傳法正宗記 2.8

2.8

The Venerable Ānanda was a native of Rājagṛha, belonging to the kṣatriya caste. He was the son of Prince Droṇodana and a cousin of the Tathāgata Śākyamuni. He was originally named Ānanda, which here means 'Celebration of Joy,' or 'Delight.' Because the Venerable One was born on the night the Tathāgata attained the Way, the royal household had a great celebration and was joyful, and therefore named him so. He possessed extraordinary marks, and his intelligence and discernment were beyond those of ordinary people. In his youth, hearing that the Tathāgata had appeared in the world, he felt moved by the illusory nature of worldly life; since the Tathāgata had originally left the Śākya clan to leave the household life and attain the Great Holy Way, he went to ask to become his disciple. The Tathāgata consented and preached the Dharma for him, whereupon he attained the fruit of srotāpanna. When the Tathāgata wished to have someone attend upon him, the Venerable One was uniquely recommended by the great assembly because his wisdom was skillful and he knew what was fitting for the time, thoroughly matching the Sage's mind. Moreover, in his past lives he had great merit with the Buddha; thus he could remember all the teachings he heard, like water poured from one vessel to another without any loss. Therefore the Tathāgata once praised him as foremost in retention. When the Tathāgata was approaching parinirvāṇa, the Venerable One happened to be outside the sāla grove, confounded by Māra. The Tathāgata immediately ordered Mañjuśrī to take a dhāraṇī to release him. The Venerable One thereupon returned together with Mañjuśrī and paid homage to the Tathāgata. After the Tathāgata passed away, Mahākāśyapa gathered the arhats at Pippala Cave to compile the Dharma-piṭaka. Solely because the Venerable One possessed great wisdom, had heard much, had constantly attended upon the Tathāgata, and had heard the Dharma most comprehensively, he addressed the assembly to request him to compile the Sūtra and Abhidharmapiṭakas. Accepting the instruction, the Venerable One recited a verse: