分別功德論 3.2

3.2

"The Buddha told the monks" refers to the Buddha's great compassion: wishing to make his disciples fully understand the meaning of mindfulness of the Buddha, just as a father gives binding admonitions to his children and grandchildren wishing them to reach perfection without cessation, so that they will single-mindedly and diligently be mindful of the Buddha, observing the Tathāgata's physical form without their eyes ever leaving it—just as Ānanda observed the Buddha insatiably, his mind mindful without cease. At that time, a carbuncle grew on Ānanda's back, and the Buddha ordered Jīvaka to treat Ānanda's affliction. Jīvaka addressed the Buddha: "I dare not touch Ānanda's back with my hands." The Buddha told Jīvaka: "Just treat it and have no doubt. I myself will preach the Dharma to Ānanda to make him feel no pain." The Tathāgata had Ānanda gaze intently at the Buddha's marks and signs, and the Buddha explained to him: "The Tathāgata's body is of the vajra nature, indestructible, accomplished by three thousand two hundred merits." Ānanda's eyes gazed untiringly, his ears listened unsated, and his mind's contemplation did not scatter. At that time, Jīvaka incised the carbuncle on Ānanda's back and applied ointment. The Buddha asked Ānanda: "Do you feel pain on your back?" He replied: "I do not feel it." That he did not feel pain was due to mindfulness of the Buddha.