法苑珠林 54.48

54.48

又雜寶藏經云。佛言。於過去世。雪山之側有山雞王。多將雞眾而隨從之。雞冠極赤身體甚白。語諸雞言。汝等遠離城邑聚落。莫與人民之所噉食。我等多諸怨嫉好自慎護。時聚落中有一貓子。聞彼有雞便往趣之。在於樹下徐行低視。而語雞言。我為汝婦。汝為我夫。而汝身形端正可愛。頭上冠赤身體俱白。我相承事安隱快樂。雞說偈言。

Furthermore, the *Zabaozang jing* says: The Buddha said: In a past age, on the slopes of the Himālayas, there was a king of wild pheasants who led a large flock of pheasants following him. His crown was extremely red and his body very white. He said to the pheasants, 'Keep far away from cities and villages; do not let the people eat you. We have many enemies who are jealous; take good care to protect yourselves.' At that time, there was a cat in a village who heard that there were pheasants there and went toward them. Beneath a tree, walking slowly with lowered gaze, she said to the pheasant, 'Let me be your wife, and you be my husband. Your form is handsome and lovely; the crown on your head is red and your whole body is white. I shall serve you in safety and joy.' The pheasant spoke a verse: