經律異相 15.23

15.23

The Buddha told Mañjuśrī: “Since I attained Buddhahood, more than thirty years have passed. Now, among this assembly, who can uphold the twelve divisions of scripture for me and attend to the necessary matters of personal service without losing their own wholesome benefits?” The five hundred arhats all said: “I can.” The Buddha said: “You do not fully understand.” Maudgalyāyana observed the Tathāgata and saw that his mind was set on Ānanda. Maudgalyāyana repeatedly urged Ānanda. Ānanda said: “Defiled and weak, I am incapable of serving him. If the Buddha grants me three wishes, I will obey the Sangha's command: first, if the Tathāgata bestows his used robes, permit me not to accept them; second, if he accepts private invitations from donors, permit me not to accompany him; third, permit me to enter and leave without restriction of time.” Mañjuśrī said: “Excellent! You foresee criticism and suspicion.” [The Buddha said:] “Ānanda has served me for over twenty years and possesses eight inconceivable qualities: first, he does not accept food from private invitations; second, he does not accept old robes; third, he does not come at improper times; fourth, though he still possesses afflictions, when following me in and out of the households of kings and the noble and wealthy, seeing women, no lustful thoughts arise; fifth, when the twelve divisions of scripture are taught, once they pass his ear he never asks again, like pouring water from one vessel into another; sixth, his knowledge of others' minds is like the Buddha entering samādhi; seventh, though he has not yet attained the knowledge of vows, he clearly knows those who attain the four fruits in the present and those who will attain them later; eighth, he completely understands secret words. For this reason, I always praise his great erudition. Ānanda possesses eight qualities that make him capable of upholding the twelve divisions of scripture: first, firm faculty of faith; second, a valiant and forward-striving mind; third, a body free from illness and pain; fourth, constant, diligent exertion; fifth, complete mindfulness; sixth, a mind free from arrogance; seventh, accomplishment in concentrated thought; eighth, possession of wisdom arising from hearing.” (Drawn from the *Bodhisattva Descending from Tuṣita Heaven Sūtra*. The *Sūtra of the Wise and the Foolish* says: Ānanda was in the past an elder, and Śākya was a novice whose master assigned him the recitation of scriptures; because he had to beg for food, his progress was interrupted. The elder pitied him and provided him with clothing and food, and on this account, he came to attend upon him.)