經律異相 18.6

18.6

The Buddha was in the country of Campā, beside the Thunder Sound Pool. The Venerable Śroṇa Koṭīviṃśa was in a quiet place, practicing the fundamental Dharma on his own and not abandoning the ascetic practices (dhūta). Day and night he walked in meditation, and the tracks of his feet where he walked were as if flowing with blood. Constantly exhorting himself, his mind tainted by outflows was nevertheless not liberated. At that time, Śroṇa Koṭīviṃśa had this thought: 'In austere practice and energetic striving, I am foremost; yet my mind with outflows is not liberated now. Moreover, my family estate possesses abundant wealth and plentiful treasures. It would be fitting to cast off the robes, become a layperson again, and use the wealth to make extensive donations.' The Buddha knew this in his mind and went to that place. The Buddha said to Śroṇa Koṭīviṃśa: 'Formerly, when you were at home, you were skilled at playing the lute. When the lute strings were extremely tight, were the sounds not discordant and fit to listen to?' 'No, Bhagavat.' The Buddha said: 'When the lute strings were extremely loose, were they fit to listen to?' 'No, Bhagavat.' The Buddha said: 'When they were neither tight nor loose, was the sound fit to listen to?' 'Indeed, Bhagavat.' The Buddha said: 'Extreme energetic striving is like frivolous play; but if one is lax, this falls into wrong views. If one can remain in the middle, this is the superior practice. In this way, before long, you will attain freedom from outflows.' Having heard these words, Śroṇa Koṭīviṃśa returned to the side of the Thunder Sound Pool, contemplated the Buddha's teaching, and became an arhat. (From the Ekottarika Āgama, fascicle 8)