分別功德論 5.5

5.5

As for why Deva-Subhūti is declared foremost in wearing fine robes: Among the five hundred disciples there were two Subhūtis: one of royal lineage, and one of gṛhapati lineage. Deva-Subhūti came from the royal lineage. Why is he called "Deva"? For five hundred lifetimes he constantly ascended to be born in the Heaven of Responsive Manifestations, and descended to be born into royal families, naturally enjoying blessings and never lacking anything. When the Buddha returned to his native kingdom, King Śuddhodana exhorted five hundred young men of the Śākya clan to go forth to learn the Way and attend upon the World-Honoured One; this monk went forth among their number. At that time, the Buddha enjoined the monks: "All who practice the Way must restrain their bodies and maintain discipline, wearing coarse clothing, eating poor food, sleeping on straw mats, and using excrement and urine as medicine." Hearing the Buddha's strict teaching, this monk thought to himself: "I was born noble and wealthy, with food and clothing coming naturally. In my palaces and chambers with carved and engraved patterns, there were gold and silver couches and vessels of the seven jewels. On my body I wore clothing woven with golden threads, and on my feet I wore fine slippers of gold leaf. Even so, it still did not fully satisfy my desires; how much less could I wear a five-patch robe? I should rather return home to suit my original inclinations." Having so thought, he wished to return. At that time, the Buddha was staying in the vihāra at Śrāvastī, having accepted an invitation from King Prasenajit. The monk went to the Buddha's place to take leave and return. Ānanda said to him, "Sir, please stay just for one night." Subhūti said, "How could one stay in a śramaṇa's chambers, beds, and seats? I shall go to a layperson’s house to lodge for one night, and tomorrow I will return home." Ānanda said, "Just stay. I will now prepare the requisites." He immediately went to the king's palace, and all kinds of seat-cushions, banners, canopies, flowers, and incense, as well as oil for four lamps, were lavishly and fully provided. This monk then lodged therein for the night. Because his original inclinations were suited, his mind attained concentration; contemplating the four truths, by the later part of the night he attained arhatship and flew up into the air. Ānanda thought: "Lest this monk abandon the room and leave, I fear someone may take away the things borrowed from the king." He went to inspect it, but did not see him in the room; looking up into the sky, he saw him flying above. Ānanda said to the Buddha: "Deva-Subhūti has already attained arhatship, and is now flying in the air." The Buddha told Ānanda: "There are two kinds of robes: those that may be associated with, and those that may not be associated with. Which may be associated with? When wearing fine robes increases the mind toward the Way, these may be associated with. When wearing fine robes diminishes the mind toward the Way, these may not be associated with. Therefore, Ānanda! Some attain the Way through fine robes, and some attain the Way through ruined and wretched five-patch robes; awakening lies in the mind and is not restricted by external clothing." For this reason, Deva-Subhūti is foremost in wearing fine robes.