經律異相 47.42

47.42

The Buddha was wandering alone, seeking quietude. He arrived in the kingdom of Kośala and stayed beneath a precious tree in the Pārileyyaka sāla forest. At that time, in a herd of five hundred elephants, the elephant king always walked at the rear and constantly received turbid water and trampled grass. Wearying of his herd, he came alone beneath the tree. Seeing the Buddha from afar, he pulled up grass with his trunk and stamped the ground to make it level; he held water in his trunk and sprinkled the dust; and he spread grass to make a seat. Bending his knees, he invited the Buddha to sit. For three months he made offerings. The Buddha knew the elephant's intention, accepted his invitation, and spoke a verse, saying: