經律異相 48.30

48.30

Formerly, a wildfire burned a forest. In the forest there was a pheasant. Exerting its own strength, it flew into the forest and sprinkled water on the woods, going back and forth until exhausted, yet not considering it hardship. At that time, Śakra Devānām Indra came and asked it, saying, 'What are you doing?' It replied, 'I am saving this forest out of pity for sentient beings. This forest's shade provides broad shelter, coolness, and joy; my kin and relatives all rely upon it. Since I have bodily strength, how could I be indolent and not save it?' Śakra asked, 'You are so diligent, but until when will you continue?' The pheasant said, 'With death as my limit.' Śakra said, 'Who will bear witness for you?' It immediately made a vow: 'If my mind is utterly sincere and my faith is not false, let the fire extinguish itself!' At that time, the devas of the Śuddhāvāsa heaven recognized the pheasant's great vow, and immediately extinguished the fire for it. Thenceforth, the forest remained constantly lush and was never burned by fire (taken from the Mahāprajñāpāramitopadeśa, Fascicle 16).