法苑珠林 27.40

27.40

Also, the Mahāprajñāpāramitā-śāstra says: Long ago, a wildfire burned a forest. In the forest there was a pheasant that exerted its physical strength, flew into the water, and sprinkled water on the forest, flying back and forth to exhaustion without considering it suffering. At that time, Śakra, Lord of the Gods, came and asked it, 'What are you doing?' It replied, 'I am saving this forest out of pity for sentient beings. This forest has sheltered and sustained us; we have dwelt here long, cool, fresh, and happy. My species and all my kinsfolk rely on it. I have physical strength; why should I not save it?' The Lord of the Gods asked, 'You are so diligent; how long will you keep this up?' The pheasant said, 'Taking death as the limit.' The Lord of the Gods said, 'Who will bear witness for you?' It immediately made a vow: 'If my mind is earnest and my sincerity is not false, may the fire extinguish itself!' At that time, the Śuddhāvāsa devas, knowing the pheasant's great vow, immediately extinguished the fire on its behalf. From beginning to end, the forest remained flourishing and was not burned by fire. (Therefore, the sūtra says that if a person makes a good vow, Heaven will certainly comply with it; these words are truly verified.)