諸經要集 2.104

2.104

Also, the Sūtra of King Aśoka says: In the past, King Aśoka saw a seven-year-old śrāmaṇera, led him to a secluded place, and bowed down to him. He said to the śrāmaṇera, 'Do not tell others that I bowed to you.' At that time, in front of the śrāmaṇera was a water jar; the śrāmaṇera immediately entered into it and then emerged from the water jar. He then said to the king, 'Sire, take care not to tell others that the śrāmaṇera entered the water jar and came out again.' The king then said to the śrāmaṇera, 'I shall openly speak of this to others; it can no longer be concealed.' Therefore, the various sūtras all say: Although a śrāmaṇera may be young, he must not be despised; although a prince may be young, he must not be despised; although a dragon child may be young, it must not be despised. A śrāmaṇera, though young, can deliver human beings; a prince, though young, can kill human beings; a dragon child, though young, can stir up clouds, and because it stirs up clouds, it brings rain, thunder, and lightning bolts. Due to these qualities, small though they be, they must not be despised.