俱舍論頌疏論本 1.13

1.13

Thereupon the king and the assembly of sages went from there to Kaśmīra. Having arrived in that country, because they were short by one person and had not filled the number of five hundred, they wished to summon Vasumitra. However, although Vasumitra's intellect was luminous and sharp, he had not yet become one beyond training (aśaikṣa), so the assembly wished not to accept him. Vasumitra looked upon the assembly of sages and said: “I look upon an arhat as upon spittle; having long set it aside, I did not take it. Why do you venerate this while rejecting me? If I wish to realize it, I will attain it in an instant.” Thereupon, facing the monastic assembly, he made a vow: “I shall cast this ball of thread into the air; if the thread falls back to the ground, may I immediately realize the fruit of arhatship.” Before the thread fell from the sky, the devas caught and held it, saying to Vasumitra: “Great Being, you are currently destined for the fruit of Buddhahood, next in succession to Maitreya, the singularly revered of the three realms, the reliance of the four modes of birth. Why would you abandon this great matter for such a minor fruit?” Thereupon the assembly of sages, hearing these words from the sky, prostrated to Vasumitra and elevated him to the position of elder (sthavira).