諸經要集 16.77

16.77

Furthermore, the Zabaozang jing says: The Buddha said: In a past life, I also once traveled through the kingdoms of Kāśi and Videha. Between the two kingdoms there was a great wilderness. There was an evil ghost named Śatru who cut off the road so that none among the populace could pass through. There was a merchant leader named Siṃha who led five hundred merchants wishing to pass along this road. The people were terrified and feared they could not pass. The merchant leader spoke to them, saying: 'Take care not to be afraid; just follow behind me.' Thereupon he advanced to where the ghost was, and spoke to the ghost, saying: 'Have you not heard my name?' He answered: 'I have heard your name, and therefore have come wishing to fight.' He asked: 'What abilities do you have?' [The leader] then seized a bow and arrows and shot at this ghost. Five hundred arrows were all swallowed up in the ghost's belly. His bow, knife, and weapons also entered the ghost's belly. He advanced straight ahead and struck with his fist; his fist again sank into it. He pushed with his right hand, and his right hand also stuck fast; he kicked with his right foot, and his right foot also stuck fast; he kicked with his left foot, and his left foot also stuck fast. He struck with his head again, and his head was also stuck fast. The ghost uttered a verse, saying: