法苑珠林 64.70

64.70

Furthermore, the Saṃyuktāgama states: At that time, the World-Honoured One addressed the bhikṣus: 'In the past, the devas and the asuras lined up in battle to fight. The asuras were victorious, and the devas were overcome. At that time, the army of Śakra, King of the Gods, was broken and scattered, and he was seized with extreme terror. Riding his chariot, he sped north to return to the heavenly palace. Below Mount Sumeru the road passed through a dense grove. Beneath the grove was a garuḍa nest, filled with garuḍa chicks. At that time, Śakra feared that the chariots and horses passing through would trample and kill the chicks. He told the charioteer: "Turn the chariot around and retreat; do not kill the chicks!" The charioteer said to the king: "The asura army is pursuing us from behind. If we turn back, we will be overcome by them." Śakra told him: "I would rather turn back and be killed by the asuras than have our troops trample sentient beings to death." On the road, the charioteer turned the chariot south. The asura army saw from afar Śakra turning his carriage back and, thinking it was a battle stratagem, immediately turned and fled. Their host was terrified, their lines broke and scattered, and they returned to the asura palace.' The Buddha told the bhikṣus: 'That Śakra, King of the Gods, is the sovereign king over the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven; through the power of loving-kindness, his mighty power subdued the asura army. You too should praise the virtues of a mind of loving-kindness.' Furthermore, the Mahākaruṇā-sūtra states: The Buddha told Ānanda: 'If there is a person whose mind abides in loving-kindness, they will obtain eleven benefits of merit. What are the eleven? First, their sleep will be peaceful, and upon waking their mind will be joyful. Second, they will not see evil dreams. Third, they will be loved by humans and non-humans. Fourth, the devas will protect them. Fifth, poisons cannot harm them. Sixth, knives and arrows cannot wound them. Seventh, fire will not burn them. Eighth, water will not drown them. Ninth, they will always obtain fine robes, rich delicacies, food and drink, beds and bedding, and medicine for sickness. Tenth, they will attain the states of superior persons. Eleventh, when the body breaks up and life ends, they will be born in the Brahmā heaven.'