一切經音義 23.88

23.88

Śrāvastī country (室羅筏國: Formerly called Shewei (舍衛). Fully termed Śrāvastī (室羅筏悉底). This translates as 'loving the Way' or 'famed things'. This is actually the name of the city, not the title of the country. Because the city produced many talented people who loved to practice virtue, and it was famous throughout the Five Indias, it was called 'Famed Things'. Alternatively, Śrāvastī translates here as 'City of the Hearer'. Western Regions popular records state that anciently there was an old rishi here who practiced the way of immortals. Later, a young rishi received instruction from him, and his name was 'Hearer'. After the old rishi died, the young rishi established this city and named it after himself. The capital of the country, however, was named Kośala; but because the prominent city was easier to recognise, the city took the name of the country).