首楞嚴義疏注經 1.68

1.68

Translated here as "Big Knee." He was Śāriputra's maternal uncle, who was always victorious in debate over his elder sister. When the sister conceived "Body-Son," she could not be defeated in debate. He knew she was pregnant with a wise person whose eloquence was lent to his mother's mouth, let alone once he was born from the womb. Thereupon he went to South India to study the eighteen scriptures. People ridiculed him, saying: "Through repeated lifetimes it is difficult to master; in a single life there is no hope." Hearing this, he made a vow to study without ceasing, having no spare time to cut his nails, and was titled the Long-Nail Brahman (Dīrghanakha). When his studies were completed and he returned home, he learned that his nephew was a disciple of the Buddha. Arrogance arose, and he went to the Buddha's place to win him back. The Buddha bade him establish a thesis, whereupon his arguments collapsed. Bearing shame, he bowed his head, attained the purification of the Dharma-eye, became an arhat, and acquired the four analytical knowledges; whenever challenged, he was able to reply. The heavenly king of the south constantly attended upon him.