經律異相 3.18

3.18

There was an eminent and wealthy elder named Kalandaka. Regretting that he had donated his grove to the Nirgranthas so that he could not present it to the Buddha and the Saṅgha, he could not rest peacefully on his mat. There was a great demon general named Pañcika who, receiving the Buddha's spiritual intent, immediately summoned yakṣas to drive out the Nirgranthas, [declaring:] "The shameless naked ones should not remain here!"

The demon troops obeyed the order, beating the Nirgranthas and dragging away their utensils. The Nirgranthas fled in terror, saying, "What wicked people are these, to act with such violence?"

The demon leaders replied, "The elder Kalandaka intends to take the Bamboo Grove to make a monastery for the Buddha. The great demon general Pañcika has sent us only to drive you away!"

The next day, the Nirgranthas together reproached the elder. The elder was delighted in his heart: "My wish is fulfilled!" He replied to the Nirgranthas, "These spirits and deities are fierce and full of wrath; I fear they will certainly do you harm. It would be better to leave and seek another place of safety." Filled with resentment, the Nirgranthas all departed that very day.

The elder constructed a monastery: the monks' chambers, seats, and various adornments were all completed. He went beneath the tree to invite the Buddha and the Saṅgha. The Multitude's Benefactor accepted the donation, stayed there, and delivered living beings, and there was no one who did not rejoice. (From the upper fascicle of the Zhong benqi jing)