Thus have I heard:
One time, the Budha was staying at Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
At that time, a Brahmin woman named Susima went to venerable Maha-kothita. Upon arriving, she bowed her head at his feet, paid her respects, and sat to one side. Then, the Brahmin woman Susima said to Maha-kothita,
“Udaka Raamaputa and Aalaara Kaalaama, though they encountered this profound Dharma, ultimately were not transformed by it, and each met their death. The Bhagavaan predicted of these two: ‘One will be reborn in the realm of No-Perception (Asamjni-bhava), and the other will be reborn in the realm of Neither-Perception-Nor-Non-Perception (Naiva-samjna-naa-samjna-ayatana).
After exhausting their lifespans there, they will die again. One will become a king of a borderland, causing harm to countless people, and the other will become a winged, evil fox, preying on flying and running creatures, leaving none to escape. After their deaths, they will each be reborn in hell.’ Yet, the Bhagavaan did not predict when these two will exhaust their suffering. Why did the Bhagavaan not predict when their suffering will end?”
At that time, venerable Maha-kothita said to the Brahmin woman Susima, “The reason Budha did not speak about this is that no one asked him about it. Therefore, Budha did not predict when these two will exhaust their suffering.”
Susima said, “Since the Tathaagata has already entered Nirvana, it is not possible to ask him. If he were still in the world, I would go and ask him about this. Now, venerable Maha-kothita, please explain it to me. When will these two exhaust their suffering?”
At that time, venerable Maha-kothita spoke this verse:
“Various fruits are different,
And the destinies of beings are likewise.
Those who are self-awakened and awaken others—
I do not have the eloquence to speak of this.
The eloquence of meditative wisdom and liberation,
The recollection of past lives and the divine eye—
These can exhaust the root of suffering,
But I do not have the eloquence to speak of this.”
At that time, Susima spoke this verse:
“The Sugata possesses this wisdom,
Straightforward and free from defilement.
Courageous and subduing all,
He seeks the practice of the Mahayana.”
At that time, venerable Maha-kothita spoke this verse:
“This intention is very rare,
Able to grasp the essence of the Dharma.
It is difficult to accomplish,
Turning toward extraordinary matters.”
At that time, venerable Maha-kothita explained the essence of the Dharma to Susima in detail, and she developed a joyful mind. Then, the woman rose from her seat, bowed at his feet, and withdrew.
At that time, Susima, hearing venerable Maha-kothita’s words, followed it with joy.