經律異相 40.20

40.20

“Whoever can solve [my riddle] shall be rewarded with one thousand gold coins.” At that time there was a youth named Uttara who said he could solve it, asking for a seven-day interval before returning to answer. On the seventh day he said to his mother, “I wish to relieve the king’s grief.” His mother said to her son, “Son, stop for a while; do not go. Kings are difficult to deal with.” The son said, “My ability is more than enough.” He went to the king's place and said, “I have now come to explain the meaning.” He thereupon recited a verse. King Great Victor then presented him with one thousand gold coins. King Great Victor was this very brahmacārin [Śuka]; the youth Uttara at that time was none other than myself. (Extracted from the first fascicle of the Yizu jing.)