法苑珠林 90.43

90.43

At that time, Mahāmaudgalyāyana and the śrāmaṇera Zhuantou went after their meal to the great Lake Anavatapta in Jambudvīpa to sit in meditation. At that time, the śrāmaṇera Zhuantou saw golden sand by the lakeside and had this thought: 'I should now take this sand and put it beneath the World-Honoured One's washbasin.' The Venerable Maudgalyāyana arose from meditation and, using his supernatural powers, rode through the void to return. At that time, the śrāmaṇera Zhuantou was held back by an amanushya and could not fly through the air. Maudgalyāyana turned back, saw him, and called for the śrāmaṇera to come. He replied: 'I am unable to go.' Maudgalyāyana asked: 'Are you holding anything?' He replied: 'I am holding this golden sand.' Maudgalyāyana said: 'You should cast it away.' After he cast it away, he immediately rode through the void and departed. Because of this cause and condition, they reported it fully to the World-Honoured One. The Buddha said: 'From this day forward, I do not permit śrāmaṇeras to touch gold, silver, or coins.'