經律異相 8.46

8.46

"I recall that in the past, immeasurable kalpas ago, the world at that time was named Sahā. A Buddha appeared in the world, titled Śākyamuni, who was expounding the Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra for the great assembly. At that time, I heard from a good friend that a discourse for the sake of the Dharma was to take place. When I heard this, my heart was filled with joy. Wishing to make an offering, but living in poverty without any possessions, I went around trying to sell my body, hoping to gain some small amount.
On the road I saw a man, [who said,] 'I wish to buy a person for myself, but among my household servants none can endure the task. I have a severe illness, and a good physician prescribed medicine: I must consume three ounces of human flesh daily. If you can provide me with three ounces of flesh from your body every day, I will give you five gold coins.'
When I heard this, I was overjoyed and said to him, 'Give me the money and grant me seven days' leave; once my business is finished, I will return to you.'
The man answered, 'Seven days is impossible. If you can truly do it, I grant you one day.'
At that time, I took the money, returned to the Buddha's place, bowed my head at his feet, and offered it all to the Buddha. Then, with sincere mind, I listened to and received this sūtra. At that time, dull and slow-witted, though I was able to hear the sūtra, I could only receive and hold a single gāthā. I then immediately returned to the home of that sick man.
At that time, though I gave flesh day after day, because I was recollecting the gāthā I did not take it as painful. When a full month had passed, by this cause his illness was cured, and my body was restored without wounds or scars.
When I saw my body whole and complete, I immediately resolved upon the mind of unexcelled awakening. If the power of a single gāthā can be like this, how much more so fully receiving, holding, reading, and reciting it! Seeing that this sūtra had such benefits, I doubled my resolve, aspiring to become a Buddha in the future named Śākyamuni." (Drawn from the twentieth fascicle of the Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra)