T203 The Storehouse of Sundry Valuables

Chapter IV

Parable 40:

Parable 41:

Parable 42:

Parable 43:

Parable 44:

Parable 45:

Parable 46:

Parable 47:

Parable 48:

Parable 49:

Parable 50:

A Poor Man Gives Lumps of Parched Barley Flour and Presently Obtains His Recompense

A Poor Girl Gives Her Two Coins and Obtains Her Recompense Khanu, a Painter from Gandhara, Arranges for Food and Obtains His Recompense Kapila and His Wife Sell Themselves, Arrange a Gathering, and Presently Obtain Their Recompense

A Sramanera Saves Ants from Water and Is Recompensed with Long Life The King of Gandhara Attends to an Old Pagoda, and His Life Is Prolonged A Bhiksu Repairs a Hole in a Temple Wall, and as a Recompense His Life Is Prolonged An Elder's Son Meets the Buddha and Asks to Lengthen His Life

An Elder' Son Becomes a Servant, Arranges a Gathering, and Obtains His Present Recompense

Puma Gives the Buddha a Bowl of Food and Obtains His Present Recompense Mahaprajapatl, Who Gives the Buddha a Garment Made of a Golden Fabric, and the Craftsman Who Pierces Pearls 97

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Parable 40: A Poor Man Gives Lumps of Parched

Barley Flour and Presently Obtains His

Recompense

Once there was a man whose family was destitute. Toiling for others, he had obtained six pints of parched barley flour. He took it back home to support his wife and children. On the way he happened to meet a man of the path. Taking his alms bowl and holding his staff, he went along begging for food. The laborer immediately started thinking, "That sramana' appearance is fine, and his dignity shows his upbringing. He is very worthy of espect. Even if can give him only one bite, would that not make me happy?" The man of the path knew what he was thinking. Following after the poor man, he reached the bank of a river. The poor man then said to the man of he path, "I have some parched barley flour with me. I want to give some to you. Would you eat it?" The man of the path answered, "Only after I have gotten it!"

Then [the poor man] spread out his garment for him on the bank, so that the man of he path might sit on it. He mixed one pint of flour [with water], made a lump with it and gave it to him. He thought, "If this man of the path has obtained the path by maintaining the precepts in purity, may e now make me king of small country." hen the man of he path had gotten the flour, he said to the poor man, "Why so little? Why so little?"

He thought the man of he path was a big eater; and he mixed one more nint and made a lump with it. He gave it to him and he uttered the prayer, "If this man of he path has obtained the path by maintaining the precepts in purity, may he see to it that I become king of two small countries." The man of the path again said, "Why so little? Why so little?"

The poor man thought, "He may be a man of the path, but he looks like a very big eater. Even if I give him this much flour, he still complains that it is too little. However, I have invited him. Everything must be provided to him." He mixed two more pints of 98

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flour, made a lump with it, and gave it to him. He then thought, "If this man of the path has obtained the path by maintaining the precepts in purity, may he see to it that I become king of our small countries." The man of he path again said, "Why so little? Why so little?"

[The laborer] had two pints left. He mixed it all, made a lump, and gave it to the man of he path. He further uttered the prayer, "Now if this man of the path is someone who maintains the precepts in purity, may he see to it that I become the king of Benares, command four small countries, and obtain the path of insight into the Truths." Because the man of the path, when obtaining flour, [always] complained that it was too little, the poor man said, "I do wish that you would eat now! If t is not sufficient, I shall take off my garment, trade it for food and drink, and give it to you." But when the man of the path had [finished] eating, he had only used up one pint, and he gave the rest back to its owner. The poor man asked him, "O venerable one, you previously complained that there was much too little flour. Why do you not use up the food now?" The man of the path answered, "When you first gave me a lump of flour, you wanted to be the king of a small country, so I said that your heart' wish was too small. With the second lump of flour, you wished to be the king of two small countries, so I said that you wished for too little. With the third lump of lour, you wished to be the king of our small countries, so I said that your heart' wish was too small. With the fourth lump of flour, you wanted to be the king of Benares and command four small countries, obtaining later the fruit of he path of nsight into the Truths. That was why I said that your wish as too small. I did not object that it was too little because the quantity was not enough."

Then the poor man started doubting, "If I can now rule five countries, this is no small matter. I fear it isn' true!" He further considered, "If e can know my thoughts, he must be a noble man, a great field of merit. Surely he does not deceive me!" The man of he path knew this. He threw his alms bowl into the sky and then 99

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flew away. He was transformed into a large body, filling the sky. He then changed into a body as small as a particle. With one body he changed to innumerable bodies, and he united his innumerable bodies into one. Water emerged above his person and fire came out beneath him. He walked on water as on earth, and he walked on earth as on ater. Making he eighteen ransformations, he said to the poor man, "You have uttered your great wish well! Have no doubts about it!" He then rendered himself nvisible and departed.

Then the poor man went to the city of enares, and on the way he met a state councillor. When the state councillor saw him, he carefully looked him over and said to him, "Are you not the son of Mr. So-and-so?" He answered, "Yes, I am." He asked him, 'Why are you so shabby?" He answered, "When I was young, I lost those on whom I relied. In my family all have died and there is no one to look up to. Therefore I am in poverty and so shabby." The state councillor then informed the king of Benares, "The son of Mr. So-and-so, your dear friend, O king, is now outside the gate. He is completely impoverished." he king subsequently ordered that the man be brought before him. Asking full details, he knew he was a dear friend. The king then informed him, "Be very close to me! Beware, do not leave me!"

Seven days later the king fell ill, and his life ended. The ministers started planning and said, "The king has no heir. Yes, this poor boy as dear to our king. It is fitting that we promote him to be the king of Benares." When he got command over four countries, he became cruel.

Then that previous man of the path [appeared] sitting in full lotus posture in the sky in front of he king' palace, and he said, "In the past you uttered a prayer to see the Truths. Why do you do all this evil now, disregarding the past?" He further explained the Doctrine in several ways to the king. When the king heard the Doctrine, he regretted the evil he had done before. He gave up his errors and felt shame. He practiced the path with special zeal and became a srotapanna.

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Parable 41: A Poor Girl Gives Her Two Coins and Obtains Her Recompense

467c Formerly on Mount Grdhrakuta there were many noble ones, monks living in seclusion. The reputation of that mountain was well-known throughout the countries spreading in all directions. Those who brought offerings were numerous. There was an elder who took his relatives and went to submit offerings. A poor beggar woman thought: "The elders are bringing contributions to the mountain now. They are going o hold a gathering, I am sure. I shall go there to beg." So she went to the mountain. Upon her arrival on the mountain, where she saw the elders arranging all manner of elicacies and offering them to the monks, she thought to herself, "They have developed merit in their previous existences and are rich now. If hey now perform meritorious acts again, they will achieve excellence. I have not performed anything in my previous existence. In this world, I am poor. If do not perform anything now, I shall be even worse off n the future." Thinking this, she cried and was unhappy. She further thought, "I once picked up two coins out of ome manure. I have always saved them for the time when my begging would be unsatisfactory. I was going to exchange them for food and drink and support myself ith them. Now I shall take them and give them to the monks. I may not obtain food or drink for a day or two, but that will not kill me after all." She waited until the monks had finished their meal, took the two coins, and presented them.

The monks on the mountain had a rule that when someone had given something, the karmadana would stand in front of the monks and offer a prayer for the benefit of the donor. The senior monk did not let the karmadana pronounce the prayer then, but uttered one himself. His inferiors were very displeased and thought: "Our senior lacks self-respect. Just for two small coins from that beggar woman he pronounces his prayer. Why does he not do as he usually does when he sees money?"

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The senior subsequently left half f is food for this woman. All saw that the senior gave a great deal to the woman, and they too gave her much. The woman could then carry away a great deal of food and she was extremely happy. "I just happened to give and now I am recompensed. So she returned from the mountain carrying the food. Arriving nder a tree, she lay own to sleep and rested. The king' principal wife happened to have been dead for seven days. The king sent messengers to search throughout the land for anyone who had enough merits to become his wife. The diviners foretold that under a yellow cloud cover there had to be a worthy person. So they all went and, arriving at that tree, they saw that the woman' beauty was luminous with the mark of merits. The tree cast a twisting shadow, but light and shadow did not change. The diviners said, This woman' merits are adequate to make her the wife." So they bathed her in fragrant water and gave her the wife' clothes, which were neither too big not too small but just right for her. Guided by an escort of a thousand chariots and ten thousand riders, she was led to the palace. When the king saw her, he was happy and he felt respect in his heart.

Thus some time passed. She thought to herself, "The reason I obtained this prosperity is that I gave the coins. Those monks have done me an enormous favor." So she said to the king, "I was poor before, but I was brought forward by you, O king. As I have come to be someone, let me repay the kindness of he monks!" When the king told her to do as she wished, his wife immediately went to the mountain with cartloads of food and even precious things. After she had given the food to the monks, she gave the precious things, but the senior monk did not rise. He sent the karmadana to pronounce the prayer and did not pronounce the prayer himself. The king' wife said, "For my two coins in the past, you uttered a prayer for me, but now that I bring ou cartloads of recious things, you do not utter a prayer for me." All the young bhiksus were displeased with the senior monk. "Before, when a poor woman gave two coins, he pronounced his prayer; but now that the king' wife brings cartloads of recious things, he does not pronounce a prayer. Is this because he is getting old?"

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Then the senior monk expounded the Right Doctrine to the king' wife, and he said, "Woman, in your heart you are displeased with me, thinking, 'Before, when I gave two coins, he pronounced a prayer for me, but now that I bring cartloads of recious things, he does not pronounce a prayer.' Concerning the Buddha' Doctrine, I do not prize precious things. I prize only wholesome thoughts. Woman, hen you gave two coins before, your wholesome thoughts were very excellent. Afterwards you gave precious things, but your ego was proud. Therefore I do not pronounce a prayer for you now. Young men of the path, do not be displeased with me either! You must profoundly understand the thought of going forth! The young men of the path were all ashamed, and they all became srotdpannas. When the king' wife heard the Law, she was ashamed but happy. She too became a srotapanna. Having heard the Law, she made obeisance and withdrew.

Parable 42: Khanu, a Painter from Gandhara,

Arranges for Food and Obtains His

Recompense

Formerly in Gandhara there was a painter by the name of hanu. For three years of mployment he earned thirty ounces of old. He was about to return home when he saw that in some other region they ere holding he great quinquennial assembly (pancavarsika). He asked the karmadana, "How much might you need to arrange for an assembly for one day?" The karmadana replied, "For thirty ounces of gold, you can obtain an assembly for one day." So he thought to himself, "Because I did not plant meritorious deeds in my former life, I have received this retribution and must make my living as an employee. Now I have met the field of erit. Why not support it?" So he said to the karmadana, "Please let me be a disciple. Sound the mallet and convene the order! I want o arrange for an assembly." After he had arranged for the assembly, he was happy and joyful. He immediately returned home. When he reached home, his wife asked him where the money for his three 103

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years of employment was. Her husband answered, "All of the money I have earned is now put in a secure repository." His wife then asked, "Where is this secure repository?" The man said "In the Sangha!"

His wife then blamed him, and she called a meeting of their home town. They tied up her husband, and she went to a udge and said, "We, mother and child, are poor and suffer hardship. We have no clothes and no food; but when my husband has earned money, he spends it elsewhere and does not bring it back home. Would you please investigate why?" he judge then asked her husband, "Why so?" He answered, "Just like the flash of lightning, my body does not shine for long. Also, just like the early dew of morning, it disappears after a short while. Therefore I was fearful and I said to myself eeply that I now met with hardship and was in need of clothing and food because I had not performed meritorious acts in my previous existences. Therefore, because I saw that they were holding the pancavarsika in Puskaravati and that the community was pure, I felt oy. Devout faith arose inside of e, and I asked the karmadana how much it would take to provide them with food for one day. The karmadana answered that with thirty ounces of old I could provide for one day. I gave the karmadana what I had earned for three years of ork, and I let him provide the order with food for one day."

When the judge heard these words, he rejoiced and felt compassion for him. He renounced his own garment, his necklace, his saddle horse, and all his chariot equipment; and he gave it all to Khanu. He then selected a village and granted it to him. Such was his splendid recompense. His fruition would come later. Parable 43: Kapila and His Wife Sell Themselves, Arrange a Gathering, and Presently

Obtain Their Recompense

Once there was a man called Kapila. He and his wife were extremely poor. He provided for their livelihood by hiring himself 104

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out. He saw that others, the elders, all went to the temple to hold a great almsgiving gathering. When he returned home, he lay down to rest for the night with is wife. His head lying on his wife' arm, he thought to himself, "I am poor now because I did not perform meritorious acts in my previous existence. Someone like that elder has performed meritorious acts both in his previous existence and now. I do not have any merit now, and in the future world I shall suffer even more." Having thought this, he wept with unhappiness; and his tears fell on the arm of his wife. The wife asked her husband, "Why do you cry?" He answered, "I see that when someone develops merit, he is always happy; but I myself m low and poor. I have nothing to develop merit with. That is why my tears fall." The wife said, "What good does it do to weep? You may sell me to someone else and perform meritorious acts with the money." The husband said, "If I were to sell you, how could I stay alive myself?" The wife said, "If I am not driven out because you fear for your livelihood, let us both, you and I, sell ourselves now and develop merit!"

Thereupon the man and his wife both went away to a wealthy family. They said, "We, man and wife, now ask you to trade these worthless persons for money."The master asked them, How much money do you want?" They replied, "We want ten pieces of gold." The master said, "I shall give you the money now, but if fter seven days you cannot repay me, I shall take you and your wife as my slaves." They expressed their agreement and settled the matter. Carrying he money, they ent away and came to that emple. With the gift they arranged to provide for a gathering, but the husband and wife both pounded rice themselves. They encouraged one another, saying, "Now we have to do our best and perform meritorious deeds. Later, when we belong to another family, how can we comply with our intentions?" Thereupon, night and day, they diligently made preparations for the gathering.

When the sixth day ad arrived and they ere going to provide for the gathering, the lord of he country also happened to want to provide for a gathering. Upon arrival they quarreled about the day. The monks all said, "We have accepted the poor one, so we cannot 105

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change." The lord of the country heard this, and he said, "What kind of a small man is he that he can quarrel with me about the day of he gathering!" So he sent someone to say to Kapila, "Leave my day to me!" Kapila replied, "I really will not give way for you!" The messenger returned three times in this way, bringing back the same refusal as the first time.

The king wondered why. He went himself to the monastery and said [to Kapila], "Why do you not arrange it for a later day? Why do you quarrel with me about the day?" He replied, "I am my own master for just one day more. After that I shall belong to another family and be unable to provide any more!" The king asked why he could not, and the one who had sold himself aid, "We considered that we had not performed meritorious deeds in our previous existence, and that we are poor now. If we do not perform them now, we fear we may suffer more later. Moved by this fact, we just sold ourselves, trading ourselves for money. Performing meritorious acts with it, we want to end this suffering. If we have no property to repay the other party after seven days, we shall be slaves. Now it is the sixth day, so tomorrow it will be over. Therefore we quarreled about the day, risking our lives."

When the king heard these words, he felt profound pity and sighed at this unheard-of event, "You truly understand the hardship of poverty! You can change an insecure body for a secure body. You change insecure riches for secure riches. You change an insecure life for a secure life." Then he let them arrange for the gathering. The king took off is own and his wife' garments and their necklaces and gave them to Kapila and his wife. He ceded ten villages to them and enfeoffed them for their merit. As for him who develops merit with all his heart, however splendid his presently obtained recompense may be, how much greater will be the recompense he obtains in the future! Looking at it from this standpoint, all people in the world want to escape from suffering. They must diligently develop merit! How can they be self-indulgent, lazy, and heedless?

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Parable 44: A Srdmanera Saves Ants from Water and Is Recompensed with Long Life

469a Once there was a man of he path, an arhat, who was bringing up a srdmanera (novice). He knew that this srdmanera' life was sure to end after seven days. He gave him a leave of bsence and let him return home. He told him to come back on the seventh day. The srdmanera took leave of is master and went home. On his way he saw many ants floating about on the water. Their life was about to come to an end, and he had compassionate thoughts. He took off is kasdya, filled it with earth, made a dam in the water, and rescued the ants. He put them up in a high and dry place, so that they all could live. When he returned to his master on the seventh day, his master was very astonished. The master subsequently entered into concentration. Contemplating with his heavenly eye, he knew that [the srdmanera] had no longer had any remainder of merit, but that he had obtained [merit] by saving the ants. He did not die on the seventh day but prolonged his life.

Parable 45: The King of Gandhara Attends to an Old Pagoda, and His Life Is Prolonged

Long ago there was a lord in the land of Gandhara. And there was a wise diviner who predicted that the king' life was sure to end in seven days'time. The king set out on a hunting trip and saw an old pagoda, dilapidated and in ruins. So he and his ministers had it restored. When the restoration was completed, he returned to his palace in good spirits; and for seven days he lived uneventfully. When the diviner saw that the king had lived through the seven days, he wondered why, and he asked the king, "What meritorious act did you perform?" he king answered, "I did not do anything in particular. There was a ruined pagoda that I restored with laster. His merit was due to his restoration of he pagoda. 107

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Parable 46: A Bhiksu Repairs a Hole in a Temple Wall, and as a Recompense His Life Is

Prolonged

Long ago there was a bhiksu. The time of is death was upon him. There happened to be a heretic, a Brahman, who saw [certain] signs [on him] and knew that within seven days the life of this bhiksu was sure to end. Then when this bhiksu entered a monastery, he saw that there was a hole in the wall. He immediately made a lump of plaster and filled it in. Because of this merit he lengthened his life and was able to live through the seven days. When the Brahman saw this, he wondered why, and he asked him, What merit did you cultivate?" The bhiksu answered, "I did not cultivate anything in particular. Yesterday, when I entered the monastery, I saw that there was a hole in the wall. I just repaired it." he Brahman said with a sigh, "The field of erit of he Sangha is most important. It can let a bhiksu who is about to die live on and prolong his life."

469b

Parable 47: An Elder's Son Meets the Buddha and Asks to Lengthen His Life

Once the Buddha was in the world. A diviner predicted that although the five- or six-year-old son of n elder was endowed with good qualities, his life would be short. The elder led him to the six heretical teachers, expecting that they might lengthen his life; but not one of hose six teachers could provide a way to prolong it, and he was angry. He led [his son] to the Buddha and said, "Please, O World-honored One, prolong this boy' short life for me!" The Buddha said, "There is no way I can give him a long life." gain he said to the Buddha, "Please show us a means!" The Buddha then instructed him, Go to the gate of the city! When you see anyone leave, have the child greet him! Greet those who enter, too!" There was then a demon who had taken the appearance of a Brahman. He was about to come and enter the city. The child 108

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greeted him. With an incantation the demon spoke the wish, "May you live long!" his demon was the demon who killed children. But the way of a demon does not allow a double standard. Because he had allowed him a long life, he could not kill him any more. This being the case, he humbly restrained himself and was respectful. The son was able to prolong his life.

Parable 48: An Elder's Son Becomes a Servant,

Arranges a Gathering, and Obtains His

Present Recompense

Once, when the Buddha was in the world, there was an elder' son who had lost his parents early. Alone, destitute, and solitary, he provided for is living by being a servant. He heard people say that in the Trayastrimsa Heaven there was extreme happiness. He also heard others say that if ne worships the Buddha and his Sangha, one will surely be born [in that heaven].So he asked someone, "How much does it take to be able to worship the Buddha and his Order?" Then someone said, "For thirty ounces of gold you can organize a gathering." So he came to the marketplace, seeking a post as a servant. Near the marketplace there was a very wealthy elder who could engage him as a servant. The elder asked him, "Well, what can you do?" He answered, "I can do any task." "How much do you ask for three years of service?" He answered, "I ask thirty ounces of gold." When the elder heard that he could do anything, he hired his services.

His conduct was upright. In gold and silver, in copper and iron, and in every kind of business he made twice the usual amount of profit. When the time had come, he asked the elder his price in gold for his services. The elder asked him, "Now that you have the gold, what will you do with it?" He answered, "I want to worship the Buddha and his Sangha." The elder said, "I shall assist you now. I shall give you all sorts of essels and rice and flour to prepare the food. You ust invite the Buddha and his Order!" So he went to the monastery to invite the Buddha and his Sangha. The Buddha saw 109

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to it that his whole Order accepted his invitation. The Buddha stayed in his own quarters, but the monks all accepted the invitation of he son [who had lost his parents].

On the day of he big event, many people sent all kinds of ood and drink to be given to the Order. The monks had already eaten their fill when they arrived at the abode of the son. The son then served the food with his own hands, but the abbot said to give just a little. They all in turn said to give ust a little, down to the lowest rank. The son was distressed and lamented, "I have toiled for three years to arrange for this food and drink, hoping that the Sangha would eat it, but the monks do not take the food. I want to be born in heaven, but I shall certainly not be born there." He went to the Buddha and said, "As the monks do not eat my offerings, my wish will certainly not be realized." The Buddha said, "Did they eat something?" He answered, "They all ate something." The Buddha said, "Even if hey had not eaten anything, your wish would surely be fulfilled. How would it not be fulfilled when they have eaten something!" he youth was glad, and he returned to eat and drink. At that moment the monks had finished their meal and gone back. Then five hundred merchants came back from the sea. They entered the city and asked for food and drink. There was a dearth of ood at that ime. Nobody gave anything. Someone said, "The son arranged for a gathering today. He is sure to have food and drink." When the son heard that there were merchants, he was happy to give them food. All five hundred merchants ate their fill. All their attendants were fully satiated, too. The lowest merchant gave him a pearl worth ten thousand ounces of gold. The highest one gave him a pearl worth a hundred thousand ounces of gold. Every one of he five hundred merchants gave a pearl, and they also gave him a brass basin. Although they gave this to the son, he did not dare take it. He went to ask the Buddha about it, and the Buddha said, "This is your splendid recompense. Just take it without anxiety! Later you will certainly be bom in heaven; have no fear!" The elder who had employed him had no son; he just had a daughter. So he ^ave her to the youth, and in this way the family possessions increased manyfold. Thus his [family] became the first 110

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in Srävasti. At the end of the elder' life, King Prasenajit heard that he was clever and wise; and he asked the elder to give the youth all the family possessions. Such was his splendid recompense. His fruition followed.

Parable 49: Purna Gives the Buddha a Bowl of Food and Obtains His Present Recompense

Long ago, when the Buddha was in the world, there were five Brahman brothers. One was called Yasas; the second was called Vimala; the third was called Gavampati; and the fourth was called Sodayin. These four brothers had gone into the mountains to apply themselves to the path. They obtained the five superknowledges. The youngest brother was called Purna. When he saw the Buddha asking for alms, he filled his bowl with fine white rice and gave it to the Buddha. At that time, plowing and sowing were Puma' regular occupations. So when his plowing and sowing ere finished, he went back to his house.

Once, when he left for his field, he saw that the crop growing in his field had changed to golden grain several feet high. After he had harvested it, the crop grew again as before. The king heard this, and he too came to reap; but he could not gather it all. In the same way, none of all those who came to collect it could gather it all.

The brothers thought, "Is our younger brother Purna making a living, or is he poor?" So they all came to look into the matter. When they saw that their brother' occupation was more prosperous than the king', they said to their brother, "You used to be poor. Why are you rich all of a sudden?" He replied, "When I met Gautama, I gave him a bowl of ice and obtained this recompense." When the four brothers heard this, they were oveijoyed. They further said to their brother, "Now, prepare lumps of weetmeat for us! Each of the four of us will take one lump and offer it to Gautama, with the wish to be bom in heaven." ot having listened to his Doctrine, they [thought that they] did not need deliverance. Ill

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Each one thereupon took a lump of sweetmeat and went to where the Buddha was. The eldest brother grasped one lump and put it into the Buddha' bowl. The Buddha said, "All formations are impermanent." When the second one then put his lump of sweetmeat into the Buddha s bowl, the Buddha spoke these words, "They are of the nature that they rise and pass away." When the third one then put his lump of weetmeat into the Buddha' bowl, the Buddha spoke these words, "When their coming into existence and passing away have ended ..." When the fourth one then put his lump of weetmeat into the Buddha' bowl, the Buddha spoke these words, "Their allayment means happiness." o they returned home. Having reached a solitary place, they asked one another, "Did you hear what he said?" The first brother said, "I heard, 'All formations are impermanent.'" The second one had heard, "They are of the nature that they rise and pass away." The next one had heard, "When their coming into existence and passing away have ended ...''The fourth one had heard, "Their allayment means happiness." While the four brothers all considered this stanza, they became anàgâmins; and they all came to where the Buddha was. They asked for the homeless state and obtained arhatship.

Parable 50: Mahaprajapatl, Who Gives the Buddha a Garment Made of a Golden Fabric, and

the Craftsman Who Pierces Pearls

Once when the Buddha was in the world, Mahaprajapatl made a garment for the Buddha out of a fabric with golden threads; and she took it and offered it to the Buddha. The Buddha then said, "Give it to my Sangha!" Mahaprajapatl said, "I suckled and raised you, O World-honored One. I have made this garment myself. And so I offer it to you, O Buddha. I hoped that you, O Tathagata, would accept it from me. Why did you say just now to give it to your Sangha?" The Buddha said, "I would like to let my aunt obtain great merit. Why? The field of merit of the Sangha is vast and 112

4V0b Parable 50

endless. That is why I have exhorted you. If ou follow my advice, you will already have brought an offering to the Buddha." Mahaprajapati then ook this garment and went to the Sangha. She started with the abbot, but no one ventured to take it. Next it was Maitreya' turn, and Maitreya accepted the garment. He put it on and went to the city to beg for alms. Maitreya' body had the thirty-two marks and the color of ure purple gold. After is arrival in the city, everybody strove to see him; but nobody gave him food. There was a craftsman ho pierced pearls. He saw that not one person gave [Maitreya] food. So he knelt before him and invited him. He led Maitreya to his home and gave him food. When Maitreya had finished his meal, the craftsman who pierced pearls then spread a small seat in front of im and beseeched him to tell about the Doctrine. Maitreya had the four powers of eloquence. So he explained the Good Law to him in several ways. The craftsman who pierced pearls then wished to listen and was happy to hear it. He could not hear enough.

Previously there had been an elder who wanted to give his daughter in marriage. He had engaged the craftsman who pierced pearls to pierce one precious pearl for a hundred thousand coins. At that moment, the family who gave the daughter in marriage sent someone to ask for the pearl. As the craftsman who pierced pearls was just then listening intensely to the Doctrine, he did not have time to pierce it. So he answered, "Could you wait ust a little while?" [The messenger] came a second time with his request. He even came a third time, but he still did not obtain it. The elder became angry, and he returned to take away all his money and his pearl. The wife of he craftsman who pierced pearls was angry at her husband, and she said, "Don' you have anything else to do? If you had pierced the pearl instantly, we should have gained a hundred thousand coins. Why did you listen to the beautiful explanation of his man of he path?"

When er husband eard this, e felt itter in is mind. At that moment, Maitreya knew his bitterness, and he asked him, "Can you follow me to the temple?" He answered, "Yes." So he followed Maitreya to the monastery. Maitreya asked the abbot, "Suppose 113

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someone obtains a hundred thousand catties of gold. Would it be better to listen with joy to an explanation of the Doctrine?" Kaundinya said, Even if someone had obtained a hundred thousand catties of gold, it would be better if e gave a bowl of food to one who observes the moral precepts. All the more so if he could listen for a moment with devout thoughts to an explanation of he Doctrine; he would then surpass him a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand times."

Thereupon he asked the question of a second venerable, and the venerable answered, "If someone had obtained a hundred thousand chariots filled with gold, it still would be better to give one bowl of food to one who observes the moral precepts. All the more so if e were happy listening to the Doctrine." In due time he further asked his question of third venerable, and the venerable answered, "If someone had obtained a hundred thousand sheds filled with gold, it still would be better to give one bowl of food to a person who observes the moral precepts. All the more so if e listens to the Dharma."

He further asked his question of a fourth venerable, and the venerable answered, "If one had obtained a hundred thousand states filled with gold, it still would be better to give one bowl of food to a person who observes the moral precepts. All the more so if he listened to the Doctrine; it would be a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand times better."

Thus he asked his question of one after the other, and then it was Aniruddha' turn. Aniruddha said, "If someone had obtained gold that filled the four continents, it still would be better to give one meal to a person ho observes the moral precepts. All the more so if he listens to the Dharma." Maitreya asked him, "Reverend, you say that if one were to give one bowl of food to a bhiksu, it would surpass even the possession of gold that filled the four continents. Why is it so?"

The reverend answered, "I shall certify this with my own person. I recall that nine million kalpas ago there were an elder and his two sons. One was called Rista, and the other was called Arista. He used to tell them, 'The high must come down; the 114

Parable 50

permanent must come to an end. That which has come to life will die, and that which has come together will be separated.' The elder fell ill. When his life was nearing its end, he admonished his sons, 'Beware! Do not dwell apart! For instance, one string cannot tie down an elephant, but if one assembles many strings, an elephant cannot break them. If you stay together, you too will be like a bundle of trings.' Then, after the elder had given his last instruction to his sons, he stopped breathing and his life ended.

"Because their father had told them to, the brothers lived together, holding each other in high esteem. Later [the elder brother] let his younger brother marry. Having lived with them for a while, the wife of he younger brother said to her husband, You are like his slave. Why? The expenditure of riches and the affairs dealing with guests all depend on your brother. You only get clothing and food! If you are not a slave, then what are you?'She kept saying these words. At this moment, a change of heart happened to the husband and his wife. He asked his elder brother to [let him] live apart. The elder brother said to his younger brother, 'You do not remember our father' words when he was dying.' However, the younger brother did not change, but kept asking him to [let him] live apart.

"When the elder brother saw that is brother' mind was made up, they then separated. All heir belongings were divided into two. The younger couple was youthful and given to ease, and their expenditures were extravagant. After a short while the younger brother was poor and in trouble, and he came to beg from his elder brother. His elder brother gave him a hundred thousand coins at that time. Not long after he had left with the money, he spent it all and came with a new demand. Thus he returned six times, and each time he was given a hundred thousand coins. When he returned the seventh time, his elder brother reprimanded him, ' ou do not remember our father' words when he was dying. You have asked for a separation, but you are unable to apply yourself to making a living. You keep coming to ask for things. I shall give you a hundred thousand coins once more, but if ou cannot do all 115

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right and come with a new demand, I shall no longer give you anything in the future.'

After these bitter ords, husband and wife both applied themselves to making a living. Gradually they became wealthy. The elder brother lost his riches and gradually became poor. He came to beg from his younger brother. His younger brother did not even give his brother a meal and said, 'I say, O brother, you were always rich. Did you become poor too? I once asked ou something, brother, but I was bitterly reprimanded. Why do you come today to ask something from me?' When the elder brother had heard this, he was utterly dejected and he thought, 'If even brothers from the same father are like this, it will be all the more so with strangers.' So, disgusted with birth and death, he did not return home but went to the mountains to apply himself o the path. Diligent in his asceticism, he became a pratyekabuddha.

His younger brother afterwards gradually became poor, too; and as the world met with a drought and famine, he made a living selling firewood. The pratyekabuddha then came to the city to beg for food. He obtained absolutely nothing and went back to the mountains with an empty bowl. The person who sold firewood then saw the pratyekabuddJ'a leave the city with an empty bowl. He wanted to give him the millet gruel he had earned selling firewood. He said to the pratyekabuddha, 'Reverend, could you take coarse food?'The ratyekabuddha answered, 'It does not make any difference whether it is fine or coarse. It will allow me to sustain myself.' The person who sold firewood then gave it to the pratyekabuddha, who accepted it and ate it. When e had eaten it, he flew up in the air, made the eighteen transformations, and returned to the same place. "The person who sold firewood later went to gather firewood again. On his way he saw a rabbit and seized it with a stick. It changed to a dead person who suddenly rose and came at him and grasped him around the neck. The person with the firewood wanted to push im away ny ay e could o make him go away, but e could not get rid of im. He took off is garment and gave it as payment to someone to pull him away, but he still could not get rid of im. He tried to rid himself f he [dead] person until dark and came home 116

Parable 50

carrying him on his back. When he was in his home, the dead man let go and fell to the floor; it was a person made of genuine gold. "The man who sold firewood then cut off the golden man' head, upon which the head grew again. He removed his hands and feet, and the hands and the feet grew again. Before long, the golden head and the golden hands filled his room, stacked up as a big pile. The neighbors informed the minister, 'In the house of this poor man, all by itself, there grew this pile of old.' "When the king heard this, he sent a messenger to ascertain what had happened. When he arrived in the room, he saw nothing but the hands, feet, and head of a putrid corpse. The man of the house himself took the golden head and came to present it to the king. Yes, it was genuine gold. The king was very glad. Taking him to be a man of good fortune, he endowed him with a village. "After that, his life ended and he was reborn in the second heaven as Sakra, lord of he gods. He descended to a ebirth among men as a noble Cakravartin (Wheel-turning King). He was a king of gods or a king of men for ninety-one kalpas without any interruption whatsoever. Now, in his final body, he was reborn in the Sakya clan. On the day he was born, over thirty miles of hidden valuables sprang up all by themselves.

"He gradually grew up, but Sakya Mahanama, his elder brother, was loved more by is parents. My mother, i.e., Aniruddha' mother, wanted to put her sons to the test. So she sent word that she had no food. I, Aniruddha, said, 'Just bring me something without any food!' So they gave me an empty plate. The empty plate then naturally filled itself with food of a hundred flavors. Even if one used the gold of he four continents to feed oneself, it would not be sufficient for one kalpa, so it certainly could not bring me constant happiness for ninety-one kalpas. As for the reason that I now spontaneously obtained this food, it was just because I had given one bowl of ood in a previous life that I now obtained this recompense. From the Buddhas down to the Brahma gods those with pure morality are called people who observe the moral precepts. When the craftsman who pierced pearls heard these words, he was very glad in his heart.

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Parable 51: Parable 52: Parable 53: Parable 54: Parable 55: Parable 56: Parable 57: Parable 58: Parable 59: Parable 60: Parable 61: Parable 62:

Chapter V

A Goddess Worships Kasyapa Buddha's Pagoda with Her Flower Garland A Goddess Worships Kasyapa Buddha's Pagoda with Lotus Flowers

A Goddess Observes a Fast Day Following the Eight Precepts and Is Reborn in Heaven A Goddess Worships by Lighting a Lamp and Is Reborn in Heaven

A Goddess Met the Buddha While Riding in Her Cart; She Was Happy and Went out of Her Way

A Goddess Scattered Flowers over the Buddha, and They Were Changed to a Parasol of Flowers

Sripunyamati Worships the Buddha' Pagoda and Is Reborn in Heaven An Elder and His Wife Construct a Stupa and Are Reborn in Heaven

An Elder and His Wife Are Devoutly Respectful; She Greets the Buddha and Is Reborn in Heaven

A Heretic Brahman Woman Learns That the Buddha's Disciples Are Holding a Fast, and She Is Reborn in Heaven

A Poor Woman Gives Her Piece of Cloth to Sudatta and Is Reborn in Heaven An Elder' Daughter Does Not Believe in the Triple Jewel; Her Father Engages Her with Money to Observe the Precepts, and She Is Reborn in Heaven

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Parable 63

Parable 64:

Parable 65

Parable 66:

Parable 67:

Parable 68:

Parable 69:

Parable 70:

Parable 71:

Parable 72:

A G,ri Sweeping the Floor, Sees the Buddha; She Is Happy and Is Reborn in Heaven An Elder Construct, a House, Invites the Buddha in Order to Worship Him, Donates His House, and Is Reborn in Heaven A Woman Gives Sugar Cane to an Arhat and -is ixeborn in Heaven

A Woman Anoints the Buddha' Feet with Perfume and Is Reborn in Heaven A Servant of he Elder Sudatta Taltes Refuge m the Triple Jewel and Is Reborn in Heaven A Poor Woman Begs for Food from the Buddha and Is Reborn in Heaven An Elder' Servant Brings Food to Her Master, Meets the Buddha and Gives It to im, and Is Recompensed with Rebirth in Heaven

An Elder Constructs a Lecture Hall for the Buddha and Is Recompensed with Rebirth m Heaven

An Elder Sees That the King Constructs a Pagoda; He Constructs a Pagoda Too and Is Recompensed with Rebirth in Heaven C°nStrUcts a House> Offers It to the Buddha, and Is Reborn in Heaven 120

47ic Parable 51

Parable 51: A Goddess Worships Kasyapa Buddha's Pagoda with Her Flower Garland

At that time, Sakra devanam indra had heard the Doctrine from the Buddha and had become a srotapanna. He returned to his heaven, called a gathering of ll the gods, and praised the Buddha, his Doctrine, and his Sangha. There was a goddess then who wore a flower garland on her head. The brilliance of he flower garland was absolutely dazzling. Together with the crowd of the gods, she came to the gathering in the assembly hall of the Good Law. When the crowd of ods saw this goddess, they ere dumbfounded. Sakra devanam indra then pronounced these stanzas, asking the goddess:

1. What meritorious act did you perform that your body is fused with pure gold, as it were? Your splendid appearance is like a lotus, and you have an impressive majesty. 2. Your body brings forth a bright splendor, and your face is like a flower in full bloom. Your golden color shines brightly. Through what deed did you obtain this? Please tell me!

Then the goddess spoke a stanza, answering: Once I offered my flower garland to the pagoda of Kasyapa Buddha. I am now reborn in heaven. What I obtained was excellent merit. I was reborn among the gods and recompensed with a gold-colored body.

Sakra devanam indra pronounced stanzas again, saying in praise: 1. Truly wonderful is a field of erit that has been weeded of all impurity! In that way, an insignificant seed may provide an excellent recompense as a goddess. 2. Who would not honor you, honoring your mass of pure gold? Who would not honor the Buddha, the finest field of erit?

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3. Your eyes are very big, resembling blue lotus flowers. You were able to worship the unsurpassed Most-honored One. You have performed a small meritorious deed, but you have gained such a fair complexion!

Then the goddess descended from heaven. With a parasol of lowers in her hand, she came to the Buddha. The Buddha expounded theDoctrine to her. She became a srotapanna and returned to heaven. The bhiksus wondered why, and they asked the Buddha, "O World-honored One, what meritorious deed did this goddess perform that she obtained this divine body that is so extraordinarily beautiful?"

The Buddha said, "Long ago she brought worship to Kasyapa Buddha' pagoda with various flower garlands. For this reason she has now obtained this recompense."

Parable 52: A Goddess Worships Kasyapa Buddha's Pagoda with Lotus Flowers

At that time there was another goddess. The brilliance of he flower garland on her head was dazzling. Together with a crowd of gods, she came to the gathering in the assembly hall of the Good Law. When the crowd of ods saw this goddess, they ere dumbfounded. Then Sakra devanam indra asked her in the stanzas: 1. What merit did you previously perform, that your body is like a mass of ure gold? Your splendid appearance is like a lotus, and you have an impressive majesty. 2. Your body brings forth a subtle brightness, and your face is like a flower in full bloom. Your brightness is extremely splendid. Through what deed did you obtain this? Please tell me!

The goddess immediately spoke the stanza, answering: Once I offered lotus flowers to the pagoda of asyapa Buddha. Today I met the World-honored One. What I obtained was 122

Parable 53

excellent merit. I was reborn in heaven and what I obtained was this golden recompense.

Sakra devanam indra praised her again with the stanzas: 1. Truly onderful is a field of erit, when one has removed all impurity! Though the cause one plants may be insignificant, one may obtain an excellent recompense!

2. Who would not find happiness in honoring and respecting your mass of pure gold? Who would not honor the Buddha, the finest and most excellent field of erit? 3. Your eyes are big and long. They may be compared to blue lotus flowers. You once were able to worship the highest and most excellent Honored One. You have performed a fine meritorious deed, and you have gained such a recompense.

Then the goddess descended from heaven. With a parasol of flowers in her hand she came to the Buddha. She listened to the Buddha' explanation of the Doctrine, obtained the purity of the eye of the Doctrine, and returned to heaven. The bhiksus asked the Buddha, "What meritorious deed did this goddess perform in the past, that she has obtained such a recompense?" The Buddha said, "Long ago she worshipped Kasyapa Buddha' pagoda with beautiful lotus flowers. Therefore she obtained an excellent recompense. She has insight into the path now."

Parable 53: A Goddess Observes a Fast Day

Following the Eight Precepts and Is

Reborn in Heaven

472b At that time there was another goddess. She observed a fast day following the eight precepts and was reborn in heaven. She obtained a beautiful recompense. The majestic look of her bright countenance surpassed all. She then came together with all the gods into the assembly hall of the Good Law. When the gods saw 123

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her, they were dumbfounded. Sakra devanam indra asked her in the stanzas:

1. What deed did you previously perform, that your body is like a mountain of pure gold? Your bright countenance is extremely splendid. Your appearance is like a pure lotus flower.

2. What you have obtained is excellent splendor. Your body brings forth a great subtle brightness. Through which deed did you obtain this? Please tell me! Then the goddess answered with the stanza: In the past, under Kasyapa Buddha, I observed a fast day following the eight precepts. I am now reborn among the gods, and what I obtained is this beautiful recompense. Sakra devanam indra again praised her with the stanzas: 1. Wonderful is a field of erit! It can produce an excellent recompense. You hardly developed a fine cause in the past, but you are reborn in heaven.

2. Who would not honor such an excellent accumulation of merit? Who would not respect the most excellent Honored One?

3. Those who have heard this should all be very glad! Those who seek rebirth in heaven must maintain the precepts in purity!

With a beautiful parasol in her hand, the goddess then came to the Buddha. The Buddha explained to her the Doctrine, and she obtained the path of insight into the Truths. The bhiksus then asked the Buddha, "What meritorious deed did this goddess perform in the past, that she was reborn in heaven and gained a noble fruition? The Buddha said, "Once, when she was a person, under Kasyapa Buddha, she observed a fast day following the eight precepts. Because of this meritorious conduct, she was reborn in heaven and gained insight into the path." 124

Parable 54

Parable 54: A Goddess Worships by Lighting a Lamp and Is Reborn in Heaven

472c At that time in Rajagrha, King Bimbisara had obtained the path in the Buddha' Doctrine. He had gained unwavering faith, and he used to worship the Buddha with the light of lamps. Later on, Devadatta became an evil friend of King Ajatasatru, who wanted to destroy the Buddha' Doctrine. Therefore fear spread throughout the territory, and people did ot dare light any amp or worship. There was a girl who [nevertheless] kept up these practices; she lit a lamp and worshipped at the Buddha' walking place on the day of elaxation for the Sangha. When King Ajatasatru heard this, he was very angry. So he killed her, cutting her at the waist with a wheel with double-edged knives. She died and was reborn in a mansion glowing with gems in the Trayastrimsa Heaven. She ascended into this mansion and went to the assembly hall of the Good Law. Lord Sakra asked her in the stanza: What deed did you reviously perform, that your body s like a mass of pure gold? You are like someone with great majesty. Your looks are extremely brilliant! The goddess immediately answered with the stanzas: 1. Intently observe the true rescue in the three worlds, the great torch in the three periods of ime, the Buddha, his body adorned with the primary and secondary marks! 2. For one who excels most in the Doctrine, I lit a bright lamp; I lit the lamp to remove darkness; the torch of he Buddha removes all evil.

3. Seeing that the light of the lamp was as bright as the sun, I truly had devout thoughts. Seeing the glow of he light of he lamp, I was happy and bowed to the Buddha. Having spoken hese stanzas she came to the Buddha. The Buddha expounded the Doctrine to her. She became a srotapanna and returned to heaven.

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The bhiksus asked the Buddha, "For what reason was she born in the heavenly mansion?" he Buddha said, "When among eople, on the day of relaxation for the Sangha, she once lit a lamp and worshipped at the Buddha' walking place. King Ajatasatru killed her, cutting her in two at the waist. After her life had ended, she was reborn among the gods as a result of this wholesome karmic causality. When she heard the Doctrine from me again, she became zealously devoted and obtained the path of a srotapanna. " Parable 55: A Goddess Met the Buddha While Riding in Her Cart; She Was Happy and Went out

of er Way

At that time the Buddha was in the land of SravastI, and he entered the city to beg for alms. There was a girl who was taking a ride in her cart. She wanted to go to the park. She happened to meet the Tathagata on her way. She swerved her cart off he road and was happy in her mind. Later she died and was reborn among the thirty-three gods. She went to a gathering in the assembly hall of he Good Law. Sakra devanam indra asked her in the stanzas: 1. What deed did you previously perform, that the color of your body is like that of pure gold? Your bright countenance is extremely splendid, resembling an utpala. 2. You have obtained excellent splendor, and you are reborn among the gods. Please explain to me how you came to obtain this.

The goddess immediately answered with the stanza: I met the Buddha on his way into the city, and I swerved my cart off he road. I was happy and had devout respect. When my life had ended, I was reborn in heaven.

Having spoken this stanza, she came to the Buddha. The Buddha expounded the Doctrine to her. She became a srotapanna and returned to her heavenly mansion. The bhiksus asked, "Through 126

Parable 56

which karmic causality was she reborn in this heaven?" The Buddha said, "When among people, she once swerved her cart to give way to me. Now she is reborn in heaven. When she heard the Doctrine from me again, she accepted it ith devotion and realized the fruition of a srotapanna. "

Parable 56: A Goddess Scattered Flowers over the Buddha, and They Were Changed to a

Parasol of Flowers

At that time in the land of SravastI there was a girl. She had gathered asoka flowers for a festival and she returned to the city. As she happened to meet the Buddha on his way out, she scattered these flowers over the Buddha, and they changed to a parasol of flowers. She was overjoyed, and her thoughts were full of espect. Thereupon, when her life had ended, she was reborn among the thirty-three gods. She ascended to their mansion and went to the assembly all of he Good Law. Lord Sakra asked er in the stanza: What deed did you previously perform, that you are reborn among the gods here? Your body' color is like that of pure gold, and your splendor is extremely bright. Through which deed did you obtain this? Please tell me!

The goddess answered in the stanza:

Once when I gathered asoka flowers in Jambudvipa, I happened to meet the Tathagata on my way back. So I worshipped the Buddha with them. I was happy and full of respect. When my life had ended, I was reborn in heaven. Having spoken this stanza, she came to the Buddha. The Buddha expounded the Doctrine to her. She became a srotapanna and returned to heaven.

The bhiksus asked, "For what reason did this goddess experience the body of a goddess?" The Buddha said, "When among people, she once left the city to gather asoka flowers. On her way 127

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back, she met me. So she worshipped me with her flowers, and she was happy n er mind. After her life had ended she was reborn in heaven as a result of this wholesome karma. When she heard the Doctrine from me again, she was awakened and realized srotapatti. "

Parable 57: Sripunyamati Worships the Buddha's Pagoda and Is Reborn in Heaven

After King Bimbisara had gained insight into the Truths, he often came to the Buddha. He paid his respects and made inquiries. The ladies in the palace could not come to the Buddha every day then. The king erected a pagoda with a hair of the Buddha in his palace. The people in the palace continually worshipped it. After King Bimbisara' death, Devadatta became 473b King Ajatasatru' friend and associate. They had slander in mind, and they did not allow anyone in the palace to worship this pagoda. There was someone in the palace called Sripunyamati. On a day of relaxation for the Sangha, she recalled the previous practice. So she worshipped this pagoda with fragrant flowers. King Ajatasatru disliked her worship of the Buddha' pagoda and stabbed her to death with an auger. When her life had ended, she was reborn among the thirty-three gods. She ascended to the mansion of the gods and went to the gathering in the assembly hall of the Good Law. Lord Sakra asked her in the stanza:

What merit did you previously perform that you are reborn among the gods? Your splendor is extremely bright, as if ou had the color of ure gold. By erforming hich deed did you obtain this? Please tell me!

The goddess answered in the stanzas:

1. When among people, I used to be happy, with respectful thoughts. I offered fine fragrant flowers to the Buddha' pagoda.

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Parable 58

2. However, I was stabbed to death with an auger by Ajatasatru. When my life had ended, I was reborn in heaven to experience this extreme happiness.

Having spoken these stanzas, she came to the Buddha. The Buddha expounded the Doctrine to her. She became a srotapanna and returned to the mansion of he gods.

The bhiksus asked, "For what reason was she reborn among these gods?" The Buddha said, "Previously, when among people, she once worshipped the Buddha' pagoda with fragrant flowers. Because of this wholesome karma, she has obtained the body of a goddess. When she heard the Doctrine from me again, she was awakened and realized srotapatti."

473c Parable 58: An Elder and His Wife Construct a Stupa and Are Reborn in Heaven

In the land of Sravasti there was an elder who had constructed a stupa and a monastery. When the elder fell ill, his life ended; and he was reborn among the thirty-three gods. His wife kept thinking of her husband, and she was sad and grieved. Because she kept thinking of im, she repaired the stupa and the monastery ust as it had been when her husband was alive.

The husband reflected alone in heaven, saying, "For what reason was I reborn in this heaven?" He knew that he had come there because of his merit for the construction of the pagoda. Seeing that he decidedly was a god, he was happy in his mind, and he constantly kept thinking of the pagoda. With his heavenly eye he observed who was now taking care of the pagoda he had constructed. He saw that day and night his wife kept thinking of her husband, sad and grieved, and that she had repaired the pagoda for the sake of her husband. The husband thought, "My wife' merit is bigger than mine. I must now go to her, ask how she is doing, and comfort her." He descended from heaven and came to his wife' side. He said to her, "Are you very sad, thinking of me? His wife said, "Who are you hat exhort me?" e replied, "I am your 129

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husband. Because I had constructed a monastery and a pagoda, I was reborn in heaven among the thirty-three gods. Because I saw that you have diligently repaired the pagoda, I have come to you." His wife said, "Come before me and let us have intercourse!" The husband said, "A human body is noisome. I must not approach it again. If ou want o be my ife, ust zealously orship the Buddha and his Sangha of bhiksus. After your life has ended, you will be reborn in my heavenly mansion; and I shall take you to be mv wife."

Because of he words of er husband, the wife worshipped the Buddha and his Sangha, acquiring a great deal of erit, and made a vow that she would be reborn in heaven. Later, after her life had ended, she was reborn in that heavenly mansion. Both husband and wife went to the Buddha together. The Buddha expounded the Doctrine to them and they became srotapannas. The bhiksus were dumbfounded as to the reason and they asked, "Through which karmic causality were they reborn in this heaven?" The Buddha said, "When among people, they once constructed a stupa and a monastery, worshipping the Buddha and his Sangha. As a result of this merit, they are now reborn in heaven."

Parable 59; An Elder and His Wife Are Devoutly Respectful; She Greets the Buddha and

Is Reborn in Heaven

There was an elder in Rajagrha who went to the Buddha every day. His wife became suspicious and thought, "Is he not having intimate relations with another, always going out every day?" So she asked her husband, "Where do you always come from every day?" The husband answered his wife, "I come from the Buddha." She asked, "Can the Buddha overcome you so with his beauty that you constantly go to him?" So the man extolled for his wife the Buddha' various qualities. At that moment, when she heard about the Buddha s qualities, his wife became happy and rode away in her cart. She arrived at the place where the Buddha was; but at 130

Parable 60

that moment, by the Buddha' side, kings and important ministers were crowding all around him, and she could not go before him. She made obeisance to the Buddha from afar and returned to the city. Later, when she had parted with her life, she was reborn among the thirty-three gods. She thought to herself, "I was honored by the Buddha' momentous kindness. The merit for one obeisance has allowed me rebirth in heaven." Then she descended from heaven to the Buddha. The Buddha expounded the Doctrine to her and she became a srotapanna.

The bhiksus asked, "For what reason was she reborn in this heaven?" The Buddha said, "When among people, she once made obeisance to me. Through the merit of one obeisance she was reborn in heaven after her death."

474a Parable 60: A Heretic Brahman Woman Learns That the Buddha's Disciples Are Holding a

Fast, and She Is Rehorn in Heaven

At that time the Buddha' disciples were in the land of Sravasti. The women were holding a regional gathering, and they went to the Buddha in large numbers. A Brahman woman was in their company. She held wrong views and was not a believer. She had never experienced a fast or kept the precepts. When she saw all the women assembling for the fast, she asked, "What auspicious gathering do you hold now? I am your friend, but you do not give me any instructions." The women answered, "We are holding a fast." he Brahman woman said, "It is not now the sixth day of he month, nor is it the twelfth day. According to whose rules do you hold the fast?" The women said, "We hold the Buddha' fast." The Brahman woman said, "If you hold the Buddha's fast, what merit do you gain?" They replied, "We shall gain release and be reborn in heaven."

Because the Brahman woman wanted food and drink, she was given water. After the fast was held, they gave her a delicious broth. According to the rules of a brahmanical fast, one must not drink or 131

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eat According to the rules of he Buddha' fast, one may take tasty food and drrnk a delicious broth. As this fasting was pleasant, she became happy in her mind.

Later, when her life had ended, she was reborn in heaven. She came to the Buddha, and the Buddha expounded the Doctrine to her. She became a srotapanna.

The bhiksus asked, "For what reason was she reborn among the gods?" The Buddha said, "When among people, she once saw women assembling to hold a fast. She then enjoyed the fast that was held. Because of this wholesome action she was reborn in heaven."

Parable 61: A Poor Woman Gives Her Piece of Cloth to Sudatta and Is Reborn in Heaven

At that time the elder Sudatta thought: "None of those who are bom in my family shall fall into an unwholesome destination after their life has ended. Why? Because I have instructed them all with the pure Doctrine. I shall now instruct the poor and suffering, believers and nonbelievers, with the Good Law, so that they will worship the Buddha and his Sangha."Thereupon he announced all this to King Prasenajit. The king then beat the drum and rang the bell. During the seven days thereafter, the elder Sudatta was to go on his begging round, urging orship of he Triple Jewel. Everyone m the whole population was glad and they offered many gifts. On the seventh day, when the elder Sudatta had been begging from everyone, urging them to reform, there was a poor woman She used to ask a price for her labor. She only had one piece of cloth, and she covered her body with that. When she saw Sudatta begging, she immediately gave it to him. When Sudatta had obtained it, he was surprised at what she was capable of. So he supplied the poor woman with whatever she wished, property, money, grain, silk, clothes, and food. Later, when her life was over and had ended, she was reborn in heaven. She came to the Buddha. 132

Parable 62

The Buddha expounded the Doctrine to her, and she became a srotapanna.

The bhiksus asked, "For what reason is this goddess now reborn in heaven?" The Buddha said, "When among people, she once met the elder Sudatta, who was on a begging round while teaching. She was happy and immediately gave to Sudatta the piece of white cloth she was wearing. Because of this wholesome deed, she was reborn in eaven. When she eard the Doctrine 474b from me again, she became zealously devoted and became a srotapanna.

Parable 62: An Elder's Daughter Does Not Believe in the Triple Jewel; Her Father Engages

Her with Money to Observe the Precepts,

and She Is Reborn in Heaven

At that time there was an elder in the land of ravasti. His name was Pusya, and he had two daughters. One had gone forth and after strenuous effort obtained arhatship. The other held wrong views. She was full of slander and was not a believer. The father then said to this daughter who was not a believer, "Take refuge in the Buddha now, and I shall pay you a thousand gold pieces! Yes, take refuge in the Doctrine and the Sangha, observe the five precepts, and I shall give you eight thousand gold pieces!" Thereupon she observed the five precepts. Shortly thereafter, her life ended and she was reborn in heaven. She came to the Buddha. The Buddha expounded the Doctrine to her, and she became a srotapanna.

The bhiksus asked, "Through which action was this goddess reborn in heaven?" he Buddha said, "Formerly, among people, she took refuge in the Triple Jewel out of esire for her father' money. She observed the five precepts. Because of his, she is now reborn in heaven. Hearing the Doctrine from me again, she obtained the path."

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Parable 63: A Girl, Sweeping the Floor, Sees the Buddha; She Is Happy and Is Reborn in

Heaven

As a rule in southern India, when there is a girl in the family, she has to rise early and sweep the premises and the area around the gate. There was an elder' daughter who rose early to sweep the floor. She happened to meet the Tathagata passing by in front of her gate. As she saw him, she was happy and watched the Buddha attentively Her life was short, and after it had ended she was reborn in heaven.

As a rule, for those who are reborn in heaven, there are three considerations. She thought, "What body did I previously have?" She knew it was a human body. "Where am I reborn now?" She knew for certain it was in heaven. 'Which deed did I once perform to be reborn here?" She knew she had obtained this recompense because of the wholesome deed of being happy when she saw the Buddha. Touched by the Buddha' momentous kindness, she came to worship the Buddha. The Buddha expounded the Doctrine to her and she became a srotapanna.

The bhiksus said, "For what reason did you let this woman be reborn in heaven and obtain the path?" The Buddha said, "Formerly, among people, she rose early to sweep the floor. I, the Buddha, happened to pass by her gate. She saw me and was happy. Because of this wholesome deed, she was reborn in heaven. She heard the Doctrine from me again and realized the path." Parable 64: An Elder Constructs a House, Invites the Buddha in Order to Worship Him,

Donates His House, and Is Reborn in

Heaven

There was an important elder in Rajagrha who had recently constructed a house. He invited the Buddha in order to worship him. He donated the house and said to the Buddha, "O 134

Parable 65

474c World-honored One, from now on, when you come to the city, always come here to wash your hands and your bowl!" Later, when his life had ended, the elder was reborn in heaven, ascending to a heavenly mansion. He came to the Buddha. The Buddha expounded the Doctrine to him, and he became a srotapanna. The bhiksus said, "For what reason was he reborn in heaven?" The Buddha said, "Formerly, among people, he constructed a new house. He invited me, the Buddha, and donated it. Because of his wholesome deed, he was reborn in heaven in a heavenly mansion. Subsequently he heard the Doctrine from me and obtained the path."

Parable 65: A Woman Gives Sugar Cane to an Arhat and Is Reborn in Heaven

In Sravasti there once was a bhiksu, an arhat, who entered the city to beg for alms. He came to a family that pressed sugar cane. The wife of he son of he house put a big piece of sugar cane in the bhiksu' bowl. When her mother-in-law saw this, she was angry at her. So she grabbed a stick and gave her a beating. She happened to hit a vital vein. The woman' life ended immediately, and she was reborn in the Trayastrimsa Heaven with a female body. The mansion she lived in was made entirely of sugar cane. When a crowd of gods gathered in the assembly hall of the Good Law, that goddess also went to this hall. Lord Sakra asked her in the stanza:

What deed did you reviously perform that you have obtained your excellent and beautiful body? The beauty of ts brightness is beyond compare. It is like a mass of used gold. The goddess answered with the stanza:

When among people, I once gave some sugar cane. Now I have obtained a considerable recompense among the host of gods, and my brightness is extremely radiant. 135

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Parable 66: A Woman Anoints the Buddha's Feet with Perfume and Is Reborn in Heaven

Once there was a woman in Sravasti who was sitting on the ground grinding perfume. The Buddha happened to enter the city. When the woman saw the Buddha, she was happy. She anointed the Buddha' feet with the perfume she was grinding Later, when her life had ended, she was reborn among the gods. The fragrance of her body reached into the distance, penetrating over four thousand miles. She then went to a gathering in the assembly hall of the Good Law. Lord Sakra asked her in the stanza: What merit did you previously perform, that your body emits an exquisite fragrance? You are reborn among the gods, and your splendid appearance is like fused gold. The goddess answered in the stanzas:

1. I worshipped the most excellent Honored One with the best perfume. I obtained unequalled splendor. 2. I was reborn among the thirty-three gods, and I experience great joy. The fine fragrances my body emits reach a hundred yojanas. All who smell my fragrance gain considerable benefit.

The goddess immediately went to the World-honored One. The Buddha expounded the Doctrine to her. She obtained the path of srotapanna and returned to heaven. The bhiksus asked, "What merit did she previously perform that she was reborn among the gods with a body of uch fragrance?"

The Buddha said, "Once, among people, this goddess anointed my feet with perfume. For this reason she was reborn in heaven after her death to experience this recompense." 136

Parable 67

Parable 67: A Servant of the Elder Sudatta Takes Refuge in the Triple Jewel and Is Reborn

in Heaven

At that time, in the land of Sravasti, the elder Sudatta engaged people to take refuge in he Buddha for a undred thousand ounces of old. There was a servant then who heard the elder' words and took refuge in the Buddha. After er life had ended, she was reborn among the thirty-three gods. Thereupon, she went to a gathering in the assembly hall of he Good Law. Lord Sakra asked her in the stanza:

What merit did you have before that you are reborn among the gods? The beauty of our brightness is exquisite. Please tell me!

The goddess answered in the stanzas:

1. The Most Firm One in the three worlds can pull one out of the suffering of birth and death. True rescue in the three worlds removes the fetters of he three defilers. 2. I once took refuge in the Buddha, in the Doctrine, and in the Sangha. For that reason I have obtained this recompense.

Having spoken these stanzas, she came to the Buddha. The Buddha expounded the Doctrine to her, and she obtained the path of a srotapanna.

The bhiksus asked, "Through which karmic causality did she experience that recompense?" The Buddha said, "Formerly, among people, she took refuge in the Buddha. That is why she is now reborn in heaven. When she heard me expound the Doctrine, she obtained the path of a srotapanna."

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Parable 68: A Poor Woman Begs for Food from the Buddha and Is Reborn in Heaven

Once there was a woman in Sravasti who was poor and in distress. She used to beg for a living at the roadside. Gradually, as time went by nobody in the whole population looked at her anymore. The Buddha happened to see her on his way She went to him and asked the Buddha for food. The Buddha felt compassion because the poor woman was about to die, exhausted by hunger. So he ordered Ananda to give her food. When the poor woman had obtained the food, she was happy. Later her life 475b came to an end, and she was reborn in heaven. Moved by the Buddha' former kindness, she came to worship the Buddha. The Buddha expounded the Doctrine to her, and she became a srotapcmna.

The bhiksus asked the Buddha, "For what reason is this goddess now reborn in heaven?" The Buddha said, "Formerly, when among people, this goddess was about to die, exhausted by hunger. I, the Buddha, had Ananda give her food. When she had obtained the food, she was happy. When her life had ended, she was reborn in this heavenly mansion because of that wholesome root. When she heard the Doctrine from me again, she obtained the path."

Parable 69: An Elder's Servant Brings Food to Her Master, Meets the Buddha and Gives It to

Him, and Is Recompensed with Rebirth

in Heaven

There was an elder son in the land of ravasti who was enjoying himself in a park together with the sons of elders. When he was about to go there, he said to his family, "Bring me food!" His family then sent a servant to bring him food. When the servant had left the gate, she happened to meet the Buddha. So she offered the food 138

Parable 69

475c to the Tathagata and returned to the house. She took some more food and brought it again. However, on her way she met Sariputra and Maudgalyayana. So she gave it to them. The third time she gave the food to the elder' son.

After the elder' son had eaten it, he returned home himself. He said to his wife, "Why as the food you sent me today so terribly late?" His wife replied to him, "Three times I sent you food today. Why was it so late?" So they called the servant and they asked her, "You went three times today. Who did you bring the food to?" The servant then answered, "When I brought food the first time, I met the Buddha and gave it to him. When I brought food a second time, I met Sariputra and Maudgalyayana and I gave it to them. Only when I took food a third time did I give it to you, master." When her master had heard this, he became extremely angry. He beat her with a stick. She then died and was reborn in heaven.

Just when she was reborn in heaven she made all three considerations. First she thought, "Where am I reborn now?" She knew she was reborn in heaven. Second she thought, From where was I reborn in heaven after my death?" She knew she was reborn in heaven from a human destination. Third she thought, As a result of which karmic causality was I reborn in heaven?" She knew she had obtained this recompense because she had given food. Then she came to the Buddha to worship him and pay her respects. The Buddha expounded the Doctrine to her, and she became a srotapanna.

The bhiksus asked the Buddha, "For what reason was this goddess reborn in heaven now?" The Buddha said, Formerly, among people, she was the servant of an elder. When she was bringing food to the elder' son, she met me, the Buddha, the Tathagata. So she gave it to me, the Buddha. Her master was angry, and he beat her to death with a stick. Because of this karmic causality, she was reborn in heaven after her life had ended. She heard the Doctrine from me again, and she realized the path."

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Parable 70: An Elder Constructs a Lecture Hall for the Buddha and Is Recompensed with

Rebirth in Heaven

At that time in Rajagrha King Bimbisara built a stupa and a monastery for the Buddha. There was an elder who also wanted to make a fine dwelling for the Buddha. He could not find a place. So he constructed a lecture hall where the Tathagata made his promenade, and he opened up the four doors. Afterwards, when his life had ended, he was reborn in heaven and ascended to a heavenly mansion. He came to worship the Buddha. The Buddha expounded the Doctrine to him, and he became a srotapanna. The bhiksus asked, "For what reason was this heavenly son reborn in a heavenly mansion?" The Buddha said, "Formerly, among people, he constructed a lecture hall for me. Because of this wholesome cause, he was reborn in heaven after his death. He came to me, and, moved by my kindness, he worshipped me. When he heard an explanation of he Doctrine again, he became a srotapanna.

Parable 71: An Elder Sees That the King Constructs a Pagoda; He Constructs a Pagoda Too and

Is Recompensed with Rebirth in Heaven

At that time, on Mt. Grdhrakuta there was an elder from southern India. He saw that King Bimbisara constructed a splendid stupa and a monastery for the Buddha. He too invited the Tathagata and constructed a stupa and a monastery for him to dwell in. Afterwards, when his life had ended, the elder was reborn in heaven. He came to the Buddha. In his gratitude he worshipped him. The Buddha expounded the Doctrine to him, and he became a srotapanna.

The bhiksus asked, "As a result of what previous karma was this heavenly son reborn in a heavenly mansion?" The Buddha said, "Formerly, among people, he saw that the king erected a 140

Parable 72

pagoda and grew happy. He invited me, the Tathagata, and built a stupa. As a result of this wholesome action, he was reborn in heaven. He heard the Doctrine from me again, he was devoutly awakened, and realized srotapatti.

476a

Parable 72: A Merchant Constructs a House, Offers It to the Buddha, and Is Reborn in Heaven

At that time in the land of ravastI there was a merchant. He went off to trade, but he died and did not return. His mother raised his son. When the son had grown up, he too wanted to go on a far journey. His grandmother said to him, "Your father went away on a far journey, but he died and did not return. Do not go on a far journey! Open a shop in town, in the neighborhood!" He then respected her command and put up a shop in town. He thought, "The people of his city all invite the Buddha. Now I have recently constructed a house. I too shall invite the Tathagata." So he went to invite the Buddha. When the Buddha arrived, he said to the Buddha, "I offer you this house, O Tathagata. From now on, when you come to the city, you may always come to my house to wash your hands and to wash your bowl." Afterwards, [the merchant'] life ended, and he was reborn in heaven. He came to the Buddha. The Buddha expounded the Doctrine to him, and he became a srotapanna.

The bhiksus asked, "Because of which previous karmic causality as this god reborn in heaven?" he Buddha said, "Formerly, when he was a man, he had just built a shop. He invited me, the Buddha, there. As a result of this wholesome action he is now reborn in heaven. He heard the Doctrine from me again and obtained his recompense."

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