經律異相 5.16

5.16

In the past, there was a brāhmaṇa kingdom named Bahugandhahastin. Its king served heterodox paths. Suddenly one day, a wholesome thought arose in the king, and he wished to make a great distribution of charity according to the brāhmaṇa method. He accumulated the seven treasures like a mountain, and if anyone came begging, he allowed them to take whatever they could carry in one pinch. After several days, the heap did not diminish. The Buddha knew that this king possessed past merits and should be delivered. He transformed himself into a brahmacārin and went to that country. The king came out to meet him, bowed, and inquired after his welfare, saying: 'What do you seek? Do not hesitate.' The brahmacārin replied: 'I have come from afar, wishing to beg for precious treasures to build a house.' The king said: 'Very good; take for yourself whatever you can carry in one pinch.' The brahmacārin took a pinch, walked seven steps, and then put it back in its original place. The king asked, 'Why is this?' The brahmacārin replied: 'This is barely enough to build a house, but then I will need to take a wife, and I fear it will not suffice; therefore, I do not take it.' The king said: 'Take three more pinches.' The brahmacārin took them, walked seven steps, and again returned them to their original place. The king asked, 'Why?' He replied: 'This is enough to take a wife, but then I will have no fields, male or female servants, cattle, or horses; therefore, I put an end to the thought.' The king said: 'Take seven more pinches.' The brahmacārin took them, walked seven steps, and again returned them to their original place. The king said: 'For what reason again?' The brahmacārin replied: 'If there are sons and daughters, they must be married off; calculating the expenses for auspicious and inauspicious occasions, it will not suffice; therefore, I do not take it.' The king said: 'I offer all the accumulated treasures to you.' The brahmacārin accepted them and then walked away, leaving them behind. The king found this very strange and asked the reason again. The brahmacārin replied: 'Originally I came begging wishing to use it for livelihood. But carefully reflecting, human life in the world lasts but a brief while; all things are impermanent, hard to preserve from morning to evening. As conditions multiply, grief and suffering deepen daily. Accumulating treasures like a mountain is of no benefit to oneself. To greedily covet and plan is to toil in vain. It is better to put an end to craving and seek the unconditioned Way. Therefore, I do not take them.' The king's mind opened in understanding, and he accepted the teaching. Thereupon, the brahmacārin revealed the Buddha's radiant marks, leaped into the air and remained there, speaking a verse for him.