法苑珠林 1.38

1.38

Further, relying on the *Madhyama-āgama*, the rice was four inches long and did not yet have stalks. At that time, a sentient being took a day's provision all at once. In this way they copied one another, even taking five days' worth of non-husked rice at once. Gradually, chaff and husk grew, it did not grow back after being harvested, and dry stubble came to be. At that time, sentient beings were distressed and wept, each cordoning off fields and houses and marking boundaries for the non-husked rice. The crowd hid their own rice and stole grain from others' fields, and none could resolve it. They discussed establishing an impartial master who would well protect the populace, rewarding good and punishing evil. Then there came to be cudgels, canes, and the like for interrogation, beating, and slaughter. This was the source of birth, aging, sickness, and death. Because there was land, it led to these disputes and lawsuits, so they all deducted a portion together to provide for him. Therefore, they selected one person whose appearance was noble and refined, possessing great wealth and virtue, and invited him to be the master. Thereupon, the title of 'lord of the people' and the names 'fields, estates, and houses' first began. The abundance and joy under heaven cannot be fully described. He practiced the ten virtues and had compassion for the people, loving them as parents love their children; the people respected their master as children respect their father. The human lifespan was exceedingly long, and abundance and joy were boundless.