buddha after His Daughter Passed Away).