法苑珠林 28.14

28.14

又譬喻經云。王舍城東南隅有一汪水。城內溝瀆污穢屎尿。盡趣其中臭不可近。有一大蟲生汪水內。身長數丈無有手足。而婉轉低昂戲汪水中。觀者數千阿難分衛見而往觀。蟲即跳踉波浪動涌。具以啟佛。佛與諸比丘共詣池所。眾人見佛各各念言。今日如來當為眾會說蟲本末以釋眾疑。不當快乎。佛言。昔維衛佛泥洹後。時有塔寺。有五百比丘經過寺中。寺主見大歡喜請留供養三月。眾皆受請。寺主盡心供饌無有所遺。後五百商人入海採寶。還過塔寺。見五百比丘精勤行道。並各發心當設薄供。五百商人各捨一珠。得五百摩尼珠以寄寺主。囑寺主言曰。足以吾珠供僧。比丘言諾。即皆受之。後生不善心圖欲獨取不為供眾。眾僧問言。前賈客施珠應當設供而發遣耶。寺主言。是施我耳。若欲奪吾糞可施汝。若不時去劓汝手足投於糞坑。眾愍其癡默然各去。故知惡祝不可不慎。

Furthermore, as the *Avadāna-sūtra* states: In the southeastern corner of the city of Rājagṛha, there was a pool of standing water. The filthy waste, excrement, and urine from the gutters inside the city all flowed into it, foul beyond approach. There was a large insect born inside the pool of water, several fathoms in length, lacking hands and feet, wriggling, bobbing up and down, and disporting in the standing water. Several thousand onlookers gathered. When Ānanda was on his alms round, he saw it and went to look. The insect thereupon leapt and bounded, causing waves to surge and billow. He reported this in detail to the Buddha. The Buddha, together with the monks, went to the pool. When the multitude saw the Buddha, each thought to themselves, 'Today the Tathāgata will surely explain the origin and history of this insect for the assembly to resolve everyone's doubts; will that not be delightful?' The Buddha said: 'Formerly, after the nirvāṇa of Vipaśyin Buddha, there was a stupa-monastery. Five hundred monks passed through the monastery. The monastery prior saw them, was filled with great joy, and invited them to stay for three months of offerings. The assembly all accepted the invitation. The monastery prior provided provisions with his whole heart, leaving nothing lacking. Later, five hundred merchants entered the sea to gather treasures. On their return, they passed by the stupa-monastery, saw the five hundred monks diligently practicing the Way, and each brought forth the resolve to provide modest offerings. The five hundred merchants each gave up one pearl, obtaining five hundred maṇi pearls to entrust to the monastery prior. They enjoined the monastery prior, saying, "It is sufficient to provide for the monks with our pearls." The monk agreed and accepted them all. Later, he gave rise to an unwholesome thought, scheming to keep them solely for himself rather than providing for the assembly. The community of monks asked, "Should not the pearls donated by the previous merchants be used to arrange offerings and send us off?" The monastery prior said, "These were given to me alone! If you wish to rob me, excrement can be given to you! If you do not leave promptly, I will cut off your hands and feet and cast you into a cesspit!" The assembly pitied his foolishness and silently departed. Therefore, one must know that evil curses cannot but be guarded against.'