弘贊法華傳 1.6

1.6

According to the records of the Western Regions: South of the Gaṅgā River in the country of Magadha in Central India, there is an ancient city more than seventy li in circumference. It has been deserted for many years, yet its foundations still remain. In ancient times, when the human lifespan was immeasurable, it was called Kusumapura, which in Tang speech means the City of the Fragrant Flower Palace. When the human lifespan dwindled to several thousand years, its name was changed to Pāṭaliputra, which is also Balianfu. More than four hundred li southwest from this city, crossing the Nairañjanā River, one reaches the city of Gayā. More than twenty li southwest of the city, one reaches the bodhi tree, the vajrāsana, and other sites. East of the bodhi tree, crossing a great river and entering a vast forest and wilderness, walking over a hundred li, one reaches Kukkuṭapāda Mountain. Over a hundred li northeast of Kukkuṭapāda Mountain, one arrives at a great mountain; entering the mountain and walking eastward for more than sixty li, one reaches Kuśāgrapura. This city is situated right in the center of the country of Magadha. It was the former capital of earlier rulers and produced much fragrant kuśa grass; hence, it was named after it. Lofty mountains surround it on four sides, serving as outer walls. A narrow path connects to it in the west, and a mountain gate opens in the north, being over one hundred and fifty li in circumference. Its trees flourish in spring, all turning golden. Originally, King Bimbisāra made this his capital. The registered commoners in the city frequently suffered from conflagrations; the multitude lamented and grieved, finding no peace in their dwellings. The king therefore decreed throughout the country: 'Whoever is negligent shall be banished to the Cold Forest.' The Cold Forest was the place where corpses were abandoned, regarded by custom as an inauspicious land. Soon after, a fire broke out spontaneously in the royal palace itself. The king said to his ministers: 'Let the decree of banishment be fulfilled!' Thereupon he ordered the crown prince to oversee the realm, and he personally went four or five li northwest of Kuśāgrapura to lodge. At that time, the King of Vaiśālī heard that King Bimbisāra was living out in the wilds of the Cold Forest, so he mustered his troops intending to launch an unexpected attack. The border sentinels reported this. Thus, a city was built there, and because the king had first lodged there, it was called Rājagṛha ('City of the King's Abode'). The officials and commoners all moved their families there. Some say that it was established by King Ajātaśatru. By the time of King Aśoka, the capital was moved to Pāṭaliputra, and Rājagṛha was bestowed upon the Brahmins. Nowadays in this city, there are no longer common folk, but only fewer than a thousand Brahmin households.