At that time, the Buddha was in the kingdom of Shravasti, and due to a specific cause, He spoke to the bhikṣus, saying, “”You should know that there are three Kshatriya kings who, at three different stages, in different places, received the Abhisheka of kingship. And these three kings, throughout their lives, always kept the matter of receiving the Abhisheka of kingship in their hearts. What are these three situations?
“The first king, in his youthful strength, according to the rules of Abhisheka, received the Abhisheka of kingship in a certain place. After receiving the Abhisheka, until the end of his life, he always kept the matter of receiving the Abhisheka of kingship in his heart.
“The second king, whose power and influence gradually grew, according to the rules of Abhisheka, received the Abhisheka of kingship in a certain place. After receiving the Abhisheka, until the end of his life, he always kept the matter of receiving the Abhisheka of kingship in his heart.
“The third king, possessing great power, courageous in battle, surpassing all opponents and making them submit, was able to firmly establish himself on the throne due to his excellence. According to the rules of Abhisheka, he received the Abhisheka of kingship in a certain place. After receiving the Abhisheka, until the end of his life, he always kept the matter of receiving the Abhisheka of kingship in his heart.”
“Just as these kings, bhikṣus, you should understand that in three different stages, in different places, you engage in the practices of cultivation and realization, and you will keep the matter of your practice in your heart until the end of your lives. What are these three stages?
“Some bhikṣus, establishing the right faith, leave behind household life and go forth into the monastic life, shaving their heads and donning the robe. This is the first stage. In a certain place, the bhikṣu undertakes the duties of a practitioner, and until the end of his life, he always keeps the matter of his practice in his heart.
“Other bhikṣus, practicing various virtuous actions, aim for Nirvana by cutting off all causes of suffering. After understanding this, they leave behind the pollution and troubles of the world and gain the purity of the Dharma eye in all things. This is the second stage. In a certain place, the bhikṣu undertakes the duties of a practitioner, and until the end of his life, he always keeps the matter of his practice in his heart.
“Other bhikṣus, having eliminated all afflictions, no longer influenced by impure things, attain true liberation of mind, and wisdom also gains true liberation. Through their own wisdom, they verify that they have achieved realization. Their life’s mission is complete, and their holy practice is established. What needs to be done is already done, and they no longer endure the future cycle of birth and death. This is the third stage. In a certain place, having attained the holy fruits, the bhikṣu, until the end of his life, always keeps the matter of his practice in his heart.”
Dharma Torch 