大唐西域記 5.2.4

5.2.4

After this Buddhasimha was the first to die. After three years, during which there was no message from him, Vasubandhu Bôdhisattva also died. Then six months having elapsed, and there being no message either from him, all the unbelievers began to mock and ridicule, [saying] Vasubandhu and Buddhasimha had fallen into an evil [way] of birth, and so there was no spiritual manifestation. After this, Asaṅga Bôdhisattva, during the first division of a certain night, was explaining to his [disciples] the law of entailing (or conferring on others) the power of samādhi, when suddenly the flame of the lamp was eclipsed, and there was a great light in space; [a Ṛishi descend]ing through the sky, and forthwith ascending the stairs of the hall, saluted Asaṅga. Asaṅga, addressing him, said, "[What has been the delay in] your coming? What is your present name?" In reply he said, "[At the] time of my death [I ascended to the Tuṣita] heaven, to the inner [assembly, in the immediate presence] of Maitreya, and was [born] in a lotus flower. On addressed me, saying, 'Welcome! thou vastly learned one! welcome! thou vastly learned one!' I then paid him my respects by moving round his person, and then directly came here to communicate my mode of life." Asanga said, "And where is Buddhasimha?" He answered, "As I was going round Maitreya I saw Buddhasimha among the outside crowd, immersed in pleasure and merriment. He exchanged no look with me;