釋迦譜 1.511

1.511

The śramaṇa Assaji answered: 'The master I serve has practiced the ultimate Dharma of the six perfections for countless kalpas. With the four immeasurables and the four obligations, he practices inexhaustible compassion; upholding boundless benevolence, he desires to deliver all beings. His accumulated merits and virtues cannot be weighed or recorded. As an ekajātipratibaddha in Tuṣita Heaven, he descended his spiritual consciousness to appear in the world, taking residence in the country of Kapilavastu. Dwelling in the queen's womb like the sun reflected on water, he took seven steps at birth, and heaven and earth greatly shook. With the thirty-two auspicious signs, he proclaimed his holy utterance: "The three realms are all suffering, and I shall deliver them." Śakra, Brahmā, and the Four Heavenly Kings all came to accept and follow [him]; nine dragons bathed his body, his virtue boundless. I have only briefly touched upon the essentials; this is not something my firefly-like candle can fully praise, nor can mind or mouth conceive or utter. This is my great master, the Honoured One of gods and humans.' Thereupon he chanted: