經律異相 43.15

43.15

Anciently, in Jambudvīpa, five hundred merchants travelled together through a wilderness, passing along a perilous road. Inside a cave within a great mountain, it was exceedingly dark. At that time, the merchants were bewildered, distraught, and sorrowful, fearing that they would lose their goods and wealth. In this place there were many bandits, and they were also terrified. With one mind, they all wept and begged for mercy from heaven and earth, the sun and the moon, the mountains and oceans, and all deities. At that time, the caravan leader took pity on the merchants and told them, “Do not be afraid. I shall make a great, bright light for you.” At that moment, the caravan leader immediately wrapped both his arms in white cotton, poured clarified butter and oil over them, and burned them to serve as torches. Leading the merchants, after seven days they finally traversed this darkness. At that time, the merchants were filled with endless gratitude, compassion, and reverence for his kindness; each attained peace and security, overjoyed beyond measure. The caravan leader of that time was my own person; the merchants are now the five hundred monks. (From the sixth fascicle of the Damamūka-nidāna-sūtra.)