經律異相 18.14

18.14

In the country of Śrāvastī, an elder had a baby boy. At that time, the heavens rained the seven jewels, filling his house. A physiognomist observed him and said to the elder: 'The boy's physical marks are extraordinary; at his birth there was an auspicious sign.' They named him Ratnadeva (in Liang language: Baotian). When the boy grew older, he was well-versed in arts and skills. Hearing of the Buddha's holiness, he harbored yearning in his heart. Taking leave of his parents, he went to the Buddha's place and addressed the Buddha, saying: 'I pray that you allow me to go forth.' The Buddha said: 'Welcome!' His hair and beard fell off spontaneously, and the Dharma robes were upon his body. When the Buddha expounded the Dharma for him, he immediately attained the state of an arhat. When the Buddha Vipaśyin appeared in the world, householders jointly invited the assembly of monks and made various offerings. At that time, there was a poor man who, though harboring a joyful heart, had no materials for offerings. Taking a handful of white stones to represent pearls, he scattered them over the assembly of monks and made a great vow. That poor man was this monk Ratnadeva. For ninety-one kalpas, he received immeasurable blessings; he had abundant wealth and treasures, and clothing and food came to him spontaneously. Now meeting my world, he has attained the realization of the fruit of the path. (From the Sūtra of the Wise and the Foolish, fascicle 2)