諸經要集 4.56

4.56

Furthermore, the Avadānaśataka states: In the past, when the Buddha was in the world, there were people in the city of Śrāvastī who each adorned themselves, performed music, and went outside the city to amuse themselves. Reaching the city gate, they happened to encounter the Buddha and the Saṃgha entering the city to beg for food. Seeing the Buddha, the people rejoiced and bowed down, and then performed music to make offerings to the Buddha and the Saṃgha, and made vows before departing. The Buddha then smiled and said to Ānanda, 'Because these people made music to offer to the Buddha and the Saṃgha, by virtue of this merit they will not fall into evil destinies for one hundred kalpas in future worlds, but will constantly experience happiness among devas and humans. After one hundred kalpas have passed, they will become pratyekabuddhas, all sharing the single name Wondrous Sound. For this reason, if someone makes music to offer to the Triratna, the merit obtained is immeasurable, boundless, and inconceivable.' Therefore, a verse in the Lotus Sūtra says: