經律異相 29.26

29.26

A neighbouring king raised an army to attack his rival state. The ministers of the rival state reported to their king, saying: "Such-and-such state has raised an army and has now pressed near. We pray the king prepare himself so that we may attack them together." The king told his ministers: "This is an idle matter; why is my presence required?" The bandits attacked the city gates. The ministers reported to the king: "The bandits are now outside." The king told his ministers: "Though the bandits are outside, they are not worth worrying about from afar. Just attend to your own private affairs; why worry about public duties?" At that time, the bandits were violent and cruel, advancing further and entering the city. The attendants reported: "The bandits have already entered the city." The king told his ministers: "This matter is trifling; how is it worth reporting up?" The great king of the neighbouring state advanced directly to the palace hall. The ministers reported, saying: "The king of the neighbouring state has now ascended the hall. We do not know what the Holy and Venerable One is thinking." The king told them: "Now that I abide in the world, change and mutation never cease. That which rises must decline; that which comes together must part; it can hardly be maintained for long. I shall change my appearance according to the method of a mendicant. Why not retire of my own accord and go to the deep mountains, where I may contemplate the Way and virtue to delight myself? Even if this violent king wishes to harm my body, I will not complain of his transgression. Why is this so? The loss of a kingdom and its territory is all due to one person. If I now receive death and the myriad people are free of harm, would that not be a great fortune for me?" The king of the rival state praised this as unprecedented. Raising his voice, he proclaimed: "Excellent, Great King! From ancient times until now, there has never been any equal to this. Though I have attained victory, I cannot match the king. You open your mind to the Great Way and disregard worldly glory. From this day forward, I return your great kingdom to you." He restored the king to complete his edification, and they received each other and became close and affectionate friends. (Extracted from the lower fascicle of the Bodhisattvapiṭaka Sūtra)