法苑珠林 55.13

55.13

At that time, Vimalakīrti was coming with the intention of going to the Buddha's place. Passing before the brahmacārin's gate on the road, he saw Ānanda and said, “Why are you holding your bowl and standing here in the early morning? What are you seeking?” Ānanda replied, “The Tathāgata's body has a slight wind disorder and requires cow's milk, which is why he sent me here.” Vimalakīrti immediately said to Ānanda: “Do not speak such words! The Tathāgata, the Fully Awakened One, has a body like a vajra; all evils have been eliminated and only all virtues remain. What illness could he possibly have? Go along in silence! Do not let outsiders slander the Tathāgata. Do not let devas, nāgas, or spirits hear these words. If bodhisattvas and arhats in the ten directions hear this statement—even a cakravartin holy king attains sovereign mastery, how much more so the Tathāgata! Ānanda, do not feel ashamed; quickly go seek the milk, and be careful not to say much.” When Ānanda heard this, he was filled with great shame and fear. Then a voice was heard in the air saying: “Ānanda, it is just as the elder says. It is only because the Tathāgata, in this world of the five degenerations, manifests the course of delivering all beings from the three poisons that he does so. Go now and fetch the milk; though Vimalakīrti spoke these words just now, do not feel ashamed.” Thereupon, hearing the voice in the air, the five hundred brahmacārins had no more doubts; all leaped for great joy, and all gave rise to the aspiration for unexcelled, correct, and true awakening.