釋迦譜 4.27

4.27

At that time, the Mallas of the country of Pāvā heard that the Buddha had passed into extinction between the twin trees. They all thought to themselves, “Now we ought to go and request a share of the relics, and erect a stūpa to make offerings.” Then the Mallas of the country of Pāvā immediately issued orders throughout their realm and arrayed the fourfold army: elephant troops, cavalry, chariot troops, and infantry. Reaching the city of Kuśīnagara, they sent an envoy, who said, “Hearing that the Buddha, the All-blessed One, has come here and passed into extinction, and since he was also our Teacher, out of hearts full of reverent devotion we have come to request a share of his bones, so that we may erect a stūpa and make offerings in our own country.” The king of Kuśīnagara replied, “So it is, so it is; it is truly as you say. Yet the World-Honoured One condescended to come to this land and passed into extinction here. The people and ministers within our realm ought to make offerings themselves. It is a long toil for you to come to divide the relics, and I fear a share cannot be granted.” At that time, the Bulis of Allakappa, the Kolis of Rāmagāma, the brāhmaṇas of Vethadīpa, the Śākyas of Kapilavastu, the Licchavis of Vaiśālī, and Ajātaśatru, the king of Magadha, all heard that the Tathāgata had passed into extinction between the twin trees in the city of Kuśīnagara, and each thought to themselves, “Now I ought to go and request a share of the relics.” Then King Ajātaśatru and the other kings immediately issued orders throughout their realms, arrayed the fourfold armies, and advanced, crossing the Gaṅgā River. [Ajātaśatru] then instructed the brāhmaṇa Droṇa: “Bearing my name, enter the city of Kuśīnagara and ask the Mallas: ‘Are your daily movements light and easy, and your steps vigorous? I have always respected all of you worthy ones; between our neighbouring states there has been harmony in righteousness, never disputes or litigation. I have heard that the Tathāgata has passed into extinction within your country. He who alone is the Unsurpassed Honoured One is truly our deity. Therefore we have come from afar to request a share of his bones, wishing to return to our homeland to erect a stūpa and make offerings. If you grant them to me, I will share the great treasures of my entire realm with you.’” Then the brāhmaṇa Droṇa, having received the king’s instruction, went straight to that city and spoke to the Mallas. The Mallas replied to Droṇa: “It is truly as you say. But because the World-Honoured One condescended to come to this land and passed into extinction here, the people and ministers within our realm ought naturally to make offerings themselves. It is a long toil for you to come to divide the relics; a share cannot be granted.” Then the kings assembled their ministers and together reached an agreement, composing a verse to proclaim: