經律異相 17.30

17.30

There was a man who left home in the true Dharma. He was capable of providing service. At the monasteries he arrived at, the monks had him provide service. Later, he grew increasingly exhausted and reflected to himself: “Who can preach the Dharma and instruct me?” Hearing that in the country of Mathurā there was Upagupta, who was prophesied by the Buddha to be the foremost among later disciples, he went, paid homage, joined his palms, and said: “Venerable One, perform the great work of the Buddha and preach the Dharma for me.” Upagupta said: “If you can follow my instructions, I shall preach the Dharma for you.” He replied: “I can.” Upagupta asked: “How many monks are there in the Naṭabhaṭa Monastery? You must again provide service to the Saṅgha.” He replied: “There are eighteen thousand arhats, twice as many trainees, and countless energetic ordinary persons.” At that time, that monk provided service to the entire Saṅgha, enabling all the monks to focus exclusively on cultivating the path. Then the attendant monk arose early, donned his robes, took his bowl, and entered the city of Mathurā. An elder came out in the morning and met him. The elder thought: “I have never seen him before, yet now I see him.” He bowed his head to his feet and asked: “Venerable One, from how far or near have you come, and on what business?” He replied: “I have come from an eastern country to the place of Upagupta desiring to hear the Dharma, but Upagupta has ordered me to serve the Saṅgha. Now I do not know among the people of Mathurā who is energetic and who is not energetic.” The elder said: “You need not think about this matter now. I shall take your place in serving the Saṅgha with all food, drink, clothing, and medicines; I shall provide them all.” The monk and the elder together took the food, drink, and other necessities to make offerings to the Saṅgha. During the three months of the rains retreat, the monk, on account of this offering and his practice, attained the fruits of the path.