4.
The Discourse on Mahaka's Wonder
346.
On one occasion many elder monks were dwelling at Macchikāsaṇḍa in the Ambāṭaka Grove.
Then the householder Citta approached the elder monks;
having approached, he paid respect to the elder monks and sat down to one side.
Seated to one side, the householder Citta said this to the elder monks -
"May the elder monks consent to accept a meal from me for tomorrow at the cow-shed."
The elder monks consented by silence.
Then the householder Citta, having learned of the elder monks' acceptance, rose from his seat, paid respect to the elder monks, circumambulated them keeping them on his right, and departed.
Then the elder monks, after that night had passed, in the earlier period of the day, having dressed, taking their bowls and robes, approached the cow-shed of the householder Citta;
having approached, they sat down on the prepared seats.
Then the householder Citta with his own hand satisfied and served the elder monks with superior milk-rice with ghee. Then the elder monks, having finished eating, with hands removed from the bowls, rose from their seats and departed. And the householder Citta, having said "Distribute the remainder," followed closely behind the elder monks. Now at that time it was hot and sweltering; and those elder monks went with bodies, as it were, melting, as is natural for those who have eaten a meal.
Now at that time the Venerable Mahaka was the most junior in that community of monks. Then the Venerable Mahaka said this to the Venerable Thera - "It would be good indeed, venerable sir Thera, if a cool wind were to blow, and there were a covering of clouds, and the rain god were to sprinkle drop by drop."
"It would be good indeed, friend Mahaka, if a cool wind were to blow, and there were a covering of clouds, and the rain god were to sprinkle drop by drop." Then the Venerable Mahaka performed such a feat of supernormal power that a cool wind blew, and there was a covering of clouds, and the rain god sprinkled drop by drop. Then this occurred to the householder Citta - "The monk who is the most junior in this community of monks has such supernormal power." Then the Venerable Mahaka, having reached the monastery, said this to the Venerable Thera - "Is this much enough, venerable sir Thera?" "This much is enough, friend Mahaka! This much has been done, friend Mahaka! This much is venerated, friend Mahaka." Then the elder monks went to their respective dwellings. The Venerable Mahaka also went to his own dwelling.
Then the householder Citta approached the Venerable Mahaka; having approached, he paid respect to the Venerable Mahaka and sat down to one side. Seated to one side, the householder Citta said this to the Venerable Mahaka - "It would be good, venerable sir, if the noble Mahaka would show me a wonder of supernormal power through superhuman achievement." "Well then, householder, spread your upper robe on the veranda and scatter a bundle of grass." "Yes, venerable sir," the householder Citta, having assented to the Venerable Mahaka, spread his upper robe on the veranda and scattered a bundle of grass. Then the Venerable Mahaka, having entered the dwelling, having fastened the door latch, performed such a feat of supernormal power that flames came out through the keyhole and through the gap in the door-bolt and burned the grass, but did not burn the upper robe. Then the householder Citta, having shaken off the upper robe, stood to one side, agitated, with hair standing on end. Then the Venerable Mahaka, having come out from the dwelling, said this to the householder Citta - "Is this much enough, householder?"
"This much is enough, Venerable Mahaka! This much has been done, Venerable Mahaka! This much is venerated, Venerable Mahaka! May the noble Mahaka be content at Macchikāsaṇḍa, venerable sir. The Ambāṭaka Grove is delightful. I will make effort for the noble Mahaka regarding the requisites of robes, almsfood, lodging and medicine for the sick." "That is well spoken, householder." Then the Venerable Mahaka, having set in order his lodging, taking his bowl and robe, departed from Macchikāsaṇḍa. Having departed from Macchikāsaṇḍa, he was gone just as he had departed; he did not return again. The fourth.