經律異相 33.8

33.8

Tissa further said, "The disciples of the Śākya deceive the king to make him perform merits." Hearing this, the king told his ministers, "My younger brother has generated faith in non-Buddhist paths. I must use skillful means to lead him to correct understanding. I wish to bathe; I should enter the bathhouse. You may adorn my younger brother with the heavenly crown and royal robes, and have him ascend my throne." When the king was bathing, the ministers urged Tissa, and Tissa complied. Seeing this, the king said to him, "I have not yet passed away, and you have already usurped the kingship!" He then ordered him to be put to death, and many men held weapons and surrounded him. The ministers said to the king, "This is the king's younger brother. May the king practice forbearance and not give rise to anger." The king replied, "I shall practice forbearance. For seven days, I will temporarily grant him the kingdom to act as king. Various musical entertainments and court ladies shall be provided to serve him, and all ministers and citizens shall go to pay respects to him." The executioner stood at the gate holding a sword, reporting to the king day by day. When the seventh day arrived, the ministers of King Aśoka and others, with royal adornments, led Vītāśoka together to pay respects to Aśoka. Then the king asked, "You were king for seven days; were the various musical entertainments pleasant to hear and see?" He answered in verse: