大唐西域記 4.58

4.58

城西二十餘里有大伽藍，經製輪奐，工窮剞劂，聖形尊像，務極莊嚴。僧徒數百人，學正量部法。數萬淨人，宅居其側。伽藍大垣內有三寶階，南北列，東面下，是如來自三十三天降還也。昔如來起自勝林，上昇天宮，居善法堂，為母說法，過三月已，將欲下降。天帝釋乃縱神力，建立寶階，中階黃金，左水精，右白銀。如來起善法堂，從諸天眾，履中階而下；大梵王執白拂，履銀階而右侍；天帝釋持寶蓋，蹈水精階而左侍；天眾凌虛，散華讚德。數百年前，猶有階級，逮至今時，陷沒已盡。諸國君王悲慨不遇，疊以塼石，飾以珍寶，於其故基，擬昔寶階，其高七十餘尺，上起精舍。中有石佛像，而左右之階有釋、梵之像，形擬厥初，猶為下勢。傍有石柱，高七十餘尺，無憂王所建。色紺光潤，質堅密理，上作師子，蹲踞向階，雕鏤奇形，周其方面，隨人罪福，影現柱中。

Within the great enclosure of the sanghârâma there are three precious ladders, which are arranged side by side from north to south, with their faces for descent to the east. This is where Tathâgata came down on his return from the Trâyastriṃśas heaven. In old days Tathâgata, going up from the "wood of the conqueror" (Shing-lin, Jêtavana), ascended to the heavenly mansions, and dwelt in the Saddharma Hall, preaching the law for the sake of his mother. Three months having elapsed, being desirous to descend to earth, Sakra, king of the Devas, exercising his spiritual power, erected these precious ladders. The middle one was of yellow gold, the left-hand one of pure crystal, the right-hand one of white silver.

Tathagata rising from the Saddharma hall, accompanied by a multitude of Devas, descended by the middle ladder. Maha-Brahma-raja (Fan), holding a white chamara, came down by the white ladder on the right, whilst Sakra (Shi), king of Devas (Devendra), holding a precious canopy (parasol), descended by the ladder on the left. Meanwhile the company of Devas in the air scattered flowers and chanted their praises in his honour. Some centuries ago the ladders still existed in their original position, but now they have sunk into the earth and have disappeared. The neighbouring princes, grieved at not having seen them, built up of bricks and chased stones ornamented with jewels, on the ancient foundations (three ladders) resembling the old ones. They are about 70 feet high. Above them they have built a vihara, in which is a stone image of Buddha, and on either side of this is a ladder with the figures of Brahma and Sakra, just as they appeared when beginning to accompany Buddha in his descent. On the outside of the vihara, but close thereto, is a stone column about 70 feet high which was erected by Asoka-raja. It is of a purple colour, and shining and bright as if with moisture. The substance is hard and finely grained. Above it is a lion sitting on his haunches. facing the ladder. There are carved figures inlaid, of wonderful execution, on the four sides of the pillar and around it. As men are good or bad these figures appear on the pillar (or disappear).

This country is about 2000 li in circuit, and the capital 20 li or so. The climate and produce resemble those of Pi-lo-shan-na. The manners of the people are soft and agreeable. The men are much given to learning. There are four sanghârâmas with about 1000 priests, who study the Ching-liang (Sammatîya) school of the Little Vehicle. There are ten Deva temples, where sectaries of all persuasions dwell. They all honour and sacrifice to Mahêśvara (Ta-tseu-t'sai-tien). To the east of the city 20 li or so is a great sanghârâma of beautiful construction, throughout which the artist has exhibited his greatest skill. The sacred image of the holy form (of Buddha) is most wonderfully magnificent. There are about 100 priests here, who study the doctrines of the Sammatîya (Ching-liang) school. Several myriads of "pure men" (religious laymen) live by the side of this convent.