大唐西域記 7.3.4

7.3.4

By the side of this garden is a stûpa; this is the place where Tathâgata announced his death. When Buddha formerly dwelt in this place, he told Ânanda as follows : — " Those who obtain the four spiritual faculties are able to extend their lives to a kalpa. What is the term of years of Tathâgata then ? " Thrice he asked this question, and Ânanda answered not, through the fascination of Mâra. Then Ânanda rising from his seat, gave himself up to silent thought in a wood. At this time Mâra coming to Buddha, asked him, saying, " Tathâgata has for a long time dwelt in the world teaching and converting. Those whom he has saved from the circling streams (of transmiyration are as numerous as the dust or the sands. This surely is the time to partake of the joy of Nirvana." Tathagata taking some grains of dust on his nail, asked Mara, saying, "Are the grains of dust on my nail equal to the dust of the whole earth or not?" He answered, "The dust of the earth is much greater." Buddha said, "Those who are saved are as the grains of earth on my nail; those not saved like the grains of the whole earth; but after three months I shall die." Mara hearing it, was rejoiced and departed.