法苑珠林 33.8

33.8

At that time, there was in the assembly a bhikṣu named Tingcong (Keen-Hearing). Hearing the Dharma, he was filled with joy, and at once addressed the Buddha, saying: "I recall within myself that in a former life I was born in the kingdom of Vārāṇasī as the son of an elder. Beside a great road, I erected a vihāra, providing couches, bedding, drinks, and grain to supply the Saṃgha, so that weary and exhausted wayfarers might also take their rest. Through this merit, upon the end of that life I was born in the heavens as Śakra, Lord of the Devas, and descended to be born into the world as a cakravartin, each for thirty-six turns, presiding over devas and humans. For ninety-one kalpas, hair grew beneath my feet, and I travelled by stepping upon the void, naturally enjoying blessings. Now I have encountered the World-Honoured One looking down upon sentient beings, cleansing me of my foolish defilements and establishing me in pure wisdom. The sprouts of birth and death have withered away, and I am called a true person (arhat). The retribution of merit is fulfilled and true; indeed, it is so!" There was another bhikṣu named Bakkula, who at once addressed the Buddha, saying: "I recall that formerly I was born in the kingdom of Kuśinagara as the son of an elder. At that time there was no Buddha in the world. The Saṃgha was converting [beings] and preaching the Dharma at a great gathering. I went to hear the Dharma, and hearing it, I was filled with joy. Taking a medicinal fruit called harītakī, I offered it up to the Saṃgha. Through the retribution of this fruit, upon the end of that life I was born in heaven; descending to be born in the world, I was constantly in noble and revered stations, towering far above the multitude, and for ninety-one kalpas I was never afflicted with sickness. Through the remaining blessing, I have encountered the Buddha and attained arhatship."