經律異相 35.27

35.27

In the country of Śrāvastī there was the son of an elder named Bianyi. Hearing the Buddha preach the essentials of the fifty matters, he attained the forbearance of phenomena, and five hundred sons of elders attained the purification of the Dharma-eye. Bianyi said, “I pray only that the World-Honoured One and the great assembly deign to come to my house tomorrow at noon to eat.” The Buddha and the great assembly went to his house to eat. Before the blessing had been given, a beggar went along the rows of seats begging, but no one dared give him anything, and he obtained nothing anywhere. He departed in anger, and an evil thought arose [in him]: “These śramaṇas are indulgent, foolish, and deluded; what path do they possess? When a poor person begs from them, they have no intention of giving. If I become king, I will run an iron-wheeled chariot over their necks and sever their heads!” Having spoken, he left. After the Buddha finished the blessing, another beggar came and begged food from the assembly. Each person gave to him, and he obtained much food. He departed in joy, and the thought arose [in him]: “These śramaṇas possess compassionate minds. If I become king, I will make offerings to the Buddha and the saṅgha for seven days, so as not to fail to repay their kindness toward my hunger and thirst today.” Having spoken, he left. The two beggars moved from place to place seeking alms, and came to another country where they slept in the deep grass by the roadside. At that time, the lord of that country suddenly passed away without an heir. A physiognomist divined, saying, “The records state that a lowly person shall become king.” The ministers, officials, and ten thousand cavalry went to inspect the borders of the country. They saw from afar a canopy of clouds and mists above the grass. The physiognomist said, “There is an extraordinary person within.” Thereupon they found the beggar. The ministers bowed and greeted him. The beggar, alarmed and astonished, said of himself, “I am lowly, not of royal stock.” They all said, “You conform to the marks.” They bathed him in fragrant water, dressed him in royal robes, and with glorious regalia escorted him into the capital. The beggar who had harboured evil thoughts was sleeping in the deep grass, unaware, when a chariot ran over his neck and severed his head (taken from the *Bianyi jing*).