法苑珠林 28.14

28.14

Furthermore, as the *Avadāna-sūtra* states: In the southeastern corner of the city of Rājagṛha, there was a pool of standing water. The filthy waste, excrement, and urine from the gutters inside the city all flowed into it, foul beyond approach. There was a large insect born inside the pool of water, several fathoms in length, lacking hands and feet, wriggling, bobbing up and down, and disporting in the standing water. Several thousand onlookers gathered. When Ānanda was on his alms round, he saw it and went to look. The insect thereupon leapt and bounded, causing waves to surge and billow. He reported this in detail to the Buddha. The Buddha, together with the monks, went to the pool. When the multitude saw the Buddha, each thought to themselves, 'Today the Tathāgata will surely explain the origin and history of this insect for the assembly to resolve everyone's doubts; will that not be delightful?' The Buddha said: 'Formerly, after the nirvāṇa of Vipaśyin Buddha, there was a stupa-monastery. Five hundred monks passed through the monastery. The monastery prior saw them, was filled with great joy, and invited them to stay for three months of offerings. The assembly all accepted the invitation. The monastery prior provided provisions with his whole heart, leaving nothing lacking. Later, five hundred merchants entered the sea to gather treasures. On their return, they passed by the stupa-monastery, saw the five hundred monks diligently practicing the Way, and each brought forth the resolve to provide modest offerings. The five hundred merchants each gave up one pearl, obtaining five hundred maṇi pearls to entrust to the monastery prior. They enjoined the monastery prior, saying, "It is sufficient to provide for the monks with our pearls." The monk agreed and accepted them all. Later, he gave rise to an unwholesome thought, scheming to keep them solely for himself rather than providing for the assembly. The community of monks asked, "Should not the pearls donated by the previous merchants be used to arrange offerings and send us off?" The monastery prior said, "These were given to me alone! If you wish to rob me, excrement can be given to you! If you do not leave promptly, I will cut off your hands and feet and cast you into a cesspit!" The assembly pitied his foolishness and silently departed. Therefore, one must know that evil curses cannot but be guarded against.'