妙法蓮華經文句 2.29

2.29

“Pūrṇa” translates as “Fulfiller of Wishes”; Maitrāyaṇī translates as “Kindness” (maitrī); -nī means “female.” His father prayed to Brahmā for a son at the full river; just at that time the river was full, and he also dreamed of a vessel made of the seven treasures, overflowing with precious things, entering the mother's bosom. The mother conceived the child, and the father's wish was fulfilled. Since it followed all his wishes coming true, he was called “Fulfiller of Wishes” (Pūrṇa). His mother was named Maitrāyaṇī, which translates here as “Kind Practice,” and also means “good friend.” There is such a chapter in the four Vedas, and because his mother recited it, she took it as her name. -Nī means female; females are generally called -nī, and males are generally called -na. Being born of kindness, he is called “Son of Kindness.” The *Ekottarika-āgama* says: “My father was named Full (Pūrṇa), my mother was named Kind (Maitrāyaṇī); all fellow practitioners of brahma-conduct call me Pūrṇamaitrāyaṇīputra.” Deriving his name from both conditions of father and mother, he is thus called Pūrṇamaitrāyaṇīputra. This person had excellent knowledge; of internal and external scriptures, there was nothing he did not know; with regard to fullness of knowledge he was also called “Full” (Pūrṇa). The *Ekottarika-āgama* says: “Good at expounding and distinguishing principles in broad detail, Pūrṇamaitrāyaṇīputra is foremost.” Later the text says: “Foremost among expounders of the Dharma.” “Foremost” denotes the fullness of his exposition. Wishing to return to his home country to benefit others, the Buddha said: “That country is vile and wicked; what will you do?” He replied: “I shall practice patience. If they revile and insult me, I shall consider myself fortunate not to be struck with fists. If struck with fists, I shall consider myself fortunate not to be beaten with sticks. If beaten with sticks, I shall consider myself fortunate not to be wounded with swords. If wounded with swords, I shall consider myself fortunate to be freed from the poisonous vessel of the five aggregates.” This was fullness in the practice of patience; hence he was called “Full.” In the *Seven Chariots Simile Sūtra* it is said: “Praised by Śāriputra of Great Wisdom: ‘All practitioners of brahma-conduct should wrap their robes and carry you upon their heads; whoever sees you will obtain great benefit.’” This was fullness in praise; hence he was called “Full.”