法苑珠林 77.30

77.30

At that time, when the elder heard that he would expound the giving of Dharma, he was filled with joy and said to Maudgalyāyana: "Please expound it promptly; upon hearing it, I shall understand it." Maudgalyāyana said to the elder: "The Tathāgata speaks of five great gifts: namely, not killing, not stealing, not engaging in sexual misconduct, not lying, and not drinking alcohol—practicing these for the rest of one's life." Having heard this, the elder was extremely delighted: "What he speaks of now does not require precious treasures! As for me today, I dare not kill living beings; this can be practiced. Furthermore, my household has abundant wealth and many treasures; I would never steal. This too is what I practice. Furthermore, in my household there are superior, fine women, and I would never commit sexual misconduct; this is what I practice. Furthermore, I do not like people who lie, so how could I lie myself? This too is what I practice. As for me today, my mind has no thought of alcohol, let alone tasting it myself; this too is what I practice." At that time, the elder said to Maudgalyāyana: "These five gifts I am able to practice. I may now provide a meal to this Maudgalyāyana." The elder looked up and said to Maudgalyāyana: "Please bend your spirit to come down, sit here, and favor us." At that time, Maudgalyāyana followed his voice, descended, and took a seat. The elder served the food to Maudgalyāyana with his own hands; when finished, he offered water. The elder thought: "I should take a piece of fine cloth to offer to Maudgalyāyana." At that time, he went into his storeroom to select an inferior piece, but he took a superior piece; discarding it to choose another, it was still a superior piece. At that time, Maudgalyāyana, knowing the elder's mind, spoke this verse: