大唐西域記 8.39

8.39

精舍故地，無憂王先建小精舍，後有婆羅門更廣建焉。初，有婆羅門，不信佛法，事大自在天，傳聞天神在雪山中，遂與其弟往求願焉。天曰：「凡諸願求，有福方果。非汝所祈，非我能遂。」婆羅門曰：「修何福可以遂心？」天曰：「欲植善種，求勝福田，菩提樹者，證佛果處也。宜時速反，往菩提樹，建大精舍，穿大水池，興諸供養，所願當遂。」婆羅門受天命，發大信心，相率而返，兄建精舍，弟鑿水池，於是廣修供養，勤求心願，後皆果遂，為王大臣，凡得祿賞，皆入檀捨。

in one place figures of stringed pearls (garlands), in another figures of heavenly Rishis. The whole is surrounded by a gilded copper Amalaka fruit. The eastern face adjoins a storeyed pavilion, the projecting eaves of which rise one over the other to the height of three distinct chambers; its projecting eaves, its pillars, beams, doors, and windows are decorated with gold and silver ornamental work, with pearls and gems let in to fill up interstices. Its sombre chambers and mysterious halls have doors in each of the three storeys. To the right and left of the outside gate are niches like chambers; in the left is a figure of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, and in the right a figure of Maitreya (T'se-shi) Bodhisattva. They are made of white silver, and are about 10 feet high. On the site of the present vihâra Asôka-râja at first built a small vihâra. Afterwards there was a Brâhman who reconstructed it on a larger scale. At first this Brahman was not a believer in the law of Buddha, and sacrificed to Maheśvara. Having heard that this heavenly spirit (god) dwelt in the Snowy Mountains, he forthwith went there with his younger brother to seek by prayer (his wishes). The Deva said, "Those who pray should aim to acquire some extensive religious merit. If you who pray have not this ground (of merit), then neither can I grant what you pray for." The Brahman said, "What meritorious work can I set about, to enable me to obtain my desire?"

The god said, "If you wish to plant a superior root (growth) of merit, then seek a superior field (in which to acquire it). The Bôdhi tree is the place for attaining the fruit of a Buddha. You should straightway return there, and by the Bôdhi tree erect a large vihâra, and excavate a large tank, and devote all kinds of religious offerings (to the service). You will then surely obtain your wishes." The Brahmans having received the divine communication, conceived a believing heart, and they both returned to the place. The elder brother built the vihâra, the younger excavated the tank, and then they prepared large religious offerings, and sought with diligence their heart's desire (vow). The result followed at once. The Brahman became the great minister of the king. He devoted all his emoluments to the work of charity. Having finished the vihâra, he invited the most skilful artists to make a figure (likeness) of Tathâgata when he first reached the condition of Buddha. Years and months passed without result; no one answered the appeal. At length there was a Brahman who came and addressed the congregation thus: "I will thoroughly execute (paint and mark) the excellent figure (or distinguishing points) of Tathâgata." They replied, "For the purpose of doing this, what do you require?" "Place in the vihâra a pile of scented earth and a lighted lamp; then when I have gone in, fasten the doors. After six months you may open them again."