法苑珠林 90.42

90.42

Furthermore, the Mahāsāṃghika-vinaya says: At that time, a bhikṣu took a śrāmaṇera along to return to visit his relatives. Their road passed through a wilderness. Midway, an amanushya transformed into a dragon, circumambulated the śrāmaṇera to the right, scattered flowers over him, and praised him, saying: 'Excellent! You have gained great and good benefit! You have abandoned household life to become a renunciant, and do not touch gold, silver, or coins.' The bhikṣu reached the relatives' house, exchanged inquiries, and wished to return. At that time, the wife of the relative said to the śrāmaṇera: 'You are now returning; the road is distant and full of needs. You may take these coins to trade for what you need.' The śrāmaṇera accepted them, tied them to the corner of his garment, and departed. Midway, the amanushya saw the śrāmaṇera carrying coins and walking behind the bhikṣu. Again transforming into a dragon, it came and circumambulated the śrāmaṇera to the left, poured dirt over him, and spoke these words: 'You have lost your good benefit! You left home to cultivate the Way, yet you walk along carrying coins.' The śrāmaṇera then wept. The bhikṣu looked back and asked the śrāmaṇera, 'Why are you weeping?' The śrāmaṇera said: 'I do not recall having any fault, yet for no reason I have been distressed.' His teacher said: 'Are you holding anything?' He answered: 'I have brought these coins.' The teacher said: 'Cast them away.' When he had cast them away, the amanushya again made offerings to him as before.