經律異相 29.4

29.4

In the past, the king of the country of Kāśī governed with the true Dharma; the people were peaceful and happy, without disasters or difficulties. At that time the king had no sons. Suddenly the queen became pregnant, and after ten months gave birth to a child who had no eyes or nose. When he was seven days old, they held a great assembly and gathered all the ministers, soothsayers, and religious practitioners to determine a name for the child. According to the custom of that country, they established names based either on auspicious signs, on asterisms, or on the parents. A brāhmaṇa asked, "What peculiar marks are on the prince's body?" Those beside him replied, "This prince's face is flat and even, completely lacking eyes and a nose." The brāhmaṇa said, "He should be named Mirror-Face." Four wet nurses were provided to nurse and rear him: one to wipe and bathe him, one to clean away impurities, one to carry him in her embrace, and one to breastfeed him. These four wet nurses served him day and night, and he grew day by day like a lotus flower. When he grew to adulthood, his father the king passed away, and Mirror-Face was installed to the honored royal throne. Now this prince had planted roots of virtue in past lives; although born without physical eyes, he possessed the divine eye. He was capable of being the king of the country, and the power of his merit was vast. When the people of the country heard that Prince Mirror-Face had become king, there were none who did not marvel at it. At that time there was a minister who wished to test him, but could find no opportunity. It happened that the king issued an edict commanding the ministers to erect a new palace, with carved engravings and diverse colorful paintings. The minister, wishing to test the king, took a monkey, dressed it in clothing, placed it in a leather sack, slung it over his shoulder, and brought it before the king, saying, "The skilled craftsman has arrived; we pray the king will give his instructions." The king, knowing he was being tested, spoke a gāthā: