妙法莲华经卷第二
后秦龟兹国三藏法师鸠摩罗什奉 诏译
Chapter Three: Simile and Parable
譬喻品第三
At that time Shariputra's mind danced with joy.
尔时舍利弗踊跃欢喜。
Then he immediately stood up, pressed his palms together, gazed up in reverence at the face of the Honored-One, and said to the Buddha,
即起合掌瞻仰尊颜。而白佛言。
"Just now, when I heard from the World-Honored One, this voice of the Law, my mind seemed to dance and I gained what I had never had before.
"今从世尊闻此法音。心怀踊跃得未曾有。
"Why do I say this? Because in the past when I heard a Law of this kind from the Buddha and saw how the bodhisattvas received prophecies that in time they would attain Buddhahood,
"所以者何。我昔从佛闻如是法。见诸菩萨授记作佛。
"I and the others felt that we had no part in the affair.
"而我等不豫斯事。
"We were deeply grieved to think we would never gain the immeasurable insight of the Thus Come One.
"甚自感伤。失于如来无量知见。
"World-Honored One, I have constantly lived in the mountain forest or alone under the trees,
"世尊。我常独处山林树下。
"sometimes sitting, sometimes walking around,
"若坐若行。
"and always I have thought to myself, since I and the others all alike have entered into the nature of the Law,
"每作是念。我等同入法性。
"why does the Thus Come One use the Law of the Lesser Vehicle to bring us salvation?
"云何如来以小乘法而见济度。
"But the fault is ours, not that of the World-Honored One.
"是我等咎非世尊也。
"Why do I say this? If he had been willing to wait until the true means for attaining anuttara-samyak-sambodhi was preached,
"所以者何。若我等待说所因成就阿耨多罗三藐三菩提者。
"then we would surely have obtained release through the Great Vehicle.
"必以大乘而得度脱。
"But we failed to understand that the Buddha was employing expedient means and preaching what was appropriate to the circumstances.
"然我等不解方便随宜所说。
"So when we first heard the Law of the Buddha, we immediately believed and accepted it, supposing that we had gained understanding.
"初闻佛法遇便信受思惟取证。
"World-Honored One, for a long time now, all day and throughout the night, I have repeatedly taxed myself with this thought.
"世尊。我从昔来终日竟夜每自克责。
"But now I have heard from the Buddha what I had never heard before, a Law never known in the past, and it has ended all my doubts and regrets.
"而今从佛闻所未闻未曾有法。断诸疑悔。
"My body and mind are at ease and I have gained a wonderful feeling of peace and security.
"身意泰然快得安隐。
"Today at last I understand that truly I am the Buddha's son,
"今日乃知真是佛子。
"born from the Buddha's mouth, born through conversion to the Law, gaining my share of the Buddha's Law!"
"从佛口生从法化生。得佛法分。"
At that time Shariputra, wishing to state his meaning once more, spoke in verse form, saying:
尔时舍利弗。欲重宣此义。而说偈言
When I heard the sound of this Law, 我闻是法音
I gained what I had never had before. 得所未曾有
My mind was filled with great joy, 心怀大欢喜
I was released from all bonds of the net of doubt. 疑网皆已除
From past times I have received the Buddha's teachings昔来蒙佛教
and have not been denied the Great Vehicle. 不失于大乘
The Buddha's sound is very rarely heard, 佛音甚希有
but it can free living beings from distress. 能除众生恼
Already I have put an end to outflows, 我已得漏尽
and hearing this, am freed from care and distress. 闻亦除忧恼
I lived in the mountain valleys我处于山谷
or under the forest trees, 或在树林下
sometimes sitting, sometimes walking around, 若坐若经行
and constantly I thought of this matter--常思惟是事
how severely I taxed myself! 呜呼深自责
"Why have I been deceived?" I said. 云何而自欺
"I and the others are sons of the Buddha too, 我等亦佛子
all alike have entered the Law that is without outflows, 同入无漏法
yet in times to come we will never be able 不能于未来
to expound the unsurpassed way. 演说无上道
The golden body, the thirty-two features, 金色三十二
the ten powers, the various emancipations-- 十力诸解脱
though all alike share a single Law, 同共一法中
these we will never attain! 而不得此事
The eighty types of wonderful characteristics, 八十种妙好
the eighteen unshared properties--十八不共法
merits such as these如是等功德
are all lost to us!" 而我皆已失
When I was walking around alone, 我独经行时
I saw the Buddha among the great assembly, 见佛在大众
his fame filling the ten directions, 名闻满十方
bringing benefit far and wide to living beings, 广饶益众生
and I thought to myself, I am deprived of such benefits! 自惟失此利
How greatly have I been deceived! 我为自欺诳
Constantly, day and night, 我常于日夜
whenever I pondered over this, 每思惟是事
I wanted to ask the World-Honored One欲以问世尊
whether I had indeed been deprived or not. 为失为不失
Constantly, when I saw the World-Honored One我常见世尊
praising the bodhisattvas, 称赞诸菩萨
then day and night 以是于日夜
I would mull this matter over. 筹量如此事
But now as I listen to the voice of the Buddha, 今闻佛音声
I see he preaches the Law in accordance with what is appropriate,
随宜而说法
using this hard-to-conceive doctrine of no outflows 无漏难思议
to lead people to the place of practice. 令众至道场
Formerly I was attached to erroneous views, 我本着邪见
acting as teacher to the Brahmans. 为诸梵志师
But the World-Honored One, knowing what was in my mind, 世尊知我心
rooted out my errors and preached nirvana. 拔邪说涅槃
I was freed of all my errors我悉除邪见
and gained understanding of the Law of emptiness.于空法得证
At that time my mind told me尔时心自谓
I had reached the stage of extinction, 得至于灭度
but now I realize而今乃自觉
that was not true extinction. 非是实灭度
If the time should come when I can become a Buddha, 若得作佛时
then I will possess all the thirty-two features具三十二相
and heavenly and human beings, the many yakshas, 天人夜叉众
dragons, spirits and others will hold me in reverence. 龙神等恭敬
When that time comes, then I can say是时乃可谓
that at last all has been wiped out without residue. 永尽灭无余
In the midst of the great assembly, the Buddha佛于大众中
declared that I will become a Buddha. 说我当作佛
When I heard the sound of the this Law闻如是法音
my doubts and regrets were all wiped away. 疑悔悉已除
At first, when I heard the Buddha's preaching, 初闻佛所说
there was great astonishment and doubt in my mind. 心中大惊疑
Is this not a devil pretending to be the Buddha, 将非魔作佛
trying to vex and confuse my mind? I thought. 恼乱我心耶
But the Buddha employed various causes, 佛以种种缘
similes, and parables, expounding eloquently. 譬喻巧言说
His mind was peaceful as the sea, 其心安如海
and as I listened, I was freed from the net of doubt. 我闻疑网断
The Buddha said that in past ages佛说过去世
the countless Buddhas who have passed into extinction无量灭度佛
rested and abided in the midst of expedient means, 安住方便中
and all likewise preached this Law. 亦皆说是法
The Buddhas of the present and future, 现在未来佛
whose numbers are beyond calculation, 其数无有量
they too will use expedient means亦以诸方便
in expounding this same Law. 演说如是法
Thus the present World-Honored One, 如今者世尊
being born and later leaving his family, 从生及出家
attaining the way and turning the wheel of the Law, 得道转法轮
likewise employs expedient means in preaching. 亦以方便说
The World-Honored One preaches the true way. 世尊说实道
Papiyas would not do that. 波旬无此事
Therefore I know for certain以是我定知
this is not a devil pretending to be the Buddha. 非是魔作佛
But because I fell into the net of doubt我堕疑网故
I supposed this to be the devil's work. 谓是魔所为
Now I hear the Buddha's soft and gentle sound, 闻佛柔软音
profound, far-reaching, very subtle and wonderful, 深远甚微妙
expounding and discoursing on the pure Law, 演畅清净法
and my mind is filled with great joy. 我心大欢喜
My doubts and regrets are forever ended, 疑悔永已尽
I will rest and abide in true wisdom. 安住实智中
I am certain I will become a Buddha, 我定当作佛
to be revered by heavenly and human beings, 为天人所敬
turning the wheel of the unsurpassed Law转无上法轮
and teaching and converting the bodhisattvas. 教化诸菩萨
At that time the Buddha said to Shariputra,
尔时佛告舍利弗。
"Now, in the midst of this great assembly of heavenly and human beings, shramanas, Brahmans and so forth, I say this.
