大唐西域記 10.42

10.42

城西不遠有故伽藍，提婆菩薩與羅漢論議之處。初，提婆菩薩聞此伽藍有嗢呾羅（唐言上）阿羅漢，得六神通，具八解脫，遂來遠尋，觀其風範。既至伽藍，投羅漢宿。羅漢少欲知足，唯置一床。提婆既至，無以為席，乃聚落葉，指令就坐。羅漢入定，夜分方出。提婆於是陳疑請決，羅漢隨難為釋，提婆尋聲重質，第七轉已，杜口不酬，竊運神通力，往覩史多天請問慈氏。慈氏為釋，因而告曰：「彼提婆者，曠劫修行，賢劫之中，當紹佛位，非爾所知，宜深禮敬。」如彈指頃，還復本座，乃復抑揚妙義，剖析微言。提婆謂曰：「此慈氏菩薩聖智之釋也，豈仁者所能詳究哉？」羅漢曰：「然，如來旨。」於是避席禮謝，深加敬歎。從此南入林野中，行千五六百里，至達羅毘荼國（南印度境）。

The country of Chulya (Chōla) is about 2400 or 2500 li in circuit; the capital is about 10 li round. It is deserted and wild, a succession of marshes and jungle. The population is very small, and troops of brigands go through the country openly. The climate is hot; the manners of the people dissolute and cruel. The disposition of the men is naturally fierce; they are attached to heretical teaching. The saṅghārāmas are ruined and dirty as well as the priests. There are some tens of Deva temples, and many Nirgrantha heretics.
At a little distance south-east of the city is a stūpa built by Aśōka-rāja. Here Tathāgata in old time dwelt, and exhibited his spiritual power, and preached the sublime law, and defeated the heretics, delivering both men and Dēvas.
Not far to the west of the city there is an old saṅghārāma. This was the place where Ti-p'o (Dēva) Bōdhisattva discussed with an Arhat. In the first instance, Dēva Bōdhisattva heard that in this convent there was an Arhat called Uttara (Wu-ta-lo) who possessed the six supernatural powers (shadabhijñās), and the eight vimōkshas (means of deliverance); forthwith he came from a distance to observe his manner as a model. Having arrived at the convent, he asked the Arhat for a night's lodging. Now in the place where the Arhat lived (in his cell) there was only one bed. Having entered, in the absence of a mat, he spread some rushes on the ground, and showing it to him, begged him to be seated. Having taken the seat, the Arhat entered into samādhi, and came out of it after midnight. Then Dēva proposed to him his doubts, and prayed him to answer them. The Arhat took up each difficulty and explained it. Deva, closely examining each word, pressed his difficulties in the way of cross-examination, till after the seventh round of discussion the Arhat closed his mouth and declined (was unable) to reply. Then using secretly his divine faculties, he passed into the Tushita heaven, and there questioned Maitreya. Maitreya gave the required explanations, but because of their character he added, "This is the celebrated Deva who for a succession of kalpas has practised religion, and in the middle of the Bhadra-kalpa ought to attain the condition of Buddha. You do not know this. You should greatly honour him and pay him reverence."
In a moment he returned to his seat, and once more entered on a clear explanation (of the difficulties), which he expressed in great precision and language. Deva addressing him said, "This is the explanation of the holy wisdom of Maitreya Bodhisattva. It is not possible for you, reverend sir, to have discovered such profound answers." Then the Arhat said, "It is so, in truth; the will of Tathagata." On this, rising from his mat, he offered him worship and profound reverence and praise.
Going from this south, we enter a wild forest district, and passing 1500 or 1600 li, we come to the country of Ta-lo-pi-ch'a (Dravida).