法苑珠林 44.17

44.17

The Buddha addressed the king, saying: 'In governing, a king should rely on the true Dharma and not abandon moderation and rule. Always nurture and nourish the people with a compassionate mind. The reason one can rule as a hegemon and become a king of a country is entirely brought about by practicing good in past lives. In administering the affairs of the people, you must not be partial or crooked. If the various ministers, high officials, subordinate officers, and down to the common people all harbor grievances, the king's governance will be uneven and all within the seas will be indignant. When the body dies, the spirit will enter the Mount Tai hell; though one may regret it later, it will be of no avail. If the king governs the country with equitable administration and always acts with moderation, the ministers and people will praise his virtue and all within the four seas will turn their hearts to him; devas, dragons, ghosts, and spirits will all hear of the king's goodness, and upon death he will ascend to heaven, with no regrets thereafter. King, do not indulge in licentiousness so as to ruin yourself. Do not allow feelings of anger to inflict harm. You must accept the straightforward remonstrances of loyal ministers. When speaking with people, always be lenient and deliberate, free of burning words. Simply be filial, nurture your two parents with loving care, and attend to and serve śramaṇas of elevated conduct and purity. When seeing ordinary elderly people, you must revere them. Share whatever wealth and treasures you have with the people. You should bestow favor upon the people with a benevolent mind; do not use slanderous words to harm the lives of the people. As the standard for a king, you must proclaim the noble path and teach the people to do good. Simply maintain a single mind and keep the Three Honoured Ones in mind. If a king acts like this, all sages will praise him, and devas, dragons, ghosts, and spirits will protect his country. In life he will enjoy glory, and in death he will ascend to heaven. Worldly glory and status are like phantoms, like dreams—they cannot be preserved for long. When a person is about to die, family members, both within and without, gather by his side, beating their breasts, calling on Heaven, all saying, 'What can be done?' Tears stream down in confusion. 'Alas, how agonizing! The spirit departs alone, forsaking us!' Whoever hears it is heartbroken; whoever witnesses it joins in the grief. He is carried out of the city and discarded in the wilderness, where birds of the air and beasts of the earth tear and devour him; worms inside his body turn back to eat his flesh; scorched by the sun and blown by the wind, his bones all dry up. His past glory, nobility, and bustling majesty were just like the Great King's now; yet suddenly, they are seen no more. This is clear proof of impermanence. Antiquity was still like this; how much more so today! King, reflect deeply on this: have no thoughts of licentiousness, do not accept flattering words, accept loyal remonstrance when verifying someone's guilt, and govern with moderation. You should dread the agony of being interrogated and punished in hell. All blood-bearing creatures long for life; you must not kill them.' When the Buddha finished preaching the sūtra, the king's mind opened in understanding. Wishing to become a disciple, he immediately received the five precepts, placed his head to the ground, and paid homage to the Buddha.