法苑珠林 27.28

27.28

As the Za baozang jing says: The Buddha said: In past times, there was also a great wilderness between the two kingdoms of Kāśi and Videha. There was an evil demon named Śatru who blocked the road so that none of the people could cross. There was a merchant leader named Siṃha leading five hundred merchants who wished to pass along this road. The people were terrified, fearing it could not be passed. The merchant leader said to them, 'Be careful not to be afraid; just follow behind me.' He then advanced to the demon's dwelling and said to the demon, 'Have you not heard my name?' It answered, 'I have heard your name, and that is why I have come wishing to fight.' He asked, 'What abilities do you have?' and immediately took bow and arrows and shot at the demon. Five hundred released arrows all sank into the demon's belly. His bow, knives, and weapons also entered the demon's belly. He went straight forward and struck with a fist, and the fist also entered into it. He pushed with his right hand, and the right hand also stuck. He kicked with his right foot, and the right foot also stuck. He kicked with his left foot, and the left foot also stuck. He struck with his head again, and the head also stuck. The demon spoke a verse: