法苑珠林 22.27

22.27

Furthermore, the *Saṃyuktaratnapiṭaka-sūtra* states that in the past, in the city of Roruka, there was King Udayana, who was intelligent, discerning, and possessed great wisdom. He had a chief consort named Lakṣaṇā, who was peerlessly beautiful and endowed with virtuous conduct; the king loved and respected her greatly. According to the customs of that country at the time, kings did not pluck the lute themselves. On one occasion, the consort was in a secluded chamber making merry with the king. Presuming upon the king's favor, she had the king play the lute while she arose to dance. When she first raised her hands, the king, who had long been skilled in physiognomy, observed that the marks of death had already appeared on the consort, and calculated that the remainder of her life would not exceed seven days. The king immediately put down the lute and sighed deeply with sorrow. The consort addressed the king, “Having received the king's gracious favor, I dared in this secluded chamber to ask the king to play the lute while I arose to dance for our pleasure. What was displeasing that you set aside the lute and sighed deeply? I pray that the king tell me.” The king was unwilling to answer, but she pleaded incessantly, so the king answered truthfully. Hearing this, the consort became exceedingly anxious and fearful. She immediately addressed the king, “I have heard that at the Rock Chamber there is a nun [who teaches that] if one can leave home with faithful mind for even a single day, one will certainly be born in heaven. I wish to leave home; I pray that the king permit it.” Because the king's love was deep, he told the consort, “When the sixth day arrives, I will let you go; I will not refuse your intention.” When the sixth day arrived, the king said to the consort, “You have a good intention to seek to leave home. If you are born in heaven, you must come see me; only then will I let you go.” When this vow was made, the consort assented. She was then able to leave home and receive the eight precepts and the fast. On that very day, she drank rock-sugar syrup and developed intestinal cramps. On the morning of the seventh day, she passed away. Borne by this good condition, she was born in heaven. Remembering her original vow, she came to the king's palace, her brilliant radiance illuminating the entire royal quarters. The king asked, “Who are you?” The heavenly being answered, “I am the king's wife, Consort Lakṣaṇā.” The king was delighted and said, “Please come and take a seat.” The heavenly being answered, “I now perceive that the king is foul and filthy, beyond approach; it is only because of my prior vow that I have come to see the king.” When the king heard this, his mind opened and his thoughts were enlightened. He sighed to himself, “That heavenly being was originally my wife. Leaving home for a single day, she was able to be born in heaven; her spiritual resolve is lofty and far-reaching, while she looks upon me as base and lowly. Why should I not leave home now? I have heard it said that a single heavenly fingernail is worth the entire land of Jambudvīpa. How could this single kingdom of mine be worthy of craving?” Having spoken these words, he abdicated the throne in favor of his son, left home to cultivate the path, and attained arhatship. Therefore, a verse in the *Mahāprajñāpāramitā-śāstra* says: