In the ancient city of Parotis was a king named Brahmashu. He governed based on righteous principles and was loved by his people. They lived in peace and prosperity and his kingdom flourished.
Because of his deep faith in the righteous path, King Brahmashu was virtuous and benevolent. He constantly practiced giving by offering alms to the impoverished. Through these virtuous deeds, he cultivated a heart of great compassion while avoiding greed and attachment.
One day, the king’s wife discovered she was pregnant and developed a strong desire to listen to the Buddhadharma. She promptly requested the king to find a teacher. Surprised and delighted, the king asked a sage, “What is the significance of this omen?”
After some observation, the sage joyfully congratulated the king: “The queen is bearing a sacred child. The mother and child are closely connected and they will find joy in listening to Buddhist teachings.” King Brahmashu was overcome with delight. He immediately gathered his ministers and prepared carriages filled with chests of gold. They traveled all over the country in search of wise teachers to impart the Dharma to the queen. However, after several months of searching, they were unable to find a suitable teacher.
Soon, the queen’s pregnancy came to term and the young prince was born. Possessing all the auspicious marks, he was dignified and fine in appearance. The king wondered, “The prince’s countenance brings joy to all who see him. And even before his birth, he showed a desire for the Dharma. What should I name him?” Thus, the king sought the counsel of his relatives and ministers. After thorough discussions, they proposed, “Since the prince has already shown a desire for profound teachings, why not name him ‘Seeker of Dharma’ to highlight his virtue?” The king praised their suggestion and agreed. He also invited eight wet nurses to nurture and care for the young prince.
As the prince grew up, his qualities and appearance remained pure and radiant, like a lotus emerging from water. His earnest desire to hear the Dharma, however, was still unfulfilled. After the passing of King Brahmashu, the prince ascended the throne. Even more determined to hear the teaching, he issued decrees to his ministers, sending them far and wide to search for virtuous teachers. They carried with them gold and precious treasures, traversed mountains and endured countless hardships, yet they could not find a qualified teacher. As a result, King Seeker of Dharma had a constant sense of worry and anxiety in his heart.
At that moment, Śakra, Lord of the Devas, noticed the king's distress. Moved by compassion, Śakra thought to himself, “Although the king has been searching everywhere for the Dharma, I do not know if his intentions are genuine or not. It would be wise for me to personally test his sincerity.” Śakra instantly transformed himself into a fierce yaksa with fangs and claws and appeared before the king.
The king was terrified by the yaksa’s imposing appearance. However, the yaksa surprised him by casually reciting a verse: “Constantly cultivate virtuous dharmas, refrain from all unwholesome deeds. In this life and the next, asleep or awake, you will live in constant joy.” With this verse, the king finally heard the profound teaching he longed for.
The yaksa said to the king, “If you can fulfill my request, I will repeat it for you.”
The king eagerly replied, “The verse you just recited is full of wisdom; I must hear it again. I am willing to fulfill any request you may have. Please ask...”
The yaksa pondered for a moment and replied, “Great King, in order to prove your sincerity, I request that you dig a fire pit and continuously burn charcoal in it for seven days and seven nights. Then if you are willing to cast yourself into the fire, I will repeat the verse for you!”
Filled with immense joy upon hearing that the yaksa was willing to repeat the verse, the king unhesitatingly agreed and said, “After seven days, please be sure to come and teach the Dharma.” Then, the king announced throughout the entire kingdom: “In order to hear the profound Dharma, I will sacrifice myself in seven days. All those who desire to hear the rare and sublime teaching are welcome to come and listen.”
Seven days later, the Dharma assembly was filled with tens of thousands of people, young and old alike. Due to the king’s reverence and sincere devotion, boundless celestial realms manifested in the empty space above, resounding with the music of drums and strings, accompanied by songs of praise and offerings of incense and flowers.
At that moment, the great yaksa appeared in the sky and declared, “O’ King, the appointed time has come. The fire pit has been burning for seven days and nights. Its flames are fierce and intense. Are you prepared to sacrifice yourself in pursuit of the Dharma?”
In front of the crowd, King Seeker of Dharma summoned his crown prince and passed on the throne. He bid farewell to his countrymen and calmly walked towards the edge of the fire pit. With great determination, he made a solemn vow: “In this blazing pit, with flames as red as the sun, I joyfully offer myself, with no regrets or fears, for the sake of Dharma. Though in the midst of fire, I am determined to seek the precious teaching. May this merit and virtue transform this fierce pit into a lotus pond.”
As soon as he spoke these words, King Seeker of Dharma leaped into the fire pit and disappeared into the blaze. Instantly, the roaring flames blossomed into countless lotus flowers. The fiery pit was transformed into a cool and fragrant lotus pond. Amid the radiant blooms, King Seeker of Dharma emerged, serene and unharmed. The multitude witnessing this miracle couldn't contain their joy and wept tears of happiness.
When Lord Śakra saw this scene, his heart was filled with Dharma joy. Immediately, he revealed his celestial form and repeated the verse for King Seeker of Dharma: “Constantly cultivate virtuous dharmas, refrain from all unwholesome deeds. In this life and the next, asleep or awake, you will live in constant joy.” The king commanded his ministers and officials to transcribe it onto golden leaves and spread them to the cities, towns, and villages throughout the world. The king taught his people to embrace this verse and diligently practice the Dharma, abandon evil, practice virtue, and cultivate for the benefit of all beings.
The Buddha told his disciples, “King Seeker of Dharma was none other than myself in a past life. He dedicated himself to search for the true Dharma. Now, we have all encountered the sublime teachings. Therefore, my fellow monks, you should have deep respect and strive to emulate his dedication by diligently practicing them. Throughout countless eons, I have revered and honored the true Dharma, wholeheartedly practiced and upheld it. It is through this sincere devotion and diligence that one completes the unsurpassed path of benefiting oneself and others.”
Upon hearing the Buddha's teaching, the monks felt deep joy and followed them faithfully.
REFLECTION
Sincerity and reverence are crucial for those looking to embark on the path of awakening. As the virtuous ancients said, “To attain the true benefits of Buddhadharma, one must have a mind of respect. One measure of respect removes one measure of karmic obstacles, and increases one of merits and wisdom. Ten measures of respect remove ten measures of karmic obstacles and increase ten measures of merits and wisdom.”