Simhasanadvatrimshika 13.p4

13.p4

At that moment, a brahmarākṣasa of terrifying form came near the king. The king also, seeing him, said: "O great person, who are you?" He replied: "In this very city I was a certain brahmin, always living on improper gifts and officiating at sacrifices for those unfit to sacrifice, and through pride in my learning I reviled all elders, great men, and virtuous folk. By the force of that sin, having become a brahmarākṣasa in this peepal tree standing before you, I have remained utterly miserable for ten thousand years. Today, having heard the conversation between you two, I have come into your presence. You, then, are a benefactor of the entire world, like a great tree." The king said: "What is requested by you?" He said: "Let that merit which has just now been given to you by the brahmin be given to me. By that merit I will cross over this terrible ocean of karma." The king immediately gave that merit to him. He too, freed from that karma by that merit, assuming a divine form and praising the king, went to heaven. The king also went to his own city. Having told this story, the statuette said to the king: "O king, if such generosity and benevolence towards others are found in you, then sit upon this throne." Hearing that, the king also lowered his face.