經律異相 16.36

16.36

The Buddha was dwelling in the mango village in the mango grove together with the assembly of monks. At that time the householder Citta addressed the senior monks, saying, 'I only pray the Venerable Ones will accept my invitation to a meal in this grove.' The senior monks remained silent. The senior monks donned their robes, held their bowls, went to the householder's residence, and took their seats. The householder personally offered various kinds of food and drink. When they had finished washing and rinsing, they listened to the Dharma being taught. The senior monks preached the Dharma for the householder, instructing, benefiting, and gladdening him. The senior monks ate their fill of ghee, curd, and honey. In the late spring, the day grew extremely hot as they walked. There was a junior monk named Mahāka, who addressed the senior monks: 'Today is exceedingly hot; I wish to raise clouds and rain, and fan a gentle breeze.' The senior monks answered, 'If you can do so, it is good.' Mahāka then entered samādhi. According to his meditative absorption, at that moment clouds arose, fine rain gently fell, and a cool breeze blew softly from the four quarters to the gate of the monastery. He then stopped his supernatural power and returned to his own room. At that time the householder thought: 'Even the most junior monk can possess such great supernatural powers; how much more so the intermediate and senior ones!' Bowing to the monks, he followed Mahāka to his room. Bowing to his feet, he addressed him: 'Venerable One, I wish to see an exhibition of your supernatural powers.' Mahāka said, 'Householder, do not seek to see this.' Though requested three times, he would not grant it. The householder repeated his request once more. Mahāka said to the householder, 'Go outside for a moment, gather dry grass, and cover it with a cloth.' The householder gathered firewood into a pile as instructed, and came to inform the Venerable One. Mahāka then entered the fire-light samādhi, and from the latch hole of the door emitted flames of fire. The light burned the pile of firewood completely, yet only the white cloth did not burn. He said to the householder, 'Do you see it now?' He answered, 'I have seen it. It is truly extraordinary.' Mahāka told the householder, 'Know that all this takes heedfulness as its foundation. Through heedfulness one attains anuttarasamyaksaṃbodhi and the other factors of the path.' The householder said, 'Venerable Mahāka, I wish you would dwell permanently in this grove; I will provide the four requisites for the rest of my life.' Mahāka had reasons to travel and did not accept his invitation. Having heard the Dharma, the householder made obeisance and departed (From the Sūtra on the Householder Citta and the Monks).