Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
by T. W. Rhys Davids | 1881 | 156,382 words
The Mahavagga (part of the Vinaya collection) includes accounts of Gautama Buddha’s and the ten principal disciples’ awakenings, as well as rules for ordination, rules for reciting the Patimokkha during uposatha days, and various monastic procedures....
Mahavagga, Khandaka 1, Chapter 16
1. And the Blessed One resided in a certain grove near the hermitage of the Jaṭila Uruvelā Kassapa. And on a beautiful night the four Mahārājas[1], filling the whole grove with light by the brilliancy of their complexion, went to the place where the Blessed One was; having approached him and respectfully saluted the Blessed One, they stood in the four directions like great firebrands.
2. And when that night had elapsed, the Jaṭila Uruvelā Kassapa went to the place where the Blessed One was; having approached him, he said to the Blessed One: 'It is time, great Samaṇa, the meal is ready. Who were they, great Samaṇa, who came, this beautiful night, filling the whole grove with light by the brilliancy of their complexion, to the place where you were, and having approached you and respectfully saluted you, stood in the four directions like great firebrands?'
“They were the four Mahārājas, Kassapa, who came to me in order to hearmy preaching.”
Then the Jaṭila Uruvelā Kassapa thought: 'Truly the great Samaṇa possesses high magical powers and great faculties, since even the four Mahārājas come to hear his preaching. He is not, however, holy like me.'
And the Blessed One ate the food offered by the Jaṭila Uruvelā Kassapa, and continued to stay in that same grove.
End of the second Wonder.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
See chap. 4. 4.