法苑珠林 45.19

45.19

Ānanda, having seen this, addressed the Buddha, "What merit did this bhikṣuṇī Sumanā plant in the past, that now she encounters the Buddha, leaves the household life, and attains the Way?" The Buddha told Ānanda, "In this Bhadrakalpa, there was a Buddha who appeared in the world named Kāśyapa. After he entered nirvāṇa, during the Semblance Dharma, there was a bhikṣuṇī whose mind was always joyful in expounding the Dharma and converting others, diligent without laxity. She then made a vow: 'May I, in a future life within the Dharma of Śākyamuni Buddha, clearly understand the sūtras and treatises.' Having made this vow, she ended her life and was reborn among devas and humans, with cleverness and wisdom that none could equal. Now she has encountered me, left the household life, and attained the Way, foremost in wide learning." Having heard this, the bhikṣus joyfully received and practiced it.