法句譬喻經 16.p1.3

16.p1.3

On the day after this the King Prasenajit invited Buddha and the whole congregation of priests to assemble at his palace (and partake of hospitality). Buddha therefore recognising the superior and reverend appearance of Patisena, desired him to bear his alms-dish and follow him as he went. But when they came to the palace-gate, the porter, knowing his character (antecedents), would not let him go into the hall; for “We have no hospitality,” said he, “for a priest who knows but one Gāthā; there is no room for such common fellows as you—make place for your betters and begone.” Patisena accordingly sat down outside the door. Buddha having now ascended the dais, after having washed his hands, lo! the arm of Patisena, with the alms-dish in its hand, entered the room. Then the King, the ministers, and all the assembly, seeing this sight, were filled with astonishment, and said—"Ah! what arm is this?” On which Buddha replied, “It is the arm of Patisena, the mendicant. He has but just obtained enlightenment, and I desired him to bear my alms-dish behind me; but the porter has refused him admission, and so his arm has appeared with my begging-dish in the hand.” On this he was admitted and entered the assembly. Then Prasenajit, turning to Buddha, said—"I hear that this Patisena is a man of small ability, and knows only one Gāthā, how, then, has he obtained the supreme wisdom?” To whom Buddha replied—"Learning need not be much, conduct is the first thing.