經律異相 19.6

19.6

In the past, near the Jetavana, there was a poor family who wished to make offerings to the Bhagavat and the disciples, but lived in poverty and destitution, having nothing to arrange. She then went and swept the Buddha's monastery, doing so wholeheartedly and untiringly. Near the house of this poor virtuous one, there was an elder walking about who saw in a great marsh several tens of rooms of seven-jewel mansions. Seeing them from afar, he went and asked someone: 'Who built these halls and dwellings that are so wonderful?' The person replied: 'There is a poor, virtuous one who sweeps the Buddha's monastery; in retribution for her merit, she is destined to be born here, and these halls and dwellings have been built to await her.' The elder rejoiced and said: 'I shall acquire them.' He then went to the poor one's house and spoke to her: 'If you have a fine object, give it to me, and I will give you five hundred taels of gold.' She said: 'I have always been poor and destitute; whence could I obtain a fine object?' The elder said: 'Just promise me.' She said: 'Very well.' He then gave her five hundred taels of gold. Having obtained the gold, the virtuous one widely arranged gifts of charity. The Buddha preached the Dharma for her, and she instantly attained the stage of entering the stream (from Key Matters in Various Sūtras).