諸經要集 4.31

4.31

Furthermore, the *Za piyu jing* states: In the past, there were two brothers who dwelt in great wealth and status, with immeasurable property and goods. When their parents died, they had nothing to rely upon. Although they were brothers, their aspirations and thoughts were different. The elder brother loved discourses on the Way, while the younger brother loved the family estate. Seeing that his elder brother did not attend to the family estate, the younger brother constantly resented him: "Being brothers whose parents died early, we should diligently consider our livelihood; instead, you abandon the family estate to chase after śramaṇas and listen to Buddhist scriptures. Can śramaṇas give you clothing, food, and wealth? The household becomes increasingly impoverished and property is depleted daily, bringing ridicule from people for neglecting and abandoning the family lineage. Only continuing what our parents left behind is filial piety!" The elder brother replied to him, saying: "Upholding the five precepts and ten good deeds, making offerings to the Triratna, and transforming one's parents with the Way—only this is filial piety. The Way and the secular are opposed, as is their natural aspiration. What the Way delights in, the secular detests; what the secular treasures, the Way disdains. The wise and the foolish do not share the same counsel, just as light and darkness. Therefore, the wise person departs from darkness and approaches light, reaching the truth through the Way. What you now delight in is the deception of suffering and distress; how could you know its bitterness?" His younger brother harbored resentment, shook his head, and did not believe him. Seeing this, the elder brother said to the younger brother: "You covet household affairs and value wealth; I love the scriptural Way and treasure wisdom. Now I will abandon the household and take refuge in the field of merit. Reckoning life's lodging in this world, it is swift as flying dust. When impermanence suddenly arrives, one is bound by sin. Therefore, I abandon the world, avoid desire, and pursue peace." Seeing his elder brother's will was set upon the meaning of the Way, the younger brother was silent and did not respond. The elder brother then left home to become a śramaṇa. Day and night he was vigorous, sitting in meditation and contemplating. His practice conformed with the scriptural Dharma, and he realized the fruit of the Way. Hearing of this, the younger brother's anger burned even more. The younger brother was greedy for the family estate and never practiced the Dharma. Later, when his life ended, he fell among cattle. He grew very fat and large, and merchants bought him to transport and trade salt, traveling back and forth several times. The ox subsequently became emaciated and exhausted, unable to advance further. Ascending a slope, he was utterly spent and collapsed, lying down unable to rise. The merchants beat him, but he could barely move his head. At that time, the elder brother was traveling, flying in the sky. Seeing his younger brother from afar, he said to him: "Where are the fields and houses where you, my brother, dwelt now? Yet you cast yourself down into the cattle beasts!" He immediately illuminated his past life with spiritual power, and [the ox] recognized it himself, weeping and reproaching himself: "Due to unwholesome actions, stinginess, greed, and jealousy, not believing in the Buddha's Dharma, slighting the noble assembly, not believing my elder brother's words, and stubbornly following my own will, I therefore fell among cattle, exhausted and feeble. How can regret overtake it now?" Knowing his thoughts, the elder brother was sorrowful and grieved. He immediately explained the background to the ox's owner. Hearing this, the merchant gave [the ox] to him as a gift. He then took the ox away and sent it to the monastery, causing it to be mindful of the Triratna and fed in accordance with the proper times. When its life came to an end, it attained birth in the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven. At that time, the assembly of merchants all thought to themselves: "We manage livelihoods and are unable to give; not knowing the meaning of the Way, we fear that in death we will also be like this." Thereupon, they together left their homes, abandoned their wives and children, gave up their treasured playthings, and went forth to become śramaṇas. Vigorous and untiring, they all likewise attained the Way. Viewed from this, worldly wealth and treasures do not benefit people. Revering the Three Honored Ones, cultivating oneself, and studying the Way—one will attain peace and security life after life.