經律異相 15.8

15.8

The Buddha was in Vaiśālī. At that time Āmrapālī splendidly adorned a carriage of feathers and jewels to go to the Tathāgata's dwelling, to pay her personal respects, inquire after his health, and descended from the carriage to approach the Buddha. At that time, Nanda was walking back and forth not far from the Buddha. Āmrapālī went up to Nanda's dwelling, grasped Nanda's feet with her hands, and spoke these words: "Nanda, I am Āmrapālī." At that moment, Nanda discharged semen, which soiled her hand. Āmrapālī then placed it atop her head and went to the Bhagavat's presence, saying, "Bhagavat, can such a person be permitted in the assembly?" The Buddha told Āmrapālī, "Such a person should remain in the assembly. Why is this? Nanda will before long accomplish the state of taintlessness." Āmrapālī remained silent, made no reply, and departed. When Āmrapālī had gone a short distance, the Buddha told Ānanda, "Assemble all the monks in the lecture hall." Once they were gathered, the Buddha told the monks, "I have observed among the monks that all must have undergarments to cover their inner form. All monks should train themselves in this way." The Buddha asked Nanda, "How is it, Nanda, that you ended up in such a state?" Nanda felt internal shame and said, "Very good, Bhagavat! I pray only that you swiftly preach the Dharma for me, so that having heard the Dharma, I may dwell in a tranquil place and observe reality as it is to delight myself." The Buddha told Nanda, "Contemplate this body, wherever it goes, from head to foot: hair, body hair, nails, teeth—various impurities fill the body. Observe them as they really are: are they pure or are they impure? You should observe those taints: what is their location, and from where do they come?" Thereupon Nanda received the instruction from the Buddha, bowed to his feet, and departed. He contemplated within this body, from head to foot, various impurities; wherever they were, he understood that they all arose from assemblage. [He thought:] "Now I should be detached, and then there will be no sensual desires." He then spoke a verse: