佛說自愛經 1.22

1.22

The merchant also went out to watch. The grand astrologer of the kingdom said: 'Over there is a canopy of yellow clouds; this is the aura [of a sovereign]!' The divine horse advanced directly, bent its knees, and licked the merchant's feet. The ministers rejoiced, bathed him in scented water, installed him as king, and all declared themselves his subjects. The king said: 'I was originally a merchant, without virtue toward the people, unfit for this heavenly position!' The assembled officials said: 'Heaven confers it upon the virtuous; the divine horse has bent its knees!' Thereupon he resided in the royal palace and attended to the affairs of state. He reflected deeply: 'I have done not the slightest good; by what cause have I obtained this? It must surely be the Buddha's grace that brought this about!' In the morning, seated upon the royal throne, he praised the Buddha's unsurpassed holiness. Leading his ministers, he bowed toward Śrāvastī, saying: 'A lowly person has received the World-Honoured One's grace and become a ruler of men. In this land through the generations, none have known of the Buddha; the common writings make no record of him either. I pray that with your great illumination you will open the eyes and ears of this country's people! Tomorrow, may you deign to come with the assembly of arhats and look upon us for a season of three months!'