法苑珠林 25.16

25.16

The ninth treatise states: Why the monk Nanda is called foremost in handsome appearance: The other monks each possessed their respective marks—Śāriputra had seven marks, Maudgalyāyana had five marks, Ānanda had twenty marks, but Nanda alone had thirty marks. Nanda was golden-hued; Ānanda was silver-hued. His robes were radiant; wearing shoes sewn with gold thread and holding a lapis lazuli bowl, he entered the city to beg for food. Whoever saw him was overjoyed. Aside from the Tathāgata, none among the other disciples could equal him. Therefore, he was called foremost in handsome appearance. The mango maiden [Āmrapālī] invited the Buddha. Outside, she saw Nanda and felt deep affection for him; taking his feet in reverence, she stroked them with her hands. Although he beheld her beautiful appearance, his mind was utterly devoid of impassioned thoughts. Yet because their bodily forms and appearances stimulated one another, he discharged impurity. Not understanding this, the mango maiden suspected he possessed lustful intentions. The Buddha, knowing her thoughts, said to the mango maiden, 'Do not harbor doubts. After seven days, Nanda will attain arhatship.' From this it is said that, knowing his mind remained unchanged, he is called foremost.