A History of Indian Literature v2.c19.s6.t3.145

v2.c19.s6.t3.145

No. 34 is a version of the legend of King Śibi, who gives away all his possessions. But it is not enough for him to satisfy human beings, he also wants to do good to the small creatures. Therefore he cuts his skin with a knife, and stands there to let the stinging flies satisfy themselves with his blood. Śakra sees this from his heaven, and, in order to put him to the test, appears before Śibi in the form of a vulture, as though he were about to attack him. The king only looks at him with friendliness, and says: "Take, my friend, whatever part of my body you require, I give it to you." Thereupon the god transforms himself into a Brahman and asks the king for both his eyes. Śibi says: "Take, great Brahman, what you will, I will not hinder you." Then Śakra assumes his true form, and prophesies that Śibi will attain perfect enlightenment.