經律異相 5.30

5.30

Southeast of Śrāvastī there was a great river, both deep and wide. More than five hundred households dwelled along its banks. Having never heard of the practice of the Way, virtue, and world-transcendence, they were accustomed to being stubborn and practiced deceit as their business, coveting profit, indulging themselves, and satisfying their desires to the utmost. The Buddha, knowing that the merit of these households made them ready for deliverance, went to the water's edge and sat under a tree. Seeing the extraordinary radiance of the Buddha, the villagers were all awestruck and went to pay homage, some bowing, some clasping hands, inquiring after his well-being. The Buddha bade them sit and expounded the Dharma for them, but hearing it, the people still had no faith in their hearts. The Buddha transformed a man who came from south of the river, walking on top of the water with it sinking just to his ankles. He came before the Buddha and prostrated himself with his head to the ground. Seeing this, the people were all astonished and asked the transformed man: “Since our ancestors dwelled by this river, we have never heard of anyone walking on the water. What kind of man are you, and what art of the Way do you possess that you walk on water without sinking?” The transformed man replied: “I am a simple and straightforward man from south of the river. Hearing that the Buddha was here, I yearned for the Way and virtue. When I reached the southern bank, I could not cross in time. I asked the people on that bank about the depth of the water, and they told me it was only up to the ankles. I believed their words and simply came across; I have no other special art.” The Buddha praised him: “Excellent! Indeed, one who upholds sincere faith can cross the abyss of birth and death; what is so marvelous about a river of several li?” Having heard this, the villagers' hearts were opened, their faith became firm, and they all received the five precepts and became upāsakas (from the third fascicle of the Dharmapada Sūtra).