分別功德論 2.12

2.12

'Twelve' means destroying the twelvefold conditioned origination. In the past when the Buddha was in the world, expounding the Dharma for the four assemblies, he would explain the four truths or explain the six perfections, unfolding each according to what the sentient beings before him should hear, without any fixed measure. Or there were kings, gṛhapatis, brahmacārins, and householders who either invited him for offerings or came to ask questions. Concerning all that could be spoken, Ānanda asked: 'How should it be designated? Should one say "heard", or should one say "seen"?' The Buddha told Ānanda: 'Later, in the future, when expounding the Dharma for the four assemblies, you should say "heard"; you must not say "seen". If you say "seen", that would be false. Why? What was heard is already past; what is seen is present. Just as regarding the seven Buddhas of the past one can only say "heard" and not "seen", so too will it be for you in the future.' Therefore it says, 'Thus have I heard'.