經律異相 4.9

4.9

Together with several tens of millions of followers, he entered the city of Rājagṛha. Those who saw him from afar raised their hands in praise, some saying “Welcome!” or “Sun and Moon!”, some taking refuge, and others inquiring among themselves: “Is this a deva? Or is this Śakra?” The crowd followed him. King Bimbisāra was in an upper storey of his palace and asked his attendants, “What is the reason for this?” A minister said, “A son of the Śākyas has renounced his family and wanders outside; he might be plotting against the state. We should go and execute him.” The king said, “If this son were to succeed to the throne as a wheel-turning sage king, we would all be his ministers. If he has left home to practice the Way and become a Buddha, I wish to be his foremost disciple, so that when he first expounds the Dharma, I will be the first at his side.” The king loaded food and drink and went to the eastern mountain to wait upon him. He immediately came forward, bowed at his feet, and introduced himself: “I am Bimbisāra, the king of Magadha, who now stands before you.” The Buddha said, “I recognized you beforehand; what need is there for such homage?” The king then said, “I now present a meager offering to express my sincere mind; may you deign to accept it.” The Buddha silently accepted it. The king said, “When you attain the unsurpassed Way, I pray that you will deliver me first.” At that time, the disciples of Ārāḍa saw the Bhagavat from afar and said to their teacher, “Now there is a man, extraordinarily upright and distinctive, who has passed on toward our master's gate; he will certainly seek to become a disciple.” Ārāḍa then spoke a verse: