法苑珠林 50.14

50.14

Furthermore, in the Sūtra Preached by the Buddha on Ancient Past Lives, the bhikṣu Aniruddha recounted his own past life, saying: 'Long ago, I was in the city of Vārāṇasī. Grain was exceedingly dear and the people suffered from famine. I carried grass on my shoulders and sold it to make a living. There was a pratyekabuddha named Hori who was travelling in that country. Early in the morning I left the city intending to carry grass. At that time, the pratyekabuddha, wearing his robes and holding his bowl, entered the city on his alms round. Midway, as I was returning bearing grass, I met him again at the city gate; he was emerging with an empty bowl. The pratyekabuddha Hori saw me approaching from afar and thought to himself: "I entered the city early, and this man left the city; now he returns bearing grass. I suppose he has not eaten breakfast yet. I will follow him to his house and beg [from him] to check my hunger." At that time, carrying the grass, I returned to my own dwelling, set the grass down on the ground, and looked back to see the pratyekabuddha following behind me like a shadow following a form. I thought to myself: "When I left the city this morning, I saw this pratyekabuddha enter the city on his alms round, and he has returned with an empty bowl. I suppose he has obtained no food. I should abstain from food and give it to him in offering." I immediately took out my food, knelt upright, and presented it to him. The man of the Way took pity and accepted it. The pratyekabuddha said: "Now grain is scarce and dear, and the people are starved and faint. Divide it into two portions: put one portion into the bowl, and eat one portion yourself; only then will it conform to the Dharma." The donor replied to him: "Indeed, O Holy One! As a white-robed householder, I can cook and eat at leisure; early or late makes no difference. May the man of the Way accept it and bestow compassion upon this single family!" Then the pratyekabuddha accepted all the food. Because of this virtue, I was reborn seven times in the heavens as kings of various heavens, and seven times in the world as the foremost among men. Because of this single gift of dāna, I was served and respected by kings, elders, commoners, and the hundred officials, and was offered gifts by the fourfold assembly of monastics and laypeople. Whenever they come to seek me, I forget nothing.'