維摩經疏卷第三．第六 3.55

3.55

Regarding "The Buddha told Upāli": In the correct phonetics of India, [Upāli] is translated here as "head" or "foremost"; he is the highest among those who uphold the vinaya. Originally, while in the household life, he was the barber for the Śākyan youths. Later, when the Śākyan youths were going forth into homelessness, Upāli escorted them. The Śākyan youths, wishing to arrive at the Buddha's place, took off their clothing, jeweled caps, necklaces, and the elephants they rode, giving them to Upāli. After the Śākyan youths departed, Upāli pondered: "Even with such karmic rewards as this, the Śākyan youths still renounce them and go forth into homelessness. What benefit is there in my remaining? If they have something to attain, I too should be like that." He placed the obtained goods up in a tree, tied the elephants beneath the tree, and made this declaration: "Whoever may take them, I give them all away." Later he went to the Buddha's place. The Śākyan youths saw him and asked the reason for his coming, and Upāli answered in full. The Śākyan youths rejoiced greatly and immediately requested of the Buddha: "This man formerly served as our servant. If he goes forth into homelessness afterward, we would treat him with arrogance and slight. May the Buddha first ordain him, so that we shall revere and serve him." The Buddha first ordained him and thereupon administered the precepts to him, and the Śākyan youths all paid homage to him together. At that time the great earth trembled for this reason, and a voice in the sky praised: "The mountain of arrogance in the Śākyan youths has collapsed!" After going forth into homelessness, he was foremost in upholding the vinaya. Because he was unable to contemplate emptiness to extinguish transgressions, he incurred this rebuke. The meaning of conducting practice has already been explained above. Because the assembly collectively honors [the precepts], it was necessary to address him.