中天竺舍衛國祇洹寺圖經 1.25

1.25

East of the eastern gate, it naturally divides into nine compounds. First, to the southwest there is a compound, named the Compound of Mahābrahmā. It has eastern and western two gates; inside are twelve celestial conches. When the Brahmās gather, they first stop herein, removing their ordinary garments and adorning themselves. When they wish to call upon the Buddha, the conches sound of themselves, their sound heard throughout the three-thousand great-thousand world. When Brahmā wishes to ask about the six perfections and four truths, the conches emit sounds according to what is fitting. All who hear the sound gather at the Buddha's place. Moreover, inside the compound is a jade pond, and within the pond are golden lotus flowers, in which thirteen celestial boys also hold them up. The pistils of the conches are ever closed, opening when the Buddha arrives. After the Buddha's nirvāṇa, Mahābrahmā took them back to heaven.