經律異相 13.8

13.8

The devas bowed to Kāśyapa's feet, spoke verses, and praised him: 'Does the Venerable One know? The ship of Dharma is about to break; the fortress of Dharma is about to crumble; the ocean of Dharma is about to dry up; the banner of Dharma is about to fall; the lamp of Dharma is about to be extinguished. Those who speak the Dharma are about to depart; those who practice the path are gradually dwindling; evil people are growing increasingly powerful. You should establish the Buddha's Dharma with great compassion.' Kāśyapa's mind was like the great ocean, clear and unmoved. After a long while, he answered: 'The world will not last long, blind and dark without wisdom.' Kāśyapa reflected: 'How can I now cause the Buddha's Dharma, which was difficult to attain through three asaṃkhyeya kalpas, to abide for a long time? Only by compiling the Tripiṭaka can it abide for a long time, so that people of future generations can receive and practice it. Through lifetime after lifetime of toil and suffering, the Buddha, with compassion for sentient beings, mastered this Dharma and clearly expounded it for people. We too should uphold it to guide and transform others.' He ascended to the summit of Mount Sumeru, struck the bell and the ghaṇṭā, and spoke this verse: