..續本文上一頁ive until I have delivered my fawn. Then we will fill two turns rather than just one. This will save a turn, and thereby a single life for one long day."

　　Branch Deer replied, "No, no, I cannot change the rules in midstream and put your turn upon another. The pregnancy is yours, the babe is your responsibility. Now leave me."

　　Having failed with Branch Deer, the poor mother doe went to King Banyan Deer and explained her plight. He replied gently, "Go in peace. I will change the rules in midstream and put your turn upon another."

　　And the deer king went to the executioner”s block, and laid down his own golden neck upon it.

　　A silence fell in the deer park. And some who tell this story even say that silence also fell in other worlds not seen from here.

　　Soon the royal cook came to kill the willing victim on the block. But when he saw it was one of the two golden deer the king had ordered spared, he was afraid to kill him. So he went and told the King of Benares.

　　The king was surprised, so he went to the park. He said to the golden deer, still lying on the block, "Oh king of deer, did I not promise to spare your life

　　 What is the reason you come here like the others

　　"

　　King Banyan Deer replied, "Oh king of men, this time a pregnant doe was unlucky enough to be the one to die. She pleaded for me to spare her, for the sake of others as well as her unborn baby and herself. I could not help but feel myself in her place, and feel her suffering. I could not help but weep, to think the little one would never see the dawn, would never taste the dew. And yet, I could not force the pain of death on another, relieved to think it was not his turn today. So, mighty king, I offer my life for the sake of the doe and her unborn fawn. Be assured there is no other reason."

　　The King of Benares was overwhelmed. Powerful as he was, a tear rolled down his cheek. Then he said, "Oh great lord, the golden king of deer, even among human beings, I have not seen any such as you! Such great compassion, to share in the suffering of others! Such great generosity, to give your life for others! Such great kindness and tender love for all your fellow deer! Arise."

　　"I decree that you will never be killed by me or anyone else in my kingdom. And, so too, the doe and her babe."

　　Without yet raising his head, the golden one said, "Are only we to be saved

　　 What of the other deer in the park, our friends and kin

　　" The king said, "My lord, I cannot refuse you, I grant safety and freedom to all the deer in the park." "And what of the deer outside the park, will they be killed

　　" asked Banyan. "No my lord, I spare all the deer in my whole kingdom."

　　Still the golden deer did not raise up his head. He pleaded, "So the deer will be safe, but what will the other four-footed animals do

　　" "My lord, from now on they too are safe in my land." "And what of the birds

　　 They too want to live." "Yes, my lord, the birds too will be safe from death at the hands of men." "And what of the fish, who live in the water

　　" "Even the fish will be free to live, my lord." So saying, the King of Benares granted immunity from hunting and killing to all the animals in his land.

　　Having pleaded for the lives of all creatures, the Great Being arose.

《King Banyan Deer [Chapter 1· Compassion]》全文閱讀結束。