法苑珠林 55.19

55.19

"Throughout countless kalpas, / only today do I get to hear the Buddha's voice.
I say: take my share, / and offer it entirely to the Buddha.
The World-Honoured One is the teacher of all; / it is very hard to see him again.
Eating grass and drinking water, / I can satisfy myself for today.
Since the times I was born as a human, / I have drunk milk for so very long;
and while among the six domestic beasts, / likewise beyond counting.
The foolish people of the world / are also exceedingly numerous;
not knowing to give alms to the Buddha, / later remorse is of no avail.
In a former life / I was stingy and greedily aggressive;
moreover, following evil friends, / I did not believe the Buddha's sūtras and precepts.
This caused me to become an ox or a horse / for up to sixteen kalpas.
Only now do I know there is a Buddha, / like a sick person receiving medicine.
Take the milk I would drink, / and give it all to fill the bowl!
May this bring me wisdom, / and may I attain the Way just like the Buddha!"