中天竺舍衛國祇洹寺圖經 1.49

1.49

The south gate of the central courtyard directly faces the main portal; it also has seven stories, horizontally arranging seven gates, set close together, lofty and spacious, symbolizing the seven factors of awakening. The intended meaning is that this central courtyard is for the Buddha alone to dwell in and is not shared with the saṅgha; having the factor of discernment of dharmas, the Buddha awakened to them, and always explained them so his disciples would clearly understand and awaken, hence it is called the Buddha's Gate of the Seven Signs. Not far after entering the gate, there is a large square pond. Lotus flowers in the pond fill it throughout the four seasons, their four colors extraordinary, their fragrance sweet and lush, fiercely intense before blooming. South of the pond are nine large golden caldrons. Beneath them are placed footprints, and around their exteriors are strange beasts, crowded and fierce, massed and valiant, in variegated forms. Inside, outside, and within the cauldrons, various rare flowers and leaves are strewn about with layered fragrances, their colors and radiances shining on one another. Staring closely at them dazzles the eyes, so that one dares not linger long. Due north of the square pond is a great Buddha stūpa, seven stories in height, magnificent and extraordinarily rare in appearance. It is constructed entirely of rare stones, resembling second-grade jade, with tiered and unusual forms that cannot be named. Above, it has distinct discs and countless golden bells; constantly stirred by gentle breezes, their clear sound is harmonious and penetrating. Beneath the stūpa are the nail and hair relics of Kāśyapa Buddha; at that time the physical marks were described in detail, but because of confusion and forgetfulness, they are not fully discussed. Flanking the stūpa on the left and right stand two bell towers. The one on the left was built by Nirbhaya, the third son of the devarāja of Paranirmitavaśavartin; the bell and the tower are both made of crystal. The one on the right was built by the devarāja of Tuṣita; the bell and the tower are both made of gold and silver. Each of the two bells holds fifty hu and does not ring constantly. Only whenever the Buddhas of the ten directions assemble do they begin to ring, their sound heard throughout a hundred bays of a thousand million worlds.