On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India, 629–645 A.D. v2.c19.162

v2.c19.162

Our pilgrim next tells us that close to the tope of the Alms-bowls offering was one where Buddha preached on his mother's behalf. As soon as Julai, having attained bodhi, was styled "Teacher of devas and men", his mother Māyā descended from Heaven at this place; and Bhagavān taking advantage of the opportunity imparted instruction for her edification and happiness. Beside this on a bank of a dried-up tank was a tope at the spot where Julai exhibited miraculous appearances, converting those with the efficient karma. Close to this was a tope at the place where Buddha received into his communion the three brothers Kāśyapa, and their 1000 disciples. When Julai began his career of religious leader and conqueror, the 500 disciples of Uruvilvā Kāśyapa requested permission to join him and their master said—Let us all leave error's way. So they went to Buddha, who told them to cast away their deer-skin garments and utensils of Fire-worship. The brahmins thereupon threw their clothes and utensils into the Nairañjana. Nadī-Kāśyapa, seeing the sacred vessels borne down the river, went to enquire about his elder brother's conduct, and seeing Uruvilva had changed his religion he also became a Buddhist. Then Gayā-Kāśyapa, with his 200 disciples, learning that his brothers had given up their system, also joined Buddha, wishing to lead his religious life. To the north-west of the Kāśyapa Tope was one at the spot where Buddha vanquished the Fire-dragon (that is, nāga or cobra) worshipped by the Kāśyapas. In order to convince these brahmins Buddha resolved to make himself master of their god. So he spent a night in the Fire-dragon's cave; when the dragon spouted smoke and flames, Buddha produced a glare which made the cave appear to be in flames; then he took the Fire-dragon in his alms-bowl and shewed him to the brahmins. Beside this tope was one on the place where 500 Pratyeka-Buddhas died at the same time. To the south of the Muchilinda Tank was a tope where Kāśyapa went to rescue Buddha from apparent drowning. The brothers Kāśyapa at this time were adepts in occult lore, and were respected and believed in by all. Bhagavan then proceeding to lead men out of error and reduce them to submission by great exercises of power produced rain-clouds which caused great downfalls of water all round the place where he was. Kāśyapa seeing the floods thought the Buddha might be drowned and went in a boat to rescue him, but he found Buddha walking on dry sand, water on all sides, and so Kāśyapa went away convinced.