經律異相 9.28

9.28

"Since countless kalpas ago, I have vigorously sought the Way, without the slightest slackening or rest, attaining Buddhahood by my own efforts and surpassing [others by] nine kalpas to appear before Maitreya. I recall that in the past, when the people of my kingdom were poor, pity arose in my heart. Thereupon I wished to enter the ocean to seek a wish-fulfilling jewel (cintāmaṇi). When the great multitude assembled, they watched the wind and raised the sails. [I] went to the ocean dragon king to seek the wish-fulfilling jewel upon his head. When the dragon king heard that I wished to relieve the poor, he immediately gave me the jewel. At that time, each of the various merchants gathered treasures, all fully satisfied, and boarded the ship to return. The various dragons, spirits, and ghosts in the ocean all conferred together, saying: 'This wish-fulfilling jewel is the supreme treasure in the ocean, not something that worldly people ought to obtain. Why should it diminish the ocean and benefit Jambudvīpa? It is truly regrettable! We must devise a plan to seize the jewel back; we cannot lose it.' At that time, the various dragons and ghosts surrounded [the ship] day and night, wishing to seize the jewel. Yet due to the sublime virtue of the caravan leader and the power of the wish-fulfilling jewel, they could not seize it. Having crossed the ocean, the Bodhisattva, leaping with joy, stood on the shore of the ocean. He bowed his head, lowered his hands, and pronounced blessings to the ocean deities, tying the jewel to his neck. At that moment, the ocean dragon spirits seized an opportune moment and caused the jewel to fall into the ocean. The caravan leader, deeply moved with indignant resolve, [thought]: 'I journeyed into the ocean, sailing ships through danger and enduring immeasurable toil before obtaining this treasure. It was meant to save the destitute multitude, yet now the ocean spirits have instead caused it to fall into the ocean.' He commanded his attendants: 'Fetch vessels! I shall ladle out the ocean water down to the mud at the bottom. If I do not obtain the jewel, I shall never rest.' He then ladled the water without sparing his life. The water naturally flowed into the vessels. When the ocean dragon spirits saw this, they were filled with dread: 'This person's majesty and vigor are truly not of this world. The water will soon run dry.' They immediately brought the jewel, apologized, and returned it: 'We merely tested you just now, never imagining your vigor and power would be like this. In heaven and on earth, none can surpass you, my lord.' The caravan leader obtained the treasure and carried it back to his kingdom. He caused a rain of the seven treasures to supply the world, so that none were not at peace. The caravan leader at that time was indeed myself." (From the first fascicle of the Chusheng jing.)