經律異相 13.31

13.31

When the Buddha was in the Jeta Grove, Aniruddha was traveling to the kingdom of Kosala. On the road, there was no dwelling place for bhikṣus. A young courtesan provided lodging for guests. Aniruddha went and said to her: “Elder sister, I wish to lodge for one night.” The woman replied: “Yes.” At that time, some elders and householders also came there to lodge. Since the lodging was cramped, the woman invited Aniruddha into her inner chamber. At that time, the Venerable sat cross-legged at his seat and established mindfulness before him. After lighting the lamp, the impure woman came to Aniruddha’s place at the end of the first watch of the night and said: “Recently, many men of elder and brāhmaṇa lineages with abundant wealth and jewels have all come and said to me: ‘You can be my wife.’ I told them: ‘You are ugly; I cannot be your wife.’ I see that the Venerable is handsome in form and countenance, suitable to be my husband.” At that time, Aniruddha remained silent and did not answer. When the woman returned in the later watch of the night, it was likewise so. He remained silent as before. Then this courtesan stripped off her clothes and came to embrace him. At that time, by the power of supernormal bases, Aniruddha leapt into the air. Seeing this, the courtesan felt shame. She quickly put on her clothes, clasped her hands with palms joined, and looking up, repented, repeating this up to three times: “May the Venerable return and sit in his original place.” At that time, Aniruddha descended to his original seat. This woman bowed at his feet, withdrew, and sat to one side. Aniruddha expounded various wondrous teachings for her, rebuking desire as impure and praising freedom from desire. Right upon her seat, the woman’s defilements were exhausted, and she attained the purity of the Dharma-eye. Having seen the Dharma and attained the Dharma, the woman said: “Please grant permission for me to become an upāsikā.” She then received the five precepts and became a disciple of the Buddha. “I humbly pray that the Venerable accept my offering.” He silently accepted it. After she served various sweet delicacies and the meal was finished, he expounded the Dharma, making her mind rejoice. (From the Dharmaguptaka Vinaya, first division, fascicle 8.)