Petavatthu(Ghost stories)43

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43. THE STORY OF THE DUNG·EATERS (4.8)
While the Teacher was staying at Jetavana monastery he told this story.

They say that in a certain town not far from Savatthi a certain householder had a monastery built for the sake of a monk who was his personal friend. Then monks from various parts came there and dwelt there. Upon sight of these, men served to them necessaries of life. Now the monk who was the confidant of his patron could not stand this and was filled with envy (as the verses tell): Then Maha-Mosgallana. saw him and inquired:

1. "Who are you, poor fellow, standing there from cesspool (    ) come ? I ask you now, what wicked deed did you really perform that you make noise of ?"

Peta:

2. "I, reverend sir, am a  peta, a miserable denizen of Yama's world. Since I worked a wicker! act, I have gone from this world-to that of tile petas."

Elder:

3. "Now what evil deed was performed by body, speech or mind? In consequence of what act do you undergo this misery? "

Peta :

4. "I had a resident monk who was jealous and envious of the household. In my house he was attached to desires, he was miserly and abusive.

5. "I listened to his word and blamed the other monks. Because of that deed, I have gone from here to the region of the petas."

Elder:

6. "Your bosom friend was an enemy in the guise of a friend. I ask you now, foolish man, what destiny fell to your lot upon the breaking up of your body and your going to the rebirth beyond?"

Peta :

7. " I am standing on the top, yes, on the head of this same offender: he has reached the peta realm and attends upon me alone.

8. "What others void(excrete), becomes my food, and he in turn lives on what I expel."

The venerable Mahamoggallana narrated this incident to the Lord Buddha who interpreted its meaning and he pointed out the danger of fault-finding.