"吾今于天人沙门婆罗门等大众中说。
"In the past, under twenty thousand million Buddhas, for the sake of the unsurpassed way I have constantly taught and converted you.
"我昔曾于二万亿佛所。为无上道故常教化汝。
"And you throughout the long night followed me and accepted my instruction.
"汝亦长夜随我受学。
"我以方便引导汝故生我法中。舍利弗。我昔教汝志愿佛道。汝今悉忘。而便自谓已得灭度。
"Now , because I want to make you recall to mind the way that you originally vowed to follow,
"我今还欲令汝忆念本愿所行道故。
"for the sake of the voice-hearers I am preaching this Great Vehicle sutra called the Lotus of the Wonderful Law, a Law to instruct the bodhisattvas, one that is guarded and kept in mind by the Buddhas.
"为诸声闻说是大乘经。名妙法莲华教菩萨法佛所护念。
"Shariputra, in ages to come, after a countless, boundless inconceivable number of kalpas have passed,
"舍利弗。汝于未来世过无量无边不可思议劫。
"you will make offerings to some thousands, ten thousands millions of Buddhas, and will honor and uphold the correct Law.
"供养若干千万亿佛。奉持正法。
"You will fulfill every aspect of the way of the bodhisattva and will be able to become a Buddha with the name Flower Glow Thus Come One, worthy of offerings, of right and universal knowledge, perfect clarity and conduct, well gone, understanding the world, unexcelled worthy, trainer of people, teacher of heavenly and human beings, Buddha, World-Honored One.
"具足菩萨所行之道。当得作佛。号曰华光如来应供正遍知明行足善逝世间解无上士调御丈夫天人师佛世尊。
"Your realm will be called Free from Stain,
"国名离垢。
"the land will be level and smooth, pure and beautifully adorned, peaceful, bountiful and happy. Heavenly and human beings will flourish there.
"其土平正清净严饰。安隐丰乐天人炽盛。
"The ground will be of lapis lazuli, roads will crisscross it in eight directions, and ropes of gold will mark their boundaries.
"琉璃为地有八交道。黄金为绳以界其侧。
"Beside each road will grow rows of seven-jeweled trees which will constantly flower and bear fruit.
"其傍各有七宝行树。常有华果。
"And this Flower Glow Thus Come One will employ the three vehicles to teach and convert living beings.
"华光如来亦以三乘教化众生。
"Shariputra, when this Buddha appears, although it will not be an evil age,
"舍利弗。彼佛出时虽非恶世。
"because of his original vow he will preach the Law through the three vehicles.
"以本愿故说三乘法。
"His kalpa will be called Great Treasure Adornment.
"其劫名大宝庄严。
" Why will it be called Great Treasure Adornment?
"何故名曰大宝庄严。
"Because in that land bodhisattvas will be looked on as a great treasure.
"其国中以菩萨为大宝故。
"Those bodhisattvas will be countless, boundless, inconceivable in number, beyond the reach of reckoning or of simile and parable.
"彼诸菩萨无量无边不可思议。算数譬喻所不能及。
"Without the power of Buddha wisdom, one cannot understand how many..
"非佛智力无能知者。
"Whenever these bodhisattvas wish to walk anywhere, jeweled flowers will uphold their feet.
"若欲行时宝华承足。
"These bodhisattvas will not have just conceived the desire for enlightenment,
"此诸菩萨非初发意。
"but all will have spent a long time planting the roots of virtue.
"皆久殖德本。
"Under countless hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, millions of Buddhas they will have carried out Brahma practices in a flawless manner,
"于无量百千万亿佛所净修梵行。
"and will have been perpetually praised by the Buddhas.
"恒为诸佛之所称叹。
"Constantly they will have cultivated Buddha wisdom, acquiring great transcendental powers and thoroughly understanding the gateways to all the doctrines.
"常修佛慧具大神通。善知一切诸法之门。
"They will be upright in character, without duplicity, firm in intent and thought.
"质直无伪志念坚固。
"Bodhisattvas such as this will abound in that land.
"如是菩萨充满其国。
"Shariputra, the life span of the Buddha Flower Glow will be twelve small kalpas,
"舍利弗。华光佛寿十二小劫。
"not counting the times when he is still a prince and before he becomes a Buddha.
"除为王子未作佛时。
"The people of his land will have a life span of eight small kalpas.
"其国人民寿八小劫。
"When Flower Glow Thus Come One has lived for twelve small kalpas,
"华光如来过十二小劫。
"he will prophesy that the bodhisattva Firm Full will attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.
"授坚满菩萨阿耨多罗三藐三菩提记。
"He will announce to the monks, 'This bodhisattva Firm Full will be the next to become a Buddha. He will be named Flower feet Safely Walking, tathagata, arhat, samyak-sambuddha. His Buddha land will be like mine. '
"告诸比丘。是坚满菩萨次当作佛。号曰华足安行多陀阿伽度阿罗诃三藐三佛陀。其佛国土亦复如是。
"Shariputra, after the Buddha Flower Glow has passed into extinction,
"舍利弗。是华光佛灭度之后。
"the era of the Correct Law will last for thirty-two small kalpas,
"正法住世三十二小劫。
"and the era of the Counterfeit Law will last for another thirty-two small kalpas."
"像法住世亦三十二小劫。
At that time the World-Honored One, wishing to state his meaning once more, spoke in verse form, saying:
尔时世尊。欲重宣此义。而说偈言
Shariputra, in ages to come舍利弗来世
you will become a Buddha, of universal wisdom, venerable, 成佛普智尊
bearing the name Flower Glow, 号名曰华光
and you will save countless multitudes. 当度无量众
You will make offerings to numberless Buddhas, 供养无数佛
be endowed with all the Bodhisattva practices, 具足菩萨行
the ten powers and other blessings, 十力等功德
and will realize the unsurpassed way. 证于无上道
After countless kalpas have passed, 过无量劫已
your kalpa will be named Great Treasure Adornment. 劫名大宝严
Your world will be called Free from Stain, 世界名离垢
pure, without flaw or defilement. 清净无瑕秽
Its land will be made of lapis lazuli, 以琉璃为地
its roads bounded by ropes of gold, 金绳界其道
and seven-jeweled trees in a jumble of colors七宝杂色树
will constantly bear blossoms and fruit. 常有华果实
The bodhisattvas of that realm彼国诸菩萨
will always be firm in intent and thought. 志念常坚固
Transcendental powers and paramitas--神通波罗蜜
each will be endowed with all of these, 皆已悉具足
and under numberless Buddhas于无数佛所
they will diligently study the bodhisattva way. 善学菩萨道
Thus these great men如是等大士
will be converted by the Buddha Flower Glow. 华光佛所化
When that Buddha was still a prince, 佛为王子时
he gave up his country, abandoned worldly glory, 弃国舍世荣
and in his final incarnation于最末后身
left his family and attained the Buddha way. 出家成佛道
Flower Glow Buddha will continue in the world华光佛住世
for a life span of twelve small kalpas. 寿十二小劫
The numerous people of his land其国人民众
will have a life span of eight small kalpas. 寿命八小劫
After that Buddha has passed into extinction, 佛灭度之后
the Correct Law will endure in the world正法住于世
for thirty-two small kalpas, 三十二小劫
saving living beings far and wide. 广度诸众生
When the correct law has passed away, 正法灭尽已
the Counterfeit Law will endure for thirty-two kalpas. 像法三十二
The Buddha's relics will circulate widely; 舍利广流布
heavenly and human beings everywhere will make offerings to them.
天人普供养
The actions of Flower Glow Buddha华光佛所为
will all be as I have said. 其事皆如是
This most saintly and venerable of two-legged beings其两足圣尊
will be foremost and without peer. 最胜无伦匹
And he will be none other than you--彼即是汝身
you should rejoice and count yourself fortunate! 宜应自欣庆
At that time, when the four kinds of believers, namely, monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen, and the heavenly beings, dragons, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kimnaras, mahoragas, and others in the great assembly saw how Shariputra received from the Buddha this prophecy that he would attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi,
尔时四部众。比丘比丘尼优婆塞优婆夷。天龙夜叉乾闼婆阿修罗迦楼罗紧那罗摩睺罗伽等大众。见舍利弗于佛前受阿耨多罗三藐三菩提记。
their hearts were filled with great joy and danced without end.
心大欢喜踊跃无量。
Each one removed the upper robe that he or she was wearing and presented it a an offering to the Buddha.
各各脱身所著上衣。以供养佛。
Shakra Devanam Indra, King Brahma, and the countless sons of gods likewise took their wonderful heavenly robes, heavenly mandarava flowers and great mandarava flowers and offered them to the Buddha.
释提桓因梵天王等。与无数天子。亦以天妙衣天曼陀罗华摩诃曼陀罗华等。供养于佛。
The heavenly robes they had scattered remained suspended in the air and turned round and round of themselves.
所散天衣住虚空中。而自回转。
Heavenly beings made music, a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand varieties,
all at the same time in the midst of the air, raining down quantities of heavenly flowers and speaking these words:
诸天伎乐百千万种。于虚空中一时俱作。雨众天华。而作是言。
"In the past at Varanasi the Buddha first turned the wheel of the Law.
"佛昔于波罗奈初转法轮。
"Now he turns the wheel again, the wheel of the unsurpassed, the greatest Law of all!"
"今乃复转无上最大法轮。"
At that time the sons of gods, wishing to state their meaning once more, spoke in verse form, saying:
尔时诸天子。欲重宣此义。而说偈言
In the past at Varanasi昔于波罗奈
you turned the wheel of the Law of the four noble truths, 转四谛法轮
making distinctions, preaching that all things分别说诸法
are born and become extinct, bing made up of the five components.
五众之生灭
Now you turn the wheel of the most wonderful, 今复转最妙
the unsurpassed great Law. 无上大法轮
This Law is very profound and abstruse; 是法甚深奥
there are few who can believe it. 少有能信者
Since times past often we have heard我等从昔来
the World-Honored One's preaching, 数闻世尊说
but we have never heard this kind of profound, wonderful and superior
Law. 未曾闻如是 深妙之上法
Since the World-Honored One preaches this Law, 世尊说是法
we all welcome it with joy. 我等皆随喜
Shariputra with his great wisdom大智舍利弗
has now received this venerable prophecy. 今得受尊记
We too in the same way我等亦如是
will surely be able to attain Buddhahood, 必当得作佛
throughout all the many worlds于一切世间
the most venerable, the unsurpassed goal. 最尊无有上
The Buddha way is difficult to fathom, 佛道叵思议
but you will preach with expedient means,
according to what is appropriate. 方便随宜说
The meritorious deeds we have done我所有福业
in this existence or past existences, 今世若过世
and the blessings gained from seeing the Buddha--及见佛功德
all these we will apply to the Buddha way. 尽回向佛道
At that time Shariputra said to the Buddha:
尔时舍利弗白佛言。
"World-Honored One, now I have no mere doubts or regrets.
"世尊。我今无复疑悔。
"In person I have received from the Buddha this prophecy that I will attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.
"亲于佛前得受阿耨多罗三藐三菩提记。
"These twelve hundred persons here whose minds are free -- in the past they remained at the level of learning, and the Buddha constantly taught and converted them, saying,
"是诸千二百心自在者。昔住学地。佛常教化言。
"'My Law can free you from birth, old age, sickness and death and enable you at last to achieve nirvana.'
"'我法能离生老病死究竟涅槃。'
"These persons, some of whom were still learning and some who had completed their learning, each believed that, because he had shed his views of 'self,' and also his views of 'existing' and 'not existing,' he had attained nirvana.
"是学无学人。亦各自以离我见及有无见等。谓得涅槃。
"But now from the World-Honored One they hear what they had never heard before, and all have fallen into doubt and perplexity.
"而今于世尊前闻所未闻皆堕疑惑。
"Very well, World-Honored One. I beg that for the sake of the four kinds of believers you will explain the causes and conditions and make it possible for them to shed their doubts and regrets."
"善哉世尊。愿为四众说其因缘令离疑悔。
At that time the Buddha said so Shariputra,
尔时佛告舍利弗。
"Did I not tell you earlier that when the Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones, cite various causes and conditions and use similes, parables, and other expressions, employing expedient means to preach the Law,
"我先不言诸佛世尊。以种种因缘譬喻言辞方便说法。
"it is all for the sake of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi? Whatever is preached is all for the sake of converting the bodhisattvas.
"皆为阿耨多罗三藐三菩提耶。是诸所说皆为化菩萨故。
"Moreover, Shariputra, I too will now make use of similes and parables to further clarify this doctrine.
"然舍利弗。今当复以譬喻更明此义。
"For through similes and parables those who are wise can obtain understanding.
"诸有智者。以譬喻得解。
"Shariputra, suppose that in a certain town in a certain country there was a very rich man.
"舍利弗。若国邑聚落有大长者。
"He was far along in years and his wealth was beyond measure.
"其年衰迈财富无量。
"He had many fields, houses and menservants. His own house was big and rambling, but it had only one gate.
"多有田宅及诸僮仆。其家广大。唯有一门。
"A great many people--a hundred, two hundred, perhaps as many as five hundred--lived in the house.
"多诸人众。一百二百乃至五百人。止住其中。
"The halls and rooms were old and decaying, the walls crumbling, the pillars rotten at their base, and the beams and rafters crooked and aslant.
"堂阁朽故墙壁隤落。柱根腐败梁栋倾危。
"At that time a fire suddenly broke out on all sides, spreading through the rooms of the house.
"周匝俱时歘然火起焚烧舍宅。
"The sons of the rich man, ten, twenty perhaps thirty, were inside the house.
"长者诸子。若十二十或至三十。在此宅中。
"When the rich man saw the huge flames leaping up on every side,
"长者见是大火从四面起。
"he was greatly alarmed and fearful and thought to himself,
"即大惊怖。而作是念。
"I can escape to safety through the flaming gate,
"我虽能于此所烧之门安隐得出。
"but my sons are inside the burning house enjoying themselves and playing games, unaware, unknowing, without alarm or fear.
"而诸子等。于火宅内乐着嬉戏。不觉不知不惊不怖。
"The fire is closing in on them, suffering and pain threaten them,
"火来逼身苦痛切己。
"yet their minds have no sense of loathing or peril and they do not think of trying to escape!
"心不厌患无求出意。
"Shariputra, this rich man thought to himself,
"舍利弗。是长者作是思惟。
"I have strength in my body and arms. I can wrap them in a robe or place them on a bench and carry them out of the house.
"我身手有力。当以衣裓。若以机案。从舍出之。
"nd then again he thought, this house has only one gate, and moreover it is narrow and small.
"复更思惟。是舍唯有一门。而复狭小。
"My sons are very young, they have no understanding, and they love their games,
"诸子幼稚未有所识。恋着戏处。
"being so engrossed in them that they are likely to be burned in the fire.
"或当堕落为火所烧。
"I must explain to them why I am fearful and alarmed.
"我当为说怖畏之事。
"The house is already in flames and I must get them out quickly and not let them be burned up in the fire!
"此舍已烧宜时疾出。无令为火之所烧害。
"Having thought in this way, he followed his plan and called to all his sons, saying, 'You must come out at once! '
"作是念已。如所思惟。具告诸子。'汝等速出。'
" But though the father was moved by pity and gave good words of instruction,
"父虽怜愍善言诱喻。
"the sons were absorbed in their games and unwilling to heed them.
"而诸子等。乐着嬉戏不肯信受。
" They had no alarm, no fright, and in the end no mind to leave the house.
"不惊不畏了无出心。
" Moreover, they did not understand what the fire was, what the house was, what the danger was.
"亦复不知何者是火何者为舍。云何为失。
" They merely raced about this way and that in play and looked at their father without heeding him.
"但东西走戏视父而已。
"尔时长者即作是念。此舍已为大火所烧。我及诸子。若不时出。必为所焚。我今当设方便。令诸子等得免斯害。
"The father understood his sons and knew what various toys and curious objects each child customarily liked and what would delight them.
"父知诸子先心各有所好。种种珍玩奇异之物情必乐着。
" And so he said to them, 'The kind of playthings you like are rare and hard to find.
"而告之言。汝等所可玩好希有难得。
"'If you do not take them when you can, you will surely regret it later.
"'汝若不取后必忧悔。
"'For example, things like these goat-carts, deer-carts and ox-carts. They are outside the gate now where you can play with them.
"'如此种种羊车鹿车牛车今在门外。可以游戏。
"'So you must come out of this burning house at once.
"'汝等于此火宅宜速出来。
"'Then whatever ones you want, I will give them all to you!'
"'随汝所欲皆当与汝。'
"At that time, when the sons heard their father telling them about these rare playthings, because such things were just what they had wanted,
"尔时诸子闻父所说。珍玩之物适其愿故。
"each felt emboldened in heart and, pushing and shoving one another, they all came wildly dashing out of the burning house.
"心各勇锐互相推排。竞共驰走争出火宅。
"At that time the rich man, seeing that his sons had gotten out safely and all were seated on the open ground at the crossroads and were no longer in danger, was greatly relieved and his mind danced for joy.
"是时长者。见诸子等安隐得出。皆于四衢道中露地而坐。无复障碍。其心泰然欢喜踊跃。
"At that time each of the sons said to his father, 'the playthings you promised us earlier, the goat-carts and deer-carts and ox-carts--please give them to us now!'
"时诸子等。各白父言。父先所许玩好之具。羊车鹿车牛车愿时赐与
"Shariputra, at that time the rich man gave to each of his sons a large carriage of uniform size and quality.
"舍利弗。尔时长者。各赐诸子等一大车。
"The carriages were tall and spacious and adorned with numerous jewels.
"其车高广众宝庄校。
"A railing ran all around them and bells hung from all four sides.
"周匝栏楯四面悬铃。
"A canopy was stretched over the top, which was also decorated with an assortment of precious jewels.
"又于其上张设幰盖。亦以珍奇杂宝而严饰之。
"Ropes of jewels twined around, a fringe of flowers hung down, and layers of cushions were spread inside, on which were placed vermillion pillows.
"宝绳绞络垂诸华缨。重敷綩綖安置丹枕。
"Each carriage was drawn by a white ox, pure and clean in hide, handsome in form and of great strength, capable of pulling the carriage smoothly and properly at a pace fast as the wind.
"驾以白牛。肤色充洁形体姝好。有大筋力。行步平正。其疾如风。
"In addition, there were many grooms and servants to attend and guard the carriage.
"又多仆从而侍卫之。
"What was the reason for this?
"所以者何。
"This rich man's wealth was limitless and he had many kinds of storehouses that were all filled and overflowing.
"是大长者。财富无量。种种诸藏悉皆充溢。
"And he thought to himself, 'There is no end to my possessions. It would not be right if I were to give my sons small carriages of inferior make.
"而作是念。我财物无极。不应以下劣小车与诸子等。
"'These little boys are all my sons and I love them without partiality.
今此幼童皆是吾子。爱无偏党。
"'I have countless numbers of large carriages adorned with seven kinds of gems.
"'我有如是七宝大车。其数无量。
"'I should be fair-minded and give one to each of my sons. I should not show any discrimination.
"'应当等心各各与之。不宜差别。
"'Why? Because even if I distributed these possessions of mine to every person in the whole country I would still not exhaust them, much less could I do so by giving them to my sons!
"'所以者何。以我此物周给一国。犹尚不匮。何况诸子。'
"At that time each of the sons mounted his large carriage, gaining something he had never had before,
"是时诸子。各乘大车得未曾有。
"something he had originally never expected.
"非本所望。
"Shariputra, what do you think of this?
"舍利弗。于汝意云何。
"When this rich man impartially handed out to his sons these big carriages adorned with rare jewels, was he guilty of falsehood or not?"
"是长者等与诸子珍宝大车。宁有虚妄不。"
Shariputra said, "No, World-Honored One. This rich man simply made it possible for his sons to escape the peril of fire and preserve their lives. He did not commit a falsehood.
"舍利弗言。"不也世尊。是长者。但令诸子得免火难。全其躯命非为虚妄。
"Why do I say this? Because if they were able to preserve their lives, then they had already obtained a plaything of sorts.
"何以故。若全身命。便为已得玩好之具。
"And how much more so when, through an expedient means, they are rescued from that burning house!
"况复方便于彼火宅而拔济之。
"World-Honored One, even if the rich man had not given them the tiniest carriage, he would still not be guilty of falsehood.
"世尊。若是长者。乃至不与最小一车。犹不虚妄。
"Why? Because this rich man had earlier made up his mind that he would employ an expedient means to cause his sons to escape.
"何以故。是长者先作是意。我以方便令子得出。
"Using a device of this kind was no act of falsehood.
"以是因缘无虚妄也。
""How much less so, then, when the rich man knew that his wealth was limitless and he intended to enrich and benefit his sons by giving each of them a large carriage."
"何况长者。自知财富无量。欲饶益诸子等与大车。"
The Buddha said to Shariputra, "Very good, very good. In is just as you have said.
佛告舍利弗。"善哉善哉。如汝所言。
"And Shariputra, the Thus Come One is like this.
"舍利弗。如来亦复如是。
"That is, he is a father to all the world.
"则为一切世间之父。
"His fears, cares and anxieties, ignorance and misunderstanding, have long come to an end, leaving no residue.
"于诸怖畏衰恼忧患无明闇蔽。永尽无余。
"He has fully succeeded in acquiring measureless insight, power and freedom from fear and gaining great supernatural powers and the power of wisdom.
"而悉成就无量知见力无所畏。有大神力及智慧力。
"He is endowed with expedient means and the paramita of wisdom,
"具足方便智慧波罗蜜。
"his great pity and great compassion are constant and unflagging;
"大慈大悲常无懈惓。
"at all times he seeks what is good and will bring benefit to all.
"恒求善事利益一切。
"He is born into the threefold world, a burning house, rotten and old.
"而生三界朽故火宅。
"In order to save living beings from the fires of birth, old age, sickness and death, care suffering, stupidity, misunderstanding, and the three poisons;
"为度众生生老病死忧悲苦恼愚痴闇蔽三毒之火。
"to teach and convert them and enable them to attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.
"教化令得阿耨多罗三藐三菩提。
"He sees living beings seared and consumed by birth, old age, sickness and death, care and suffering,
"见诸众生为生老病死忧悲苦恼之所烧煮。
"sees them undergo many kinds of pain because of their greed and attachment and striving they undergo numerous pains in their present existence,
"亦以五欲财利故受种种苦。又以贪着追求故现受众苦。
"and later they undergo the pain of being reborn in hell or as beasts or hungry spirits.
"后受地狱畜生饿鬼之苦。
"Even if they are reborn in the heavenly realm or the realm of human beings,
"若生天上及在人间。
"they undergo the pain of poverty and want, the pain of parting from loved ones, the pain of encountering those they detest--all these many different kinds of pain.
"贫穷困苦爱别离苦怨憎会苦。如是等种种诸苦。
"Yet living beings drowned in the midst of all this, delight and amuse themselves, unaware, unknowing, without alarm or fear.
"众生没在其中。欢喜游戏。不觉不知不惊不怖。
"They feel no sense of loathing and make no attempt to escape.
"亦不生厌不求解脱。
"In this burning house which is the threefold world, they race about to east and west,
"于此三界火宅东西驰走。
"and though they encounter great pain, they are not distressed by it.
"虽遭大苦不以为患。
"Shariputra, when the Buddha sees this, then he thinks to himself,
"舍利弗。佛见此已便作是念。
"I am the father of living beings and I should rescue them from their sufferings and give them the joy of the measureless and boundless Buddha wisdom so that they may find their enjoyment in that.
"我为众生之父。应拔其苦难。与无量无边佛智慧乐。令其游戏
"Shariputra, the Thus Come One also has this thought:
"舍利弗。如来复作是念。
"if I should merely employ supernatural powers and the power of wisdom;
"若我但以神力及智慧力。
"if I should set aside expedient means and for the sake of living beings should praise the Thus Come One's insight, power and freedom from fear,
"舍于方便。为诸众生。赞如来知见力无所畏者。
"then living beings would not be able to gain salvation.
"众生不能以是得度。
"Why? Because these living beings have not yet escaped from birth, old age, sickness, death, care and suffering,
"所以者何。是诸众生。未免生老病死忧悲苦恼。
"but are consumed by flames in the burning house that is the threefold world.
"而为三界火宅所烧。
"How could they be able to understand the Buddha's wisdom?
"何由能解佛之智慧。
"Shariputra, that rich man, though he had strength in his body and arms, did not use it.
"舍利弗。如彼长者。虽复身手有力而不用之。
"He merely employed a carefully contrived expedient means and thus was able to rescue his sons from the peril of the burning house, and afterward gave each of them a large carriage adorned with rare jewels.
"但以殷勤方便。勉济诸子火宅之难。然后各与珍宝大车。
"And the Thus Come One does the same. Though he possesses power and freedom from fear, he does not use these.
"如来亦复如是。虽有力无所畏。而不用之。
"He merely employs wisdom and expedient means to rescue living beings from the burning house of the threefold world, expounding to them the three vehicles, the vehicle of the voice-hearer, that of pratyekabuddha, and that of the Buddha.
"但以智慧方便。于三界火宅拔济众生。为说三乘声闻辟支佛佛乘。
"He says to them, 'You must not be content to stay in this burning house of the threefold world!
"而作是言。汝等莫得乐住三界火宅。
"'Do not be greedy for its coarse and shoddy forms, sounds, scents, tastes and sensations!
"'勿贪粗弊色声香味触也。
"'If you become attached to them and learn to love them, you will be burned up!
"'若贪着生爱则为所烧。
"'You must come out of this threefold world at once so that you can acquire the three vehicles, the vehicles of the voice-hearer, the pratyekabuddha and the Buddha.
"'汝速出三界。当得三乘声闻辟支佛佛乘。
"'I promise you now that you will get them, and that promise will never prove false.
"'我今为汝保任此事。终不虚也。
"'You have only to apply yourselves with diligent effort!'
"'汝等但当勤修精进。'
"The Thus Come One employs this expedient means to lure living beings into action. And then he says to them,
"如来以是方便诱进众生。复作是言。
"'You should understand that these doctrines of the three vehicles are all praised by the sages.
"'汝等当知。此三乘法皆是圣所称叹。
"'They are free, without entanglements, leaving nothing further to depend upon or seek.
"'自在无系无所依求。
"'Mount these three vehicles, gain roots that are without outflows, gain powers, awareness, the way, meditation, emancipation, samadhis, and then enjoy yourselves.
"'乘是三乘。以无漏根力觉道禅定解脱三昧等。而自娱乐。
"'You will gain the delight of immeasurable peace and safety.'
"'便得无量安隐快乐。'
"Shariputra, if there are living beings who are inwardly wise in nature,
"舍利弗。若有众生。内有智性。
"and who attend the Buddha, the World-Honored One, hear the Law, believe and accept it,
"从佛世尊闻法信受。
"and put forth diligent effort, desiring to escape quickly from the threefold world and seeking to attain nirvana,
"殷勤精进欲速出三界。自求涅槃。
"they shall be called [those who ride] the vehicle of the voice hearer.
"是名声闻乘。
"They are like those sons who left the burning house in the hope of acquiring goat-carts.
"如彼诸子为求羊车出于火宅。
"If there are living beings who attend the Buddha, the World-Honored One, hear the Law, believe and accept it,
"若有众生。从佛世尊闻法信受。
"and put forth diligent effort, seeking wisdom that comes of itself,
"殷勤精进求自然慧。
"taking solitary delight in goodness and tranquility, and profoundly understanding the causes and conditions of all phenomena,
"乐独善寂深知诸法因缘。
"they shall be called [those who ride] the vehicle of the pratyekabuddha.
"是名辟支佛乘。
"They are like the sons who left the burning house in the hope of acquiring deer-carts.
"如彼诸子为求鹿车出于火宅。
"If there are living beings who attend the Buddha, the World-Honored One, hear the Law, believe and accept it, and put forth diligent effort,
"若有众生。从佛世尊闻法信受。勤修精进。
"seeking comprehensive wisdom, the insight of the Thus Come One, powers and freedom from fear,
"求一切智佛智自然智无师智如来知见力无所畏。
" who pity and comfort countless living beings, bring benefit to heavenly and human beings, and save them all, they shall be called [those who ride] the Great Vehicle.
"愍念安乐无量众生。利益天人度脱一切。是名大乘。
"Because the bodhisattvas seek this vehicle, they are called mahasattvas.
"菩萨求此乘故名为摩诃萨。
"They are like the sons who left the burning house in the hope of acquiring ox-carts.
"如彼诸子为求牛车出于火宅。
"Shariputra, that rich man, seeing that his sons had all gotten out of the burning house safely and were no longer threatened,
"舍利弗。如彼长者见诸子等安隐得出火宅到无畏处。
"recalled that his wealth was immeasurable and presented each of his sons with a large carriage.
"自惟财富无量等以大车而赐诸子。
"And the Thus Come One does likewise. He is the father of all living beings.
"如来亦复如是。为一切众生之父。
"When he sees that countless thousands of millions of living beings, through the gateway of the Buddha's teaching, can escape the pains of the threefold world, the fearful and perilous road, and gain the delights of nirvana,
"若见无量亿千众生以佛教门出三界苦怖畏险道得涅槃乐。
"the Thus Come One at that time has this thought: I possess measureless, boundless wisdom, power, fearlessness, the storehouse of the Law of the Buddhas.
"如来尔时便作是念。我有无量无边智慧力无畏等诸佛法藏。
"These living beings are all my sons. I will give the Great Vehicle to all of them equally so that there will not be those who gain extinction by themselves, but that all may do so through the extinction of the Thus Come One.
"是诸众生皆是我子。等与大乘。不令有人独得灭度。皆以如来灭度而灭度之。
"To all the living beings who have escaped from the threefold world he then gives the delightful gifts of the meditation, emancipation, and so forth, of the Buddhas.
"是诸众生脱三界者。悉与诸佛禅定解脱等娱乐之具。
"All these are uniform in characteristics, uniform in type, praised by the sages, capable of producing pure, wonderful, supreme delight.
"皆是一相一种圣所称叹。能生净妙第一之乐。
"Shariputra, that rich man first used three types of carriages to entice his sons,
"舍利弗。如彼长者初以三车诱引诸子。
"but later he gave them just the large carriage adorned with jewels, the safest, most comfortable kind of all.
"然后但与大车宝物庄严安隐第一。
"Despite this, that rich man was not guilty of falsehood.
"然彼长者。无虚妄之咎。
"The Thus Come One does the same, and he is without falsehood.
"如来亦复如是。无有虚妄。
"First he preaches the three vehicles to attract and guide living beings,
"初说三乘引导众生。
"but later he employs just the Great Vehicle to save them.
"然后但以大乘而度脱之。
"Why? The Thus Come One possesses measureless wisdom, power, freedom from fear, the storehouse of the Law. He is capable of giving to all living beings the Law of the Great Vehicle.
"何以故。如来有无量智慧力无所畏诸法之藏。能与一切众生大乘之法。
"But not all of them are capable of receiving it.
"但不尽能受。
"Shariputra, for this reason you should understand that the Buddhas employ the power of expedient means. And because they do so, they make distinctions in the one Buddha vehicle and preach it as three."
"舍利弗。以是因缘。当知诸佛方便力故。于一佛乘分别说三。"
The Buddha, wishing to state his meaning once more, spoke in verse form, saying:
佛欲重宣此义。而说偈言
Suppose there was a rich man譬如长者
who had a large house. 有一大宅
This house was very old, 其宅久故
and decayed and dilapidated as well. 而复顿弊
The halls, though lofty, were in dangerous condition堂舍高危
beams and rafters were slating and askew, 柱根摧朽梁栋倾斜
foundations and steps were crumbling. 基陛隤毁
Walls were cracked and gaping墙壁圮坼
and the plaster had fallen off of them. 泥涂褫落
The roof thatch was in disrepair or missing, 覆苫乱坠
the tips of the eaves had dropped off. 椽梠差脱
The fences surrounding it were crooked or collapsed周障屈曲
and heaped rubbish was piled all around. 杂秽充遍
Some five hundred persons有五百人
lived in the house. 止住其中
Kites, owls, hawks, eagles, 鵄枭雕鹫
crows, magpies, doves, pigeons, 乌鹊鸠鸽
lizards, snakes, vipers, scorpions, 蚖蛇蝮蝎
centipedes and millipedes, 蜈蚣蚰蜒
newts and ground beetles, 守宫百足
weasels, raccoon dogs, mice, rats, 狖狸鼷鼠
hordes of evil creatures诸恶虫辈
scurried this way and that. 交横驰走
Places that stank of excrement屎尿臭处
overflowed in streams of filth不净流溢
where dung beetles and other creatures gathered. 蜣蜋诸虫 而集其上
Foxes, wolves and jackals狐狼野干
gnawed and trampled in the filth咀嚼践蹋
or tore apart dead bodies, [齿*齐]啮死尸
scattering bones and flesh about. 骨肉狼藉
Because of this, packs of dogs 由是群狗
came racing to the spot to snatch and tear, 竞来搏撮
driven by hunger and fear, 饥羸慞惶
searching everywhere for food, 处处求食
fighting, struggling and seizing, 斗诤[齿*查]掣
baring their teeth, snarling and howling. 嘊喍嗥吠
That house was fearful, frightening, 其舍恐怖
so altered was its aspect. 变状如是
In every part of it处处皆有
there were goblins and trolls, 魑魅魍魉
yakshas and evil spirits夜叉恶鬼
who feed on human flesh食噉人肉
or on poisonous creatures. 毒虫之属
The various evil birds and beasts诸恶禽兽
bore offspring, hatched and nursed them, 孚乳产生
each hiding and protecting its young, 各自藏护
but the yakshas outdid one another夜叉竞来
in their haste to seize and eat them. 争取食之
And when they had eaten their fill, 食之既饱
their evil hearts became fiercer than ever; 恶心转炽
the sound of their wrangling and contention斗诤之声
was terrifying indeed. 甚可怖畏
Kumbhanda demons鸠槃荼鬼
crouched on clumps of earth蹲踞土埵
or leaped one or two feet
off the ground, 或时离地 一尺二尺
idling, wandering here and there, 往返游行
amusing themselves according to their whims. 纵逸嬉戏
Sometimes they seized a dog by two of its legs捉狗两足
and beat it till it had lost its voice, 扑令失声
or planted their feet on the dog's neck, 以脚加颈
terrifying it for their own delight. 怖狗自乐
Again there were demons复有诸鬼
with large tall bodies, 其身长大
naked in form, black and emaciated裸形黑瘦
constantly living there, 常住其中
who would cry out in loud ugly voices, 发大恶声
shouting and demanding food. 叫呼求食
There were other demons复有诸鬼
whose throats were like needles, 其咽如针
or still other demons复有诸鬼
with heads like the head of an ox, 首如牛头
some feeding on human flesh, 或食人肉
others devouring dogs. 或复噉狗
Their hair like tangled weeds, 头发蓬乱
cruel, baleful, ferocious, 残害凶险
driven by hunger and thirst, 饥渴所逼
they dashed about shrieking and howling. 叫唤驰走
The yakshas and starving spirits夜叉饿鬼
and the various evil birds and beasts诸恶鸟兽
hungrily pressed forward in all directions, 饥急四向
peering out at the windows. 窥看窗牖
Such were the perils of this house, 如是诸难
threats and terrors beyond measure. 恐畏无量
This house, old and rotting, 是朽故宅
belonged to a certain man属于一人
and that man had gone nearby其人近出
and he had not been out for long未久之间
when a fire
suddenly broke out in the house. 于后舍宅 忽然火起
In one moment from all four sides四面一时
the flames rose up in a mass. 其炎俱炽
Ridgepoles, beams, rafters, pillars栋梁椽柱
exploded with a roar, quivering, splitting, 爆声震裂
broke in two and came rumbling down摧折堕落
as walls and partitions collapsed. 墙壁崩倒
The various demons and spirits诸鬼神等
lifted their voices in a great wail, 扬声大叫
the hawks, eagles and other birds, 雕鹫诸鸟
the kumbhanda demons, 鸠槃荼等
were filled with panic and terror, 周章惶怖
not knowing how to escape. 不能自出
The evil beasts and poisonous creatures恶兽毒虫
hid in their holes and dens, 藏窜孔穴
and the pishacha demons, 毗舍阇鬼
who were also living there, 亦住其中
because they had done so little that was good, 薄福德故
were oppressed by the flames为火所逼
and attacked one another, 共相残害
drinking blood and gobbling flesh. 饮血噉肉
The jackals and their like野干之属
were already dead by this time并已前死
and the larger of the evil beasts诸大恶兽
vied in devouring them. 竞来食噉
Foul smoke swirled and billowed up, 臭烟熢火孛
filling the house on every side. 四面充塞
The centipedes and millipedes, 蜈蚣蚰蜒
the poisonous snakes and their kind, 毒蛇之类
scorched by the flames, 为火所烧
came scurrying out of their lairs, 争走出穴
whereupon the kumbhanda demons鸠槃荼鬼
pounced on them and ate them. 随取而食
In addition, the starving spirits, 又诸饿鬼
the fire raging about their heads, 头上火燃
hungry, thirsty, tormented by the heat饥渴热恼,
raced this way and that in terror and confusion. 周章闷走
Such was the state of that house, 其宅如是
truly frightening and fearful; 甚可怖畏
malicious injury, the havoc of fire-毒害火灾
many ills, not just one, afflicted it. 众难非一
At this time the owner of the house是时宅主
was standing outside the gate在门外立
when he heard someone say, 闻有人言
"A while ago your various sons, 汝诸子等
in order to play their games, 先因游戏
went inside the house. 来入此宅
They are very young and lack understanding稚小无知
and will be wrapped up in their amusements." 欢娱乐着
When the rich man heard this, 长者闻已
he rushed in alarm into the burning house, 惊入火宅
determined to rescue his sons方宜救济
and keep them from being burned by the flames. 令无烧害
He urged his sons to heed him, 告喻诸子
explaining the many dangers and perils, 说众患难
the evil spirits and poisonous creatures, 恶鬼毒虫
the flames spreading all around, 灾火蔓延
the multitude of sufferings众苦次第
that would follow one another without end, 相续不绝
the poisonous snakes, lizards and vipers, 毒蛇蚖蝮
as well as the many yakshas及诸夜叉
and kumbhanda demons, 鸠槃茶鬼
the jackals, foxes and dogs, 野干狐狗
hawks, eagles, kites, owls, 雕鹫鸱枭
ground beetles and similar creatures百足之属
driven and tormented by hunger and thirst, 饥渴恼急
truly things to be feared. 甚可怖畏
His sons could not stay in such a perilous place, 此苦难处
much less when it was all on fire! 况复大火
But the sons had no understanding诸子无知
and although they heard their father's warnings, 虽闻父诲
they continued engrossed in their amusements, 犹故乐着
never ceasing their games. 嬉戏不已
At that time the rich man是时长者
thought to himself: 而作是念
My sons may behave in this manner, 诸子如此
adding to my grief and anguish. 益我愁恼
In this house at present今此舍宅
there is not a single joy, 无一可乐
and yet my sons, 而诸子等
wrapped up in their games, 耽湎嬉戏
refuse to heed my instructions不受我教
and will be destroyed by the fire! 将为火害
Then it occurred to him即便思惟
to devise some expedient means, 设诸方便
and he said to his sons, 告诸子等
"I have many kinds我有种种
of rare and marvelous toys, 珍玩之具
wonderful jeweled carriages, 妙宝好车
goat-carts, deer-carts, 羊车鹿车
carts drawn by big oxen. 大牛之车
They are outside the gate right now今在门外
you must come out and see them! 汝等出来
I have fashioned these carts
explicitly for you. 吾为汝等 造作此车
You may enjoy whichever you choose, 随意所乐
play with them as you like! 可以游戏
When the sons heard诸子闻说
this description of the carts, 如此诸车
at once they vied with one another实时奔竞
in dashing out of the house, 驰走而出
till they reached the open ground, 到于空地
away from all peril and danger. 离诸苦难
When the rich man saw that his sons长者见子
had escaped from the burning house得出火宅
and were standing in the crossroads, 住于四衢
he seated himself on a lion seat, 坐师子座
congratulating himself in these words: 而自庆言
"Now I am content and happy. 我今快乐
These sons of mine此诸子等
have been very difficult to raise. 生育甚难
Ignorant, youthful, without understanding, 愚小无知
they entered that perilous house而入险宅
with its many poisonous creatures多诸毒虫
and its goblins to be feared. 魑魅可畏
The roaring flames of the great fire大火猛炎
rose up on all four sides, 四面俱起
yet those sons of mine而此诸子
still clung to their games. 贪乐嬉戏
But now I have saved them, 我已救之
caused them to escape from danger. 令得脱难
That is the reason, good people, 是故诸人
I am content and happy." 我今快乐
At that time the sons, 尔时诸子
seeing their father comfortably seated, 知父安坐
all went to where he was皆诣父所
and said to him: 而白父言
"Please give us愿赐我等
the three kinds of jeweled carriages三种宝车
you promised us earlier. 如前所许
You said if we came out of the house诸子出来
you'd give us three kinds of carts当以三车
and we could choose whichever we wished. 随汝所欲
Now is the time今正是时
to give them to us!" 唯垂给与
The rich man was very wealthy长者大富
and had many storehouses. 库藏众多
With gold, silver, lapis lazuli, 金银琉璃
seashells, agate, 车磲马脑
and other such precious things以众宝物
he fashioned large carriages造诸大车
beautifully adorned and decorated, 庄校严饰
with railings running around them周匝栏楯
and bells hanging from all sides. 四面悬铃
Ropes of gold twisted and twined, 金绳交络
nets of pearls真珠罗网
stretched over the top, 张施其上
and fringes of golden flowers金华诸璎
hung down everywhere. 处处垂下
Multicolored decorations众彩杂饰
wound around and encircled the carriages, 周匝围绕
soft silks and gauzes柔软缯纩
served for cushions, 以为茵褥
with fine felts of most wonderful make上妙细[叠*毛]
valued at thousands or millions, 价直千亿
gleaming white and pure, 鲜白净洁
to spread over them. 以覆其上
There were large white oxen, 有大白牛
sleek, stalwart, of great strength, 肥壮多力
handsome in form, 形体姝好
to draw the jeweled carriages, 以驾宝车
and numerous grooms and attendants多诸傧从
to accompany and guard them. 而侍卫之
These wonderful carriages以是妙车
the man presented to each of his sons alike. 等赐诸子
The sons at that time诸子是时
danced for joy, 欢喜踊跃
mounting the jeweled carriages, 乘是宝车
driving off in all directions, 游于四方
delighting and amusing themselves嬉戏快乐
freely and without hindrance. 自在无碍
I say this to you, Shariputra-告舍利弗
I am like this rich man. 我亦如是
I, most venerable of the sages, 众圣中尊
am the father of this world世间之父
and all living beings一切众生
are my children. 皆是吾子
But they are deeply attached to worldly pleasures深着世乐
and lacking in minds of wisdom. 无有慧心
There is no safety in the threefold world; 三界无安
it is like a burning house, 犹如火宅
replete with a multitude of sufferings, 众苦充满
truly to be feared, 甚可怖畏
constantly beset with the griefs and pains常有生老
of birth, old age, sickness and death, 病死忧患
which are like fires如是等火
raging fiercely and without cease. 炽然不息
The Thus Come One has already left如来已离
the burning house of the threefold world三界火宅
and dwells in tranquil quietude寂然闲居
in the safety of forest and plain. 安处林野
But now this threefold world今此三界
is all my domain, 皆是我有
and the living beings in it其中众生
are all my children. 悉是吾子
Now this place而今此处
is beset by many pains and trials. 多诸患难
I am the only person唯我一人
who can rescue and protect others, 能为救护
but though I teach and instruct them, 虽复教诏
they do not believe or accept my teachings, 而不信受
because, tainted by desires, 于诸欲染
they are deeply immersed in greed and attachment. 贪着深故
So, I employ an expedient means, 以是方便
describing to them the three vehicles, 为说三乘
causing all living beings令诸众生
to understand the pains of the threefold world, 知三界苦
and then I set forth and expound开示演说
a way whereby they can escape from the world. 出世间道
If these children of mine是诸子等
will only determine in their minds to do so, 若心决定
they can acquire all the three understandings具足三明
and the six transcendental powers, 及六神通
can become pratyekabuddhas有得缘觉
or bodhisattvas who never regress. 不退菩萨
I say to you, Shariputra, 汝舍利弗
for the sake of living beings我为众生
I employ these similes and parables以此譬喻
to preach the single Buddha vehicle. 说一佛乘
If you and the others are capable汝等若能
of believing and accepting my words, 信受是语
then all of you are certain一切皆当
to attain the Buddha way. 成得佛道
This vehicle is subtle, wonderful, 是乘微妙
foremost in purity; 清净第一
throughout all worlds于诸世间
it stands unsurpassed. 为无有上
The Buddha delights in and approves it, 佛所悦可
and all living beings一切众生
should praise it, 所应称赞
offer it alms and obeisance. 供养礼拜
There are immeasurable thousands of millions无量亿千
of powers, emancipations, 诸力解脱
meditations, wisdoms, 禅定智慧
and other attributes of the Buddha. 及佛余法
But if the children can obtain this vehicle, 得如是乘
it will allow them令诸子等
day and night for unnumbered kalpas日夜劫数
to find constant enjoyment, 常得游戏
to join the bodhisattvas与诸菩萨
and the multitude of voice-hearers及声闻众
in mounting this jeweled vehicle乘此宝乘
and proceeding directly to the place of practice. 直至道场
For these reasons, 以是因缘
though one should seek diligently in the ten directions, 十方谛求
he will find no other vehicles更无余乘
except when the Buddha preaches them as an expedient means. 除佛方便
I tell you, Shariputra, 告舍利弗
you and the others汝诸人等
are all my children, 皆是吾子
and I am a father to you. 我则是父
For repeated kalpas汝等累劫
you have burned in the flames of manifold sufferings, 众苦所烧
but I will save you all我皆济拔
and cause you to escape from the threefold world. 令出三界
Although earlier I told you我虽先说
that you had attained extinction, 汝等灭度
that was only the end of birth and death, 但尽生死
it was not true extinction. 而实不灭
Now what is needed今所应作
is simply that you acquire Buddha wisdom. 唯佛智慧
If there are bodhisattvas若有菩萨
here in this assembly, 于是众中
let them with a single mind
listen to the true Law of the Buddhas. 能一心听 诸佛实法
Though the Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones, 诸佛世尊
employ expedient means, 虽以方便
the living beings converted by them所化众生
are all bodhisattvas. 皆是菩萨
If there are persons of little wisdom若人小智
who are deeply attached to love and desire, 深着爱欲
because they are that way, 为此等故
the Buddha preaches for them the rule of suffering. 说于苦谛
Then the living beings will be glad in mind, 众生心喜
having gained what they never had before. 得未曾有
The rule of suffering which the Buddha preaches佛说苦谛
is true and never varies. 真实无异
If there are living beings若有众生
who do not understand the root of suffering, 不知苦本
who are deeply attached to the causes of suffering深着苦因
and cannot for a moment put them aside, 不能暂舍
because they are that way, 为是等故
the Buddha uses expedient means to preach the way. 方便说道
As to the cause of all suffering, 诸苦所因
it has its root in greed and desire. 贪欲为本
If greed and desire are wiped out, 若灭贪欲
it will have no place to dwell. 无所依止
To wipe out all suffering-灭尽诸苦
this is called the third rule. 名第三谛
For the sake of this rule, the rule of extinction, 为灭谛故
one practices the way. 修行于道
And when one escapes from the bonds of suffering离诸苦缚
this is called attaining emancipation. 名得解脱
By what means是人于何
can a person attain emancipation? 而得解脱
Separating oneself from falsehood and delusion-但离虚妄
this alone may be called emancipation. 名为解脱
But if a person has not truly其实未得
been able to emancipate himself from everything, 一切解脱
then the Buddha will say佛说是人
he has not achieved true extinction, 未实灭度
because such a person斯人未得
has not yet gained the unsurpassed way. 无上道故
My purpose is not to try我意不欲
to cause them to reach extinction. 令至灭度
I am the Dharma King, 我为法王
free to do as I will with the Law. 于法自在
To bring peace and safety to living beings-安隐众生
that is the reason I appear in the world. 故现于世
I say to you, Shariputra, 汝舍利弗
this Dharma seal of mine我此法印
I preach because I wish
to bring benefit to the world. 为欲利益 世间故说
You must not recklessly transmit it在所游方
wherever you happen to wander. 勿妄宣传
If there is someone who hears it, 若有闻者
responds with joy and gratefully accepts it, 随喜顶受
you should know that person当知是人
is an avivartika. 阿鞞跋致
If there is someone who believes and accepts若有信受
the Law of this sutra, 此经法者
that person has already seen是人已曾
the Buddhas of the past, 见过去佛
has respectfully offered alms to them恭敬供养
and listened to this Law. 亦闻是法
If there is someone who can若人有能
believe what you preach信汝所说
then that person has seen me, 则为见我
and has also seen you亦见于汝
and the other monks及比丘僧
and the bodhisattvas. 并诸菩萨
This Lotus Sutra斯法华经
is preached for those with profound wisdom. 为深智说
If persons of shallow understanding hear it, 浅识闻之
they will be perplexed and fail to comprehend. 迷惑不解
As for all the voice-hearers一切声闻
and pratyekabuddhas, 及辟支佛
in this sutra there are things于此经中
that are beyond their powers. 力所不及
Even you, Shariputra, 汝舍利弗
in the case of this sutra尚于此经
were able to gain entrance through faith alone. 以信得入
How much more so, then, the other voice-hearers. 况余声闻
Those other voice-hearers其余声闻
it is because they have faith in the Buddha's words信佛语故
that they can comply with this sutra, 随顺此经
not because of any wisdom of their own. 非己智分
Also, Shariputra, 又舍利弗
to persons who are arrogant or lazy憍慢懈怠
or taken up with views of the self, 计我见者
do not preach this sutra. 莫说此经
Those with the shallow understandings of ordinary persons, 凡夫浅识
who are deeply attached to the five desires, 深着五欲
cannot comprehend it when they hear it. 闻不能解
Do not preach it to them. 亦勿为说
If a person fails to have faith若人不信
but instead slanders this sutra, 毁谤此经
immediately he will destroy all the seeds则断一切
for becoming a Buddha in this world. 世间佛种
Or perhaps he will scowl with knitted brows或复颦蹙
and harbor doubt or perplexity. 而怀疑惑
Listen and I will tell you汝当听说
the penalty this person must pay. 此人罪报
Whether the Buddha is in the world若佛在世
or has already entered extinction, 若灭度后
if this person should slander其有诽谤
a sutra such as this, 如斯经典
or on seeing those who read, recite, 见有读诵
copy and uphold this sutra, 书持经者
should despise, hate, envy, 轻贱憎嫉
or bear grudges against them, 而怀结恨
the penalty this person must pay此人罪报
listen, I will tell you now: 汝今复听
When his life comes to an end其人命终
he will enter the Avichi hell, 入阿鼻狱
be confined there for a whole kalpa, 具足一劫
and when the kalpa ends, be born there again. 劫尽更生
He will keep repeating this cycle如是展转
for a countless number of kalpas. 至无数劫
Though he may emerge from hell, 从地狱出
he will fall into the realm of beasts, 当堕畜生
becoming a dog or jackal, 若狗野干
his form lean and scruffy, 其影[乞*页]瘦
dark, discolored, with scabs and sores, 黧黮疥癞
something for men to make sport of. 人所触娆
Or again he will
be hated and despised by men, 又复为人 之所恶贱
constantly plagued by hunger and thirst, 常困饥渴
his bones and flesh dried up, 骨肉枯竭
in life undergoing torment and hardship, 生受楚毒
in death buried beneath the tiles and stones. 死被瓦石
Because he cut off the seeds of Buddhahood断佛种故
he will suffer this penalty. 受斯罪报
If he should become a camel若作骆驼
or be born in the shape of a donkey, 或生驴中
his body will constