經律異相 35.31

35.31

In the past, there was a man who was very wealthy yet stingy. His wife loved the Dharma and wished to give alms, but dared not. When the husband was about to go to sea, he first encircled the house with three layers of caltrops made of iron. The wife was blocked by them and unable to go out. Single-mindedly she was mindful of the Buddha, and all the iron obstructions turned into swan feathers. Taking a bolt of silk, she entrusted it to someone to offer to the Buddha. The Buddha accepted it and gave a blessing. The husband was out on the sea together with five hundred companions, where they were devoured by ghosts. Only the husband was spared. The ghosts said to one another, "This man's wife serves the Buddha; he cannot be approached." All his companions died, and he returned alone with the jewels. He asked his wife what she had done, and she told him in full. The two were filled with joy; they immediately invited the Buddha and the Saṅgha, held a feast, and attained the Way (from the first fascicle of the Samyuktāvadāna Sūtra).