諸經要集 8.14

8.14

Furthermore, the New Mahāvibhāṣā-śāstra says: Formerly, King Kaniṣka of the country of Gandhāra had a eunuch who constantly oversaw affairs in the inner palace. He briefly went outside the city and saw a herd of oxen, numbering more than five hundred, entering the city. He asked the drover, "What kind of oxen are these?" [The drover] replied, "These oxen are about to be castrated." Thereupon the eunuch reflected to himself: "Due to my evil karma from past lives, I have received the body of a non-man. Now I should use my wealth to save these oxen from this peril." He then paid their price and caused them all to be set free. By the power of this wholesome karma, this eunuch was immediately restored to a male body. Profoundly rejoicing, he immediately returned into the city, stood at the palace gate, and sent an attendant to report to the king, requesting to enter and present himself. The king ordered him to be summoned in and, surprised, asked the reason. Thereupon the eunuch fully reported the previous events. Hearing this, the king was astonished and delighted. He generously bestowed precious treasures upon him and promoted him to high office, placing him in charge of external affairs.