分別功德論 2.17

2.17

Regarding “Jeta Grove, the park of Anāthapiṇḍada”: Prince Jeta was the legitimate heir of King Prasenajit. He had a park estate of eighty qing. Its land was level and its trees were luxuriant, with many birds and beasts gathering there daily. Jeta kept the Buddha in mind and always wished to present it to the Buddha as a monastery. Before this was accomplished, the elder Sudatta also came to request to purchase it. From their youth Jeta had been close friends with the elder and often enjoyed teasing him; so he jokingly gave his consent. Having obtained a decision, Sudatta was overjoyed. Looking back, he said to his attendant: “Quickly yoke the elephants and load the gold to spread upon the ground.” They immediately brought out the gold on [the elephants’] backs, spread it out as it was brought together, and in a short while forty qing were covered. Jeta said: “Stop, stop! I gave consent only in jest; there is no need to spread any more.” Sudatta thereupon went with the prince to the king's presence and reported this matter. The king said: “The law allows no double-talk. Once consent and decision are fixed, there is no principle permitting regret.” Jeta said: “I shall take the share of the trees, and you may take the land.” The two agreed and jointly founded a monastery, which had seventy-two lecture halls and one thousand two hundred and fifty chambers. The grounds within were level and even, its fruit trees were lush and abundant, its flowing springs and bathing ponds were appropriately warm or cool, its vistas in all four directions were clear and bright, and it remained unchanged in winter and summer. When the adornments were completely finished, they jointly invited the World-Honoured One. The World-Honoured One then roamed and dwelt therein together with one thousand two hundred and fifty monks, while the donors provided offerings of the four requisites without lack. As for Anāthapiṇḍada, because he was a minister of that kingdom, he respectfully deferred [to the prince] so that [Jeta] was put first. For this reason the various sūtras always mention Jeta at the head. Because their merits were linked, their names likewise could not be separated, and they are always combined as the designation.