The Discourse about the Great Emancipation

The First Chapter for Recitation
this way: that neither in the past, the future, or at present is there
found another ascetic or brahmin who has more deep knowledge in
regard to Perfect Awakening than the Gracious One.”
“You have spoken this great and imposing speech, Sāriputta, a definite,
(well-)grasped, lion's roar that was roared, (saying): ‘I have confidence,
reverend Sir, in the Gracious One in this way: that neither in the past,
the future, or at present is there found another ascetic or brahmin who
has more deep knowledge in regard to Perfect Awakening than the
Gracious One.’
But have you, Sāriputta, understood those who, in past times, were
Worthy and Perfect Sambuddhas, and known with your mind the
minds of those Gracious Ones? (Or that) those Gracious Ones had such
and such virtues, those Gracious Ones had such and such qualities,
those Gracious Ones had such and such wisdom, those Gracious Ones
had such and such lifestyles, those Gracious Ones had such and such
liberations?”
“No, reverend Sir.”
“But have you, Sāriputta, understood those who, in the future times,
will be Worthy and Perfect Sambuddhas, and known with your mind
the minds of those Gracious Ones? (Or that) those Gracious Ones will
have such and such virtues, those Gracious Ones will have such and
such qualities, those Gracious Ones will have such and such wisdom,
those Gracious Ones will have such and such lifestyles, those Gracious
Ones will have such and such liberations?”
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