經律異相 44.54

44.54

Formerly, a great clan had two sons. Each was given two million [coins] to go trading. The eldest son spent it all on gambling. In tattered clothes and beddings, he returned and reported to his father. The father said, 'Having you back is enough. What is the use of wealth?' He had clothes, beddings, and food prepared for him, and comforted him kindly. The younger son returned and reported to his father that he had gained two million in profit. The father said, 'Bring the accounts.' Checking them together, a discrepancy of several thousand was found; [the father] had him bound and flogged. After three such journeys, [the younger son] collected a profit of six million, yet each time he returned he was flogged. The eldest son, having lost six million across three journeys, stayed in another state and did not return. He accompanied a rogue, telling that man, 'My father has a basket each of gold, silver, and white pearls beside his large bed. Go and tell my father: "I was not foolish in losing the wealth, but I dare not return yet." If you get the chance, kill my father, take the goods, and bring them; we can share them together.' This man went to his house, met the father, and related his son's words. Hearing this, the father wept and said, 'What is the use of material wealth? Why does my son not come?' He choked with sorrow, unable to eat or rest. The guest said, 'Your son is unfilial; he used money for wickedness and spent it all at once. He told me to come kill you and take your gold and silver. Seeing how you love your son and treat me so generously, my heart is deeply moved.' The father said, 'The lad is still foolish.' He sent someone to welcome him, saying to the son: 'Since you lost the money, you should have come home early. Why speak such foolish words?' He made more clothes and beddings for him. The Master said: 'The younger son was repaying a debt; the eldest son was demanding a debt.' (From the Shijuan piyu jing, fascicle 6)