Thus I have heard:
One time, the Budha was dwelling in Raajagriha at the Bamboo Grove of Karanda, together with a great assembly of five hundred Bhikshus.
At that time, a certain Bhikshu heard that the Tathaagata had predicted Devadata would suffer retribution for one kalpa beyond cure. That Bhikshu then went to the Venerable Aananda, exchanged greetings, and sat to one side.
He asked Aananda: “How is it, Aananda? Did the Tathaagata completely examine Devadata’s original nature before predicting he would suffer for one kalpa beyond cure? Was there some basis for this prediction?”
Aananda replied: “The Tathaagata’s words are never false, his speech and actions never differ. The Tathaagata truthfully predicted Devadata would suffer grave retribution for one kalpa beyond cure.”
Then the Venerable Aananda rose from his seat, went to Bhagavaan, bowed his head at his feet, and stood to one side.
He said: “A Bhikshu came to me asking: ‘Did the Tathaagata completely examine Devadata’s original nature before predicting…’ After saying this, he left.”
Bhagavaan said: “That Bhikshu must have recently gone forth late in life and newly entered my teaching. The Tathaagata’s words are never false – why should there be any doubt?”
Then Bhagavaan told Aananda: “Go tell that Bhikshu: ‘The Tathaagata summons you.'”
Aananda consented and went to that Bhikshu, saying: “The Tathaagata summons you.” The Bhikshu replied: “Very well, Venerable One.” He then straightened his robes and went with Aananda to Bhagavaan, bowed at his feet, and sat to one side.
Bhagavaan said to him: “Foolish man! Do you not trust the Tathaagata’s words? The Tathaagata’s teaching contains no falsehood, yet you seek falsehood in it.”
The Bhikshu replied: “Devadata possessed great spiritual power and majesty. Why did Bhagavaan predict he would suffer heavy retribution for one kalpa?”
Budha told the Bhikshu: “Guard your speech, lest you suffer endlessly through the long night [of samsara].”
Then Bhagavaan spoke this verse:
“Though one masters worldly meditation skills,
ultimate liberation remains unattained;
failing to tread the path of cessation,
one falls back into hell.”
“Were I to perceive even a hair’s breadth of wholesome dharma in Devadata, I would never declare his karmic retribution incurable for a kalpa.
Therefore, O fool! Since I find no trace of wholesome dharma in him, I pronounce Devadata’s punishment incurable for a kalpa.
Why? This fool Devadata, obsessed with material gain and consumed by craving, committed the five heinous crimes – now doomed to hell upon death. Truly, material gain crushes virtuous roots and bars the path to peace!
TTherefore, O bhikshus! When greed for gain arises, eradicate it; if unarisen, don’t entertain it. Thus train yourselves.”
At that time, that bhikshu rose from his seat, straightened his robes, bowed at Bhagavaan’s feet, and pleaded:
“Now I repent my faults and beg for your forgiveness!
Through foolishness, I committed unwholesome deeds.
The Tathaagata’s words are never false, yet in my folly I harboured doubts.
I beg the Bhagavaan to accept my repentance – I will reform and practice diligently.”
He repeated this plea three times.
Bhagavaan said: “Good! Your repentance is accepted. Never again doubt the Tathaagata.”
He repeated this three times.
Then Bhagavaan spoke this verse:
“Should someone commit grave offenses,
but repents and never repeats them,
Upholding pure precepts thus,
Uproots karmic seeds at core.”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.