經律異相 5.26

5.26

Long ago, there were five hundred brāhmaṇas who constantly sought an opportunity against the Buddha, wishing to slander him. They plotted among themselves: “We should have a butcher who slaughters living beings invite the Buddha and the monks. The Buddha will certainly accept the invitation and praise the butcher. Then we will come forward and mock him together.” The Buddha immediately accepted the invitation, saying to the butcher: “When fruit is ripe, it falls of itself; when merit is ripe, one delivers oneself.” The butcher returned home and prepared the food and drink. The Buddha led his disciples to the butcher’s village, arriving at the benefactor's home. The brahmacārins, young and old alike, were all delighted: “Today at last we have our chance against the Buddha! If he praises the merit, we will use his past and present sins of taking life to mock him. If he speaks of his past sins, we will challenge him with today's merit. Between these two, today we finally have him.” When the Buddha arrived, he took his seat; water was poured and food was served. Thereupon the World-Honoured One, observing the minds of the assembly and seeing those who were ready for deliverance, extended his tongue to cover his face and lick his ears, and emitted a great light that illuminated the entire city. Then, in a brahma voice, he spoke a verse of blessing: