出三藏記集 1.8

1.8

At that time, Kāśyapa reflected: 'How can this Buddha-dharma, so difficult to obtain over three asaṃkhyeya-kalpas, be made to remain long in the world?' Having reflected, [he thought]: 'I know how this Dharma can be made to remain long in the world: one should compile the sūtras, abhidharma, and vinaya to make the three Dharma treasuries. In this way the Buddha-dharma can remain long, and people of future ages can receive and practice it. Why is that? Life after life, the Buddha toiled with compassion for sentient beings, learning and attaining this Dharma to expound it for humanity. We too should uphold the Buddha's teachings to proclaim, propagate, and transform.' Having spoken these words, Kāśyapa stood upon the summit of Mount Sumeru, struck the bronze gaṇḍī, and spoke this verse: