The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra-Roll Five
妙法莲华经卷第五
后秦龟兹国三藏法师鸠摩罗什奉 诏译
Chapter Fourteen, "Happily-Dwelling Conduct"
安乐行品第十四
At that time Dharma Prince Manjushri Bodhisattva Mahasattva said to the Buddha,
尔时文殊师利法王子菩萨摩诃萨白佛言。
"World Honored One, all these Bodhisattvas are extremely rare. Reverently complying with the Buddha, they have made great vows to protect, maintain, read, and speak this Dharma Flower Sutra in the future evil age.
世尊。是诸菩萨甚为难有敬顺佛故发大誓愿。于后恶世护持读说是法华经。
"World Honored One, how can Bodhisattvas Mahasattvas speak this Sutra in the future evil age?"
世尊。菩萨摩诃萨。于后恶世云何能说是经。
The Buddha told Manjushri, "If a Bodhisattva Mahasattva wishes to speak this Sutra in the future evil age, he should dwell securely in four dharmas.
佛告文殊师利。若菩萨摩诃萨。于后恶世。欲说是经。当安住四法。
“First, by dwelling in the Bodhisattva's range of practice and the Bodhisattva's range of association, he will be able to expound this Sutra for living beings.
一者安住菩萨行处及亲近处。能为众生演说是经。
“Manjushri, what is meant by the Bodhisattva Mahasattva's range of practice?
文殊师利。云何名菩萨摩诃萨行处。
“If a Bodhisattva Mahasattva dwells on the ground of patience, is gentle and compliant, not impetuous or volatile; if his mind is not alarmed;
若菩萨摩诃萨。住忍辱地柔和善顺而不卒暴心亦不惊。
“if, moreover, he does not practice in regard to any dharma, but contemplates the marks of all dharmas as they really are-not, however, practicing nondiscrimination-that is called the Bodhisattva Mahasattva's range of practice.
又复于法无所行。而观诸法如实相。亦不行不分别。是名菩萨摩诃萨行处。
“What is meant by the Bodhisattva Mahasattva's range of association?
云何名菩萨摩诃萨亲近处。
“Bodhisattvas Mahasattvas do not draw near to kings, princes, great ministers, or officials.
菩萨摩诃萨。不亲近国王王子大臣官长。
“They do not draw near to externalists-Brahmacharins, Nirgranthas, and the like-or to writers of worldly literature, to those who sing praises of externalist writings, to Lokayatas, or to the opponents of Lokayatas.
不亲近诸外道梵志尼揵子等。及造世俗文笔赞咏外书。及路伽耶陀逆路伽耶陀者。
“They also do not draw near to violent amusements such as boxing and wrestling, to displays of martial arts that involve mutual attack, to Natas, or to any entertainment that uses magic.
亦不亲近诸有凶戏相扠相扑。及那罗等种种变现之戏。
“They do not draw near to chandalas; to those who raise pigs, sheep, chickens, or dogs; or to those who hunt, fish, trap, or engage in any other evil activities.
又不亲近旃陀罗及畜猪羊鸡狗畋猎渔捕诸恶律仪。
“If such people should on occasion come to them, they speak the Dharma for them, but they have no expectations.
如是人等或时来者。则为说法无所悕望。
“They also do not draw near to those who seek to be Hearers, whether Bhikshus, Bhikshunis, Upasakas, or Upasikas,
又不亲近求声闻比丘比丘尼优婆塞优婆夷。
“and they do not bow from the waist to them.
亦不问讯。
“They do not remain in a room, a promenade, or a lecture hall with them.
若于房中。若经行处。若在讲堂中。不共住止。
“Should such people sometimes come to them, they speak Dharma as is appropriate, but seek nothing in return.
或时来者。随宜说法无所悕求。
“Manjushri, moreover, Bodhisattvas Mahasattvas must not regard women's bodies as objects of desire and speak Dharma for them.
文殊师利。又菩萨摩诃萨。不应于女人身取能生欲想相而为说法。
“They do not take delight in looking at women. If they enter the homes of others, they do not speak with young girls, maidens, widows, and so forth.
亦不乐见。若入他家。不与小女处女寡女等共语。
“Further, they do not draw near to the five kinds of unmanly men or become friends with them.
亦复不近五种不男之人以为亲厚。
“They do not enter others' houses alone.
不独入他家。
“If for some reason they must enter alone, they single-mindedly recollect the Buddha.若有因缘须独入时但一心念佛。
“If they speak the Dharma for women, they do not smile or laugh and let their teeth show, nor do they expose their chests.
若为女人说法不露齿笑。不现胸臆。
“Even for the sake of the Dharma, they do not become familiar with them, much less for the sake of other matters!
乃至为法犹不亲厚。况复余事。
“They take no delight in raising young disciples, Shramaneras, or children;
不乐畜年少弟子沙弥小儿。
“and they do not take pleasure in sharing the same master with them.
亦不乐与同师。
“They always delight in sitting in Dhyana in a quiet place, cultivating collecting their thoughts.
常好坐禅。在于闲处修摄其心。
“Manjushri, this is called the first range of association.
文殊师利。是名初亲近处
“Further, Bodhisattvas Mahasattvas contemplate all dharmas as empty,
复次菩萨摩诃萨观一切法空。
“as characterized by actuality, as not upside down, as not moving, as not retreating, as not turning,
如实相。不颠倒不动不退不转。
“as being like empty space, as without a nature, as having the path of language cut off,
如虚空无所有性。一切语言道断。
“as not coming into being, as not coming forth, as not arising,
不生不出不起。
“as without a name, as without an appearance, as in reality nonexistent,
无名无相实无所有。
“as measureless, as boundless, as unimpeded, and as unobstructed.
无量无边无碍无障。
“They exist only because of causes and conditions and are produced from inversion.
以因缘有。从颠倒生故。
“Therefore, it is said that constantly delighting in contemplating such characteristics of dharmas is called the second range of association of a Bodhisattva Mahasattva.
但说常乐观如是法相。是名菩萨摩诃萨第二亲近处。
At that time the World Honored One, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke the following verses.
尔时世尊。欲重宣此义。而说偈言
If there is a Bodhisattva 若有菩萨
In the future evil age 于后恶世
Who, with a fearless mind 无怖畏心
Wishes to speak this Sutra, 欲说是经
He should enter the range of practice 应入行处
And the range of association. 及亲近处
He should always stay away from kings, 常离国王
As well as princes, 及国王子
Great ministers and officials, 大臣官长
Brutal and dangerous performers; 凶险戏者
From chandalas, along with 及旃陀罗
Externalists and Brahmacharins. 外道梵志
He should not draw near to 亦不亲近
Those of overweening pride 增上慢人
Who are attached to the Small Vehicle 贪着小乘
And who study the Three Stores. 三藏学者
Nor should he draw near Bhikshus
Who are breakers of the precepts,
Arhats in name only, 破戒比丘 名字罗汉
Nor to Bhikshunis 及比丘尼
Who like to play and laugh, 好戏笑者
Those deeply attached to the five desires 深着五欲
Or seeking quiescence in the present. 求现灭度
Nor should he draw near Upasikas. 诸优婆夷
He should not draw near such people. 皆勿亲近
Should such people 若是人等
Come with good hearts 以好心来
To where the Bodhisattva is 到菩萨所
To hear of the Buddha Way, 为闻佛道
The Bodhisattva then may 菩萨则以
Without apprehension 无所畏心
And without expectations 不怀悕望
Speak the Dharma for them. 而为说法
He should not draw near
Widows, maidens,
Or unmanly men, 寡女处女 及诸不男 皆勿亲近
Nor should he be familiar with them. 以为亲厚
He should also not draw near 亦莫亲近
Butchers, meat-cutters, 屠儿魁脍
Hunters, or fishermen, 畋猎渔捕
Or any who kill for profit 为利杀害
Or sell meat as their livelihood, 贩肉自活
Or those who are procurers of women: 衒卖女色
Such people as these 如是之人
He should not draw near. 皆勿亲近
Nor should he draw near
To violent, dangerous fighters;
Various kinds of entertainers;
Prostitutes; and so forth. 凶险相扑 种种嬉戏 诸淫女等 尽勿亲近
He should not, while in a secluded place, 莫独屏处
Speak the Dharma for women. 为女说法
While speaking the Dharma, 若说法时
He should not joke or laugh. 无得戏笑
When he enters the city on his alms rounds, 入里乞食
He should go with another Bhikshu, 将一比丘
Or, if there is no other Bhikshu, 若无比丘
He should single-mindedly recollect the Buddha. 一心念佛
Those are called 是则名为
The ranges of practice and association; 行处近处
Within those two ranges 以此二处
Happily dwelling, he may speak. 能安乐说
Further, he does not practice 又复不行
Higher, middle, or lower dharmas; 上中下法
Nor conditioned or unconditioned dharmas, 有为无为
Real or unreal dharmas. 实不实法
He does not distinguish 亦不分别
Between men and women; 是男是女
He does not obtain any dharma 不得诸法
Nor does he know or perceive any. 不知不见
This is called the Bodhisattva's range of practice. 是则名为 菩萨行处
All the dharmas 一切诸法
Are empty, nonexistent, 空无所有
Without permanence, 无有常住
Neither coming into being nor ceasing to be; 亦无起灭
This is called the wise one's 是名智者
Range of close association. 所亲近处
It is through inverted discrimination 颠倒分别
That dharmas seem existent or nonexistent, 诸法有无
Real or unreal, 是实非实
Created or uncreated. 是生非生
If, in a quiet place, 在于闲处
He cultivates and collects his thoughts, 修摄其心
Peacefully dwelling, unmoved 安住不动
Like Mount Sumeru, 如须弥山
Contemplating all dharmas 观一切法
As having no existence, 皆无所有
Like empty space, 犹如虚空
With nothing firm or solid, 无有坚固
Uncreated, not coming forth, 不生不出
Unmoving, not retreating, 不动不退
Dwelling always in one mark, 常住一相
This is called the range of association. 是名近处
If a Bhikshu, 若有比丘
After my cessation, 于我灭后
Enters into this range of practice 入是行处
And range of association, 及亲近处
When he speaks this Sutra, 说斯经时
He will have no fear. 无有怯弱
When a Bodhisattva 菩萨有时
Enters a quiet room 入于静室
And with upright mindfulness 以正忆念
Contemplates dharmas in accord with principle, 随义观法
Arising from Dhyana concentration 从禅定起
He may for the sake of kings, 为诸国王
Princes, ministers, 王子臣民
Brahmans, and such 婆罗门等
Teach and transform, expounding upon 开化演畅
And speaking this Sutra 说斯经典
With a tranquil mind 其心安隐
And without fear. 无有怯弱
Manjushri, 文殊师利
This is called the Bodhisattva's 是名菩萨
Peaceful dwelling in the first Dharma, 安住初法
And he may, in the future age, 能于后世
Speak the Dharma Flower Sutra. 说法华经
“Further, Manjushri, after the Tathagata's cessation, in the Dharma-ending Age, one who wishes to speak this Sutra, should reside in happily-dwelling conduct.
又文殊师利。如来灭后。于末法中欲说是经。应住安乐行。
“Whether one is orally expounding upon the Sutra or reading the Sutra itself,
若口宣说若读经时。
“one should take no delight in speaking of the faults of people or of the Sutra,
不乐说人及经典过。
“nor should one look down on other Dharma Masters,
亦不轻慢诸余法师。
“nor speak of the good or bad qualities, the strengths or weaknesses of others.
不说他人好恶长短。
“With regard to Hearers, one should not mention them by name in order to speak of their faults,
于声闻人亦不称名说其过恶。
“nor should one speak of them by name to praise their excellence.
亦不称名赞叹其美。
“One should not harbor resentment or loathing.
又亦不生怨嫌之心。
“Because one skillfully cultivates such happily-dwelling thoughts, one will not oppose one's listeners' intentions.
善修如是安乐心故。诸有听者不逆其意。
“If asked difficult questions, one does not answer by resorting to the Small Vehicle Dharma,
有所难问。不以小乘法答。
“but uses only the Great Vehicle for one's explanation, enabling one's listeners to obtain the wisdom of all modes.
但以大乘而为解说。令得一切种智。
At that time the World Honored One, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses, saying,
尔时世尊。欲重宣此义。而说偈言
The Bodhisattva ever delights菩萨常乐
In tranquilly speaking the Dharma. 安隐说法
On pure ground于清净地
He arranges his seat, 而施床座
Smears his body with oil, 以油涂身
And washes away dust and filth. 澡浴尘秽
He wears new, clean clothing, 着新净衣
And is completely pure, within and without.内外俱净
Seated securely in the Dharma seat, 安处法座
He responds to questions. 随问为说
If there are Bhikshus若有比丘
Or Bhikshunis, 及比丘尼
Upasakas 诸优婆塞
Or Upasikas, 及优婆夷
Kings, princes, 国王王子
Ministers, scholars, or commoners, 群臣士民
By resorting to the subtle, wonderful principle, 以微妙义
With harmonious mien he speaks for them. 和颜为说
If there are difficult questions, 若有难问
He answers in accord with principle; 随义而答
Using causes and conditions and parables, 因缘譬喻
He explains and makes distinctions. 敷演分别
Through his use of such expedients, 以是方便
All are moved to bring forth the resolve, 皆使发心
Which gradually increases 渐渐增益
As they enter into the Buddha Way. 入于佛道
Casting out thoughts of laziness 除懒惰意
And slothful thinking, 及懈怠想
Freeing himself from all worry, 离诸忧恼
He speaks Dharma with a compassionate mind. 慈心说法
By day and night he ever speaks 昼夜常说
The supreme teaching of the Way. 无上道教
By means of causes and conditions 以诸因缘
And limitless analogies 无量譬喻
He instructs living beings, 开示众生
Leading them to be joyful. 咸令欢喜
Clothing, bedding, 衣服卧具
Food, drink, and medicine- 饮食医药
With respect to these 而于其中
He harbors no expectations. 无所悕望
His single focus is to speak the Dharma 但一心念
According to causal conditions; 说法因缘
His wish is to realize the Buddha Way愿成佛道
And lead living beings to do the same. 令众亦尔
This, then, is the greatest benefit: 是则大利
The offering of peace and comfort. 安乐供养
After my cessation, 我灭度后
If there is a Bhikshu若有比丘
Who is able to expound能演说斯
Upon the Dharma Flower Sutra妙法华经
With no thought of envy or anger, 心无嫉恚
With no affliction or obstruction, 诸恼障碍
He will have no worries亦无忧愁
And no detractors. 及骂詈者
He also will not fear又无怖畏
Knives or staves, 加刀杖等
Nor will he be exiled, 亦无摈出
Because he is secure in his patience. 安住忍故
The wise one is thus: 智者如是
Cultivating well his mind, 善修其心
He is secure in peace and comfort. 能住安乐
As I have explained above, 如我上说
This person's merit and virtue其人功德
Cannot exhaustively be described
By means of number or parable
Throughout a thousand, ten thousand eons. 千万亿劫 算数譬喻 说不能尽
“Further, Manjushri, in the future ending age, when the Dharma is about to become extinct,
又文殊师利。菩萨摩诃萨。于后末世法欲灭时。
“the Bodhisattva Mahasattva who receives, upholds, reads, or recites this Sutra should harbor no thoughts of envy, flattery, or deceit.
受持读诵斯经典者。无怀嫉妬謟诳之心。
“He should also not ridicule or malign those who study the Buddha Way, nor should he seek their strengths or weaknesses.
亦勿轻骂学佛道者求其长短。
“If there are Bhikshus, Bhikshunis, Upasakas, Upasikas, those who seek to be Hearers, Pratyekabuddhas, or those who seek the Bodhisattva Way,
若比丘比丘尼优婆塞优婆夷。求声闻者。求辟支佛者。求菩萨道者。
“he should not torment them or cause them to have doubts or regrets by saying to them, ‘You are all very far from the Path, and you will never obtain the wisdom of all modes. Why not? Because you are careless and lax in the Way.’
无得恼之令其疑悔。语其人言汝等去道甚远。终不能得一切种智。所以者何。汝是放逸之人。于道懈怠故。
“Further, he should not frivolously discuss the Dharma for the sake of argument.
又亦不应戏论诸法有所诤竞。
“He should give rise to thoughts of great compassion toward all living beings and think of all the Tathagatas as compassionate fathers, all Bodhisattvas as great masters.
当于一切众生起大悲想。于诸如来起慈父想。于诸菩萨起大师想。
“Always, he should deeply revere and pay respect to all the great Bodhisattvas of the ten directions.
于十方诸大菩萨。常应深心恭敬礼拜。
“He should speak Dharma in equal measure for all living beings.
于一切众生平等说法。
“In accord with Dharma, he should speak neither too much nor too little;
以顺法故不多不少。
“even to those who deeply love the Dharma, he should not speak too much.
乃至深爱法者。亦不为多说
“Manjushri, in the future age, when the Dharma is about to become extinct,
文殊师利。是菩萨摩诃萨。于后末世法欲灭时。
“it will be impossible to trouble or confuse a Bodhisattva Mahasattva who has accomplished this third happily-dwelling conduct when he is speaking the Dharma.
有成就是第三安乐行者。说是法时无能恼乱。
“He shall gain good fellow students with whom he may read and recite this Sutra.
得好同学共读诵是经。
“Large assemblies will gather to listen to and accept it.
亦得大众而来听受。
“Having heard it, they will uphold it; having upheld it, they will recite it;
听已能持。持已能诵。
“having recited it, they will be able to speak it; having spoken it, they will be able to write it out;
诵已能说。说已能书。
“to cause others to write it out; to make offerings to it; to revere, honor, and praise it.
若使人书。供养经卷恭敬尊重赞叹。
At that time the World Honored One, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses, saying:
尔时世尊。欲重宣此义。而说偈言
If one wishes to speak this Sutra 若欲说是经
He should rid himself of envy, anger, arrogance, 当舍嫉恚慢
Flattery, and deceitful thoughts. 謟诳邪伪心
His practice should be honest and straightforward; 常修质直行
He should not ridicule others不轻蔑于人
Or speak lightly of the Dharma, 亦不戏论法
Nor cause them to have doubts不令他疑悔
By telling them they shall not obtain Buddhahood. 云汝不得佛
When this son of the Buddha speaks the Dharma, 是佛子说法
He is ever gentle, agreeable, and patient; 常柔和能忍
Compassionate toward all 慈悲于一切
And never slack in his efforts. 不生懈怠心
The great Bodhisattvas of the ten directions, 十方大菩萨
Out of pity for the multitudes, practice the Way. 愍众故行道
He should bring forth a heart of reverence, 应生恭敬心
Thinking, "These are my great teachers." 是则我大师
With regard to all the Buddhas, World Honored Ones, 于诸佛世尊
He should think of them as his supreme fathers. 生无上父想
He should break through all thoughts of arrogance破于憍慢心
And then speak the Dharma without obstacle. 说法无障碍
Such is the third dharma, 第三法如是
Which the wise ones should always guard. 智者应守护
With the single-minded happily-dwelling conduct, 一心安乐行
One is revered by limitless multitudes. 无量众所敬
“Further, Manjushri, the Bodhisattva Mahasattva who in the Future Ending Age,
又文殊师利。菩萨摩诃萨。于后末世法欲灭时。
“when the Dharma is about to become extinct, upholds the Dharma Flower Sutra should give rise to thoughts of great kindness for those at home and those who have left home.
有持是法华经者于在家出家人中生大慈心。
“He should give rise to thoughts of great compassion for those who are not Bodhisattvas.
于非菩萨人中生大悲心。
“He should think, ‘People like this are missing a great deal. Although the Tathagata speaks the Dharma expediently and appropriately, they do not hear, know, or awaken to it. They do not inquire into it, believe it, or understand it.
应作是念。如是之人则为大失。如来方便随宜说法。不闻不知不觉不问不信不解。
“‘Although these people do not inquire into, believe, or understand this Sutra, still, when I obtain anuttarasamyaksambodhi, wherever they happen to be, I will use the power of spiritual penetrations and the power of wisdom to lead them to abide within this Dharma.’
其人虽不问不信不解是经。我得阿耨多罗三藐三菩提时。随在何地。以神通力智慧力。引之令得住是法中。
“Manjushri, the Bodhisattva Mahasattva who, after the cessation of the Tathagata, accomplishes this, the fourth dharma, shall be free from error when he speaks this dharma.
文殊师利。是菩萨摩诃萨。于如来灭后。有成就此第四法者。说是法时无有过失。
“He will always receive offerings from and be revered, honored, and praised by Bhikshus, Bhikshunis, Upasakas, Upasikas, kings, princes, great ministers, common people, Brahmans, laypeople, and so on.
常为比丘比丘尼优婆塞优婆夷。国王王子大臣人民婆罗门居士等。供养恭敬尊重赞叹。
“The gods in empty space will always follow and serve him in order to hear the Dharma.
虚空诸天为听法故亦常随侍。
“If, in villages or cities, in the isolated woods, someone wishing to pose difficult questions approaches him, all the gods, for the sake of the Dharma, will protect him day and night, and he will cause the listeners to be joyful.
若在聚落城邑空闲林中。有人来欲难问者。诸天昼夜。常为法故而卫护之。能令听者皆得欢喜。
“Why is this? This Sutra is protected by the spiritual powers of all the Buddhas of the past, present, and future.
所以者何。此经是一切过去未来现在诸佛神力所护故。
“Manjushri, throughout limitless kalpas, it is not possible even to hear the name of the Dharma Flower Sutra, much less to see, receive, uphold, read, or recite it.
文殊师利。是法华经。于无量国中。乃至名字不可得闻。何况得见受持读诵
“Manjushri, it is like a powerful wheel-turning sage king who wishes by force to subdue other countries.
文殊师利。譬如强力转轮圣王。欲以威势降伏诸国。
“But all the lesser kings do not follow his commands.
而诸小王不顺其命。
“The wheel-turning king then mobilizes his various troops and goes to punish them.
时转轮王。起种种兵而往讨罚。
“Seeing his troops successful in warfare, he is greatly delighted and rewards them according to their merits,
王见兵众战有功者。即大欢喜随功赏赐。
“giving them fields, houses, villages, cities, counties;
或与田宅聚落城邑。
“or else clothing; personal ornaments;
或与衣服严身之具。
“or various precious treasures of gold, silver, lapis lazuli, mother-of-pearl, carnelian, coral, or agate; or elephants, horses, carriages, servants, or subjects.
或与种种珍宝金银琉璃车磲马脑珊瑚虎珀象马车乘奴婢人民。
“Only the bright pearl on his topknot, that alone he does not give away.
唯髻中明珠不以与之。
“Why not? Only the king can wear this pearl on his crown.
所以者何。独王顶上有此一珠。
“If he gave it away, the king's retinue would surely be greatly astonished.
若以与之。王诸眷属必大惊怪。
“Manjushri, the Tathagata is also like this.
文殊师利。如来亦复如是。
“Through the use of the powers of Dhyana samadhi and wisdom, he has gained the country of the Dharma and is king of the three realms.
以禅定智慧力得法国土王于三界。
“Still, the demon kings refuse to submit.
而诸魔王不肯顺伏。
“The Tathagata's generals, the worthy ones and sages, battle with them.
如来贤圣诸将与之共战。
“With those who are successful, he is delighted.
其有功者心亦欢喜。
“For the four assemblies, he speaks the Sutras, causing their hearts to rejoice.
于四众中为说诸经令其心悦。
“He confers upon them the Dhyana concentrations, the liberations, the lack of outflows, the roots and powers, and all the wealth of the Dharma.
赐以禅定解脱无漏根力诸法之财。
“He further bestows upon them the city of Nirvana, telling them that they have attained cessation.
又复赐与涅盘之城言得灭度。
“He guides their thoughts, causing them all to rejoice. But he does not speak the Dharma Flower Sutra.
引导其心令皆欢喜。而不为说是法华经。
“Manjushri, eventually the wheel-turning king, seeing among his troops those who have been greatly successful, is overjoyed,
文殊师利。如转轮王见诸兵众有大功者心甚欢喜。
“and at last gives them the incredible pearl, which he has long worn in his topknot and which he would never casually give away.
以此难信之珠久在髻中。不妄与人。而今与之。
“So, too, is it with the Tathagata.
如来亦复如是。
“As king of the Dharma within the three realms, he uses Dharma to teach and transform all living beings.
于三界中为大法王。以法教化一切众生。
“Seeing the army of worthy ones and sages battling with the demons of the five skandhas, the demons of afflictions, and the demons of death, and being greatly successful extinguishing the three poisons, escaping the three realms, and rending the nets of the demons,
见贤圣军与五阴魔烦恼魔死魔共战有大功勋。灭三毒出三界破魔网。
“the Tathagata is greatly pleased.
尔时如来亦大欢喜。
“He then speaks to them the Dharma Flower Sutra, which can lead living beings to All-Wisdom, which meets with resentment and disbelief in all the world, and which he has never spoken of before.
此法华经。能令众生至一切智。一切世间多怨难信。先所未说而今说之。
“Manjushri, the Dharma Flower Sutra is the foremost among the Tathagata's teachings.
文殊师利。此法华经。是诸如来第一之说。
“Among all the teachings it is the most profound,
于诸说中最为甚深。
“and it is only bestowed at the very end, just like the bright pearl that the powerful king long kept and then gave away.
末后赐与。如彼强力之王。久护明珠今乃与之。
“Manjushri, the Dharma Flower Sutra is the secret treasury of all the Buddhas, Tathagatas.
文殊师利。此法华经。诸佛如来秘密之藏。
“Among all the Sutras, it is the highest. In the long night of time, it has been guarded and never recklessly expounded.
于诸经中最在其上。长夜守护不妄宣说。
“Today, for the first time, I am speaking it for you.
始于今日。乃与汝等而敷演之。
At that time the World Honored One, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses, saying,
尔时世尊。欲重宣此义。而说偈言
Always practicin g patience, 常行忍辱
And being merciful to all, 哀愍一切
One will then be able to proclaim 乃能演说
This Sutra praised by the Buddhas. 佛所赞经
In the Future Ending Age, 后末世时
One who upholds this Sutra, 持此经者
Should bring forth kindness and compassion
For those at home, those who have left home,
And those who are not Bodhisattvas, 于家出家 及非菩萨 应生慈悲
Thinking, "Those who do not hear斯等不闻
Or believe this Sutra 不信是经
Suffer a great loss. 则为大失
When I have gained the Buddha Way我得佛道
I will use expedients 以诸方便
To speak this Dharma for them为说此法
So they may abide within it." 令住其中
It is like a powerful 譬如强力
Wheel-turning king 转轮之王
Who bestows rewards
Upon soldiers successful in battle: 兵战有功 赏赐诸物
Elephants, horses, carriages, 象马车乘
Personal ornaments, 严身之具
As well as fields, houses, 及诸田宅
Villages, cities, and counties. 聚落城邑
Or he may give clothing或与衣服
Or various precious treasures, 种种珍宝
Servants or other valuables, 奴婢财物
Giving them joyfully. 欢喜赐与
Should there be a hero如有勇健
Who can do difficult deeds, 能为难事
The king will take from his topknot三解髻中
His bright pearl and give it to him. 明珠赐之
The Tathagata is also thus. 如来亦尔
As king of all the Dharmas, 为诸法王
With patience, great power忍辱大力
And the precious store of wisdom, 智慧宝藏
With great kindness and compassion, 以大慈悲
He transforms the world according to the Dharma. 如法化世
He sees all people见一切人
Suffering pain and agony, 受诸苦恼
Seeking liberation, 欲求解脱
And battling with the demons. 与诸魔战
For these living beings为是众生
He speaks various Dharmas. 说种种法
Using great expedients 以大方便
He teaches them the Sutras. 说此诸经
Once he knows that living beings 既知众生
Have become strong, 得其力已
Then at the very end 末后乃为
He speaks the Dharma Flower for them. 说是法华
This is like the king who unties his topknot 如三解髻
And gives away his bright pearl. 明珠与之
Highest among the host of Sutras, 此经为尊
This Sutra is venerable. 众经中上
I always guard and protect it, 我常守护
And never speak it recklessly. 不妄开示
But now the time is exactly right 今正是时
To speak it for all of you. 为汝等说
After my cessation, 我灭度后
Those who seek the Buddha Way, 求佛道者
Who wish to gain peace and ease 欲得安隐
And to proclaim this Sutra, 演说斯经
Should draw near应当亲近
Such as these four dharmas. 如是四法
Those who read this Sutra读是经者
Will have no worries or afflictions; 常无忧恼
They will be free from the pain of sickness, 又无病痛
With a countenance fresh and clear. 颜色鲜白
They won't be born poor, 不生贫穷
Lowly, or ugly. 卑贱丑陋
Living beings will be happy to see them, 众生乐见
As if they were longed-for sages. 如慕贤圣
All the children of the gods天诸童子
Will act as their messengers. 以为给使
Knives and staves will not hurt them, 刀杖不加
Poison will not harm them, 毒不能害
And should someone revile them, 若人恶骂
His mouth will be stopped. 口则闭塞
They shall roam fearlessly游行无畏
Like the lion king. 如师子王
The light of their wisdom智慧光明
Will shine like the sun. 如日之照
In dreams they will see若于梦中
Only wonderful things. 但见妙事
They may see the Tathagatas见诸如来
Seated on their lion thrones, 坐师子座
Surrounded by a host of Bhikshus
As they speak the Dharma. 诸比丘众 围绕说法
They will also see the dragons, spirits, 又见龙神
Asuras, and so forth, 阿修罗等
In number like the Ganges' sands, 数如恒沙
Reverent, with palms joined. 恭敬合掌
They will see themselves appearing自见其身
To speak the Dharma for them. 而为说法
Further, they will see all the Buddhas, 又见诸佛
Their bodies of golden hue身相金色
Emitting limitless light, 放无量光
Illumining all, 照于一切
And proclaiming all the Dharmas 以梵音声
With the Brahma sound. 演说诸法
The Buddhas, for the fourfold host, 佛为四众
Will speak the supreme Dharma. 说无上法
They shall see themselves there, too, 见身处中
With palms joined, praising the Buddhas. 合掌赞佛
Hearing the Dharma, they will rejoice闻法欢喜
And make offerings. 而为供养
They will gain the Dharanis得陀罗尼
And certify to nonretreating wisdom. 证不退智
The Buddhas, knowing their minds佛知其心
Have deeply entered the Buddha Way, 深入佛道
Will then bestow upon them a prediction即为授记
For the realization of the most proper enlightenment, 成最正觉
Saying, "You, Good Men, 汝善男子
Shall in the future age, 当于来世
Attain limitless wisdom 得无量智
And the Great Way of the Buddha. 佛之大道
Your lands shall be adorned and pure, 国土严净
Vast and incomparable, 广大无比
And the four assemblies there亦有四众
Will listen to the Dharma with palms joined." 合掌听法
They will also see themselves又见自身
Dwelling in the mountain forests, 在山林中
Practicing wholesome dharmas, 修习善法
Certifying to the Real Mark, 证诸实相
Deeply entering Dhyana concentration, 深入禅定
And seeing the Buddhas of the ten directions. 见十方佛
The Buddhas, with golden bodies, 诸佛身金色
Will be adorned with the marks of a hundred blessings. 百福相庄严
Hearing their Dharma, they will speak it to others闻法为人说
And always have good dreams like these. 常有是好梦
They will also dream of being a king又梦作国王
Who forsakes his palace and retinue, 舍宫殿眷属
As well as fine objects of the five desires, 及上妙五欲
To enter a Bodhimanda. 行诣于道场
There, beneath the Bodhi tree, 在菩提树下
They sit upon the lion throne, 而处师子座
Seeking the Way for seven days 求道过七日
And gaining the Buddha's wisdom. 得诸佛之智
After realizing the supreme Way, 成无上道已
They rise and turn the Dharma wheel, 起而转法轮
And speak the Dharma for the fourfold host. 为四众说法
Throughout thousands of myriads of millions of eons, 经千万亿劫
They speak the nonoutflow wondrous Dharma说无漏妙法
And save limitless living beings. 度无量众生
Later they enter Nirvana, 后当入涅盘
As a lamp goes out when its fuel is gone. 如烟尽灯灭
If, in the future evil age, 若后恶世中
They can speak this foremost Dharma, 说是第一法
They shall gain great benefit, 是人得大利
Merit, and virtue as told above. 如上诸功德
