法苑珠林 49.60

49.60

The Commentary states: King Ajātaśatru later felt deep remorse and made sincere, repeated repentance, as is recorded in detail in the Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra and cannot be fully set down here. When evaluated by his outward traces, it appears real; when explained by skillful means, it was a display of mutual transformation. Therefore, drawing upon the Bodhisattva-pūrvacaryā-sūtra, the Buddha said to King Ajātaśatru: 'Regarding the rebellious evil of patricide, because you turned toward the Tathāgata and reformed with repentance, you shall undergo the penalty of five hundred days of the worldly realm in hell, and then you shall obtain release. You should simply reprove yourself, amend what has passed, and cultivate the future; do not fret or worry.' Hearing this, the king was overjoyed and could not contain himself.