釋迦譜 1.136

1.136

The Buddha addressed the bhikṣus: 'There are four great rivers whose waters emerge from Lake Anavatapta. What are the four? They are called the Gaṅgā, the Sindhu, the Vakṣu, and the Sītā. The waters of the Gaṅgā flow east, emerging from the mouth of an ox; the Sindhu flows south, emerging from the mouth of a lion; the Sītā flows west, emerging from the mouth of an elephant; and the Vakṣu flows north, emerging from the mouth of a horse. At that time, after the waters of the four great rivers encircle Lake Anavatapta, the Gaṅgā enters the eastern sea, the Sindhu enters the southern sea, the Vakṣu enters the western sea, and the Sītā enters the northern sea. When the four great rivers have entered the sea, they no longer retain their original names, but are collectively named the sea. So it is likewise here: there are four castes. What are the four? The kṣatriya, brāhmaṇa, elder, and householder castes. When they shave off their hair and beards at the place of the Tathāgata, don the three Dharma robes, leave home, and train in the Path, they no longer have their original clan names, but are simply called śramaṇas, sons of Śākya. Why is this? The assembly of the Tathāgata is like the great ocean; the Four Noble Truths are like the four great rivers. Having eradicated the fetters, they enter the fearless city of nirvāṇa. Therefore, bhikṣus, whenever members of the four castes shave off hair and beard with firm faith, leave home, and train in the Path, they should eliminate their original names and call themselves bhikṣus who have left home and trained in the Path among the Śākya clan. If one wishes to speak of the meaning of giving birth to a son, they should be named śramaṇa sons of the Śākya clan. Why is this? Their birth is generated by me, and their completion is achieved through the Dharma. Therefore, bhikṣus, you should seek the expedients to become sons of the Śākya clan. Thus, bhikṣus, should you train.'