法苑珠林 10.11

10.11

如佛本行經云。爾時太子漸向長成。至年十九時。淨飯王為於太子。造三時殿。一者暖殿以擬隆冬。第二涼殿以擬夏暑。第三中殿用擬春秋。於後園廣造池臺栽蒔華菓。眾人作樂隨時侍衛。不可具陳。淨飯王復憶太子初生之時。相師私陀記為輪王。復記威王復記成道。作何方便令不出家得紹王位。釋族報王。今當速為太子別造宮室令諸婇女娛樂。是則太子不捨出家。而說偈言。

As the *Sūtra of the Buddha's Former Deeds* says: At that time, the Crown Prince gradually grew up, and when he reached the age of nineteen, King Śuddhodana built three seasonal palaces for him. The first was a warm palace intended for deep winter; the second was a cool palace intended for summer heat; and the third was a moderate palace intended for spring and autumn. In the rear garden he extensively constructed ponds and terraces, and planted flowers and fruits. People played music and attended upon him according to the seasons, beyond complete description. King Śuddhodana recalled again that when the Prince was first born, the physiognomist Asita predicted that he would be a cakravartin, also predicted that he would be a majestic king, and also predicted that he would achieve the Way. [Thinking,] 'What expedient means can be used to prevent him from leaving home and ensure that he inherits the royal throne?', the Śākya clan reported to the king: 'We should now quickly build separate palace chambers for the Prince and have palace maidens entertain him; in this way, the Prince will not renounce [the household] and leave home.' And they spoke a verse: