中天竺舍衛國祇洹寺圖經 1.26

1.26

Next, one compound to the east is named the Compound of Knowing the Time. Its gate opens to the west; the karmadānas of the various compounds observe the signs and watch the time in this compound. Inside it there once was a clepsydra. In the compound there is also a golden Mount Sumeru. The marvelous things of the sea waters and mountains cannot be recounted in full. Above is a golden city, with white silver and seven jewels making high multi-storied pavilions over three zhang tall. It was made by the third son of Mahābrahmā. At the four corners are four pavilions, and the four sides combine for twelve gates; above the four central gates are also pavilions. Inside the four pavilions are each jeweled persons who emerge when the time comes to strike a drum on the parapet. Above on the open platforms of this city, there are already twelve persons, each holding a white fly-whisk and calling out. When the noon hour arrives, the southern gate opens, and a horse emerges from within. When the hour passes, it withdraws, and the gate closes again. The emergence and disappearance of beasts according to the twelve hours follow the same rule. During the night, there are separate groups of men patrolling the watches, each distinct and clear. When the Buddha was on the verge of nirvāṇa, the mountain shook and emitted sound; the time-keeping functions completely ceased to work, the jeweled persons wept, and some had their hands broken. Twelve years after the extinction, Mahābrahmā took it back to heaven. When Maitreya descends to be born, it will return to its original place.