大唐西域記 7.27

7.27

那羅延天祠東行三十餘里，有窣堵波，無憂王之所建也，太半陷地。前建石柱，高餘二丈，上作師子之像，刻記伏鬼之事。昔於此處有曠野鬼，恃大威力，噉人血肉，作害生靈，肆極妖祟。如來愍諸眾生不得其死，以神通力誘化諸鬼，導以歸依之敬，齊以不殺之戒。諸鬼承教，奉以周旋。於是舉石請佛安坐，願聞正法，克念護持。自時厥後，無信之徒競共推移鬼置石座，動以千數，莫之能轉。茂林清池，周基左右，人至其側，無不心懼。

Going east from this temple 30 li or so, there is a stupa built by As'oka-raja. The greater part (a great half) is buried in the earth. Before it is a stone pillar about 20 feet high, on the top of which is the figure of a lion. There is an inscription cut in it (i.e., the pillar) respecting the defeat of the evil spirits. Formerly in this place there was some desert demons, who, relying on their great strength and (spiritual) capabilities, fed on the flesh and blood of men. They made havoc of men and did the utmost mischief. Tathagata, in pity to living creatures, who were deprived of their natural term of days, by his spiritual power converted the demons, and led them, from reverence to him (kwai i), to accept the command against murder. The demons, receiving his instruction respectfully, saluted him (by the pradakshina). Moreover, they brought a stone, requesting Buddha to sit down, desiring to hear the excellent law (from his mouth), that they might learn how to conquer their thoughts and hold themselves in check. From that time the disciples of the unbelievers have all endeavoured to remove the stone which the demons placed for a seat ; but though 10,000 of them strove to do so, they would be unable to turn it. Leafy woods and clear lakes surround the foundation on the right and left, and men who approach the neighbourhood are unable to restrain a feeling of awe.