諸經要集 6.7

6.7

Furthermore, the Old Sūtra of Miscellaneous Parables states: Formerly, when a member of the four castes invited the Buddha for a meal, there was a man selling cow milk. The prominent clan member detained him for a meal and instructed him to observe the fasting precepts. Having received them and listened to the sūtra, he then returned home. His wife said: "I waited for you all morning and have not yet eaten," and forced her husband to eat, ruining his intention to fast. Even so, he was born seven times in heaven and seven times in the human world. The Master said: "Observing the fast for one day yields surplus provisions for six hundred thousand years. Furthermore, there are five blessings: first, few illnesses; second, peace and stability of the body; third, few lustful thoughts; fourth, little sleep; fifth, rebirth in heaven, where one constantly remembers the deeds done in past lives." Furthermore, King Prasenajit wished to reward Queen Mallikā with fragrant necklaces and summoned her out of the palace to see her. On the fast day, the queen came forth wearing plain white garments. Among sixty thousand consorts, she shone like the sun and moon, twice as beautiful as usual. The king's mind was awed and showed increased respect; he asked: "What virtue makes you so brilliantly different?" The queen addressed the king: "Reflecting on my lack of blessings, I received this female form. With passions and defilements, day and night my life diminishes; I fear falling into the three bad destinies. For this reason, on the days of the new and full moon I uphold the fasting of the Buddha-Dharma, severing attachments to follow the Path, receiving blessings life after life. I wish to offer these fragrant necklaces to the World-Honoured One."