諸經要集 4.70

4.70

Furthermore, the Baiyuan jing says: The Buddha was in the country of Śrāvastī, at the Jetavana, Anāthapiṇḍada's Park. At that time, the World-Honoured One was leading the bhikṣus, putting on their robes and holding their bowls, about to go to beg for food. Arriving in an alley, there was a woman holding a small child, sitting on the ground in the alley. At that time, that small child, catching sight of the World-Honoured One, felt joy in his heart, and asked his mother for a flower. The mother immediately bought one for him. Having obtained it, the small child took it to the Buddha's place and scattered it over the Buddha. In mid-air it transformed into a canopy of flowers, following the Buddha as he walked and stopped. Having seen this, the child was immensely delighted and made a great vow: 'By this merit of the root of goodness from making this offering, may I in a future life attain saṃbodhi and deliver sentient beings no differently from the Buddha!' At that time, the World-Honoured One, seeing this small child make this vow, smiled; from his mouth emanated five-colored rays of light, which circled the Buddha three times and entered back into the crown of his head. At that time, Ānanda stepped forward and addressed the Buddha, saying, 'The Tathāgata is venerable and does not smile without cause. For what reason do you now smile? We only pray that the World-Honoured One will explain and expound it.' The Buddha told Ānanda, 'Do you now see this small child who scattered a flower over me? In future lives he will not fall into evil destinies, and among gods and humans he will constantly receive pleasure. Passing through thirteen asaṃkhyeyas, he will become a pratyekabuddha named Flourishing Flower (Puṣpasampanna), broadly delivering sentient beings beyond measure. For this reason I smiled.' At that time, the bhikṣus, hearing what the Buddha said, rejoiced and practiced accordingly.