釋迦譜 1.80

1.80

大善權經云。菩薩行地七步亦不八步。是為正士應七覺意覺不覺也。舉手而言。吾於世間設不現斯。各當自尊。外道梵志必墜惡趣。為善權方便。天帝釋梵雨雜名香。九龍在上而下香水洗浴菩薩。

The Da shanquan jing says: 'That the Bodhisattva walked seven steps on the ground and not eight steps is because the upright being responds to the seven factors of awakening, awakening those who are unawakened. Raising his hand, he said: 'If I did not manifest this in the world, each would deem themselves supreme, and the non-Buddhists and brāhmaṇas would surely fall into the evil destinies.' This was done as a skillful expedient. Śakra, Lord of the Devas, and Brahmā rained down varied famous incenses; nine nāgas were above and sent down fragrant water to bathe the Bodhisattva.'