經律異相 22.16

22.16

The Buddha was wandering in Śrāvastī, at the Jetavana, Anāthapiṇḍada's park. At that time, a certain monk had a disciple whose disposition was gentle and elegant, and whose thoughts and conduct were benevolent and worthy. He constantly attended on his preceptor with sincere care and diligence, respectfully following the Dharma teachings and not disobeying his master's commands. His lifespan was short and he died young, being born into a palace in Trāyastriṃśa. Looking upon heaven, he saw only a great fire. His original aspirations were not fulfilled as he wished; he could not stay together with his good friends: "Now having abandoned my good master, I follow along with bad companions. Here, I have parted far from the most venerable preceptor, the ācāryas, and the various assemblies of those who practice the brahma-conduct—the fourfold assembly of disciples. There is an Omniscient One named the Tathāgata, from whom I am now completely separated. Through countless kalpas He is difficult to meet and difficult to see; having arisen in the world, He expounds the subtle and profound scriptures, having never uttered [frivolous words], and peacefully instructs and converts, explaining the various dependent originations so that each understands that from which there is a cause. What has not been seen or heard for countless kalpas, He completely resolves. Having encountered this Dharma and Vinaya, I left home for the Way; yet what I was to accomplish has not reached fulfillment, and now on the contrary I am negligent." He first went to the World-Honoured One and bowed his head at His feet. The Buddha saw that his mind was upright and truly delighted in the Way, purely focused upon the Dharma, and expounded suffering, origination, cessation, and the path, whereupon he immediately saw the Truth. The preceptor, grieving in remembrance, wept tears like rain. The Buddha summoned and asked him, "Why are you sorrowful?" He replied, "My disciple has passed away." The Buddha said, "Why do you sorrow?" He replied, "My novice disciple was exceedingly worthy and good; before reaching fulfillment, he died prematurely in his youth. Therefore I am despondent and cannot console myself." The Buddha said, "Do not grieve; he has already reached fulfillment, attained birth in heaven, and this midnight discerned the Noble Truths." The monk wept no more. (Taken from the Dizi guoming jing.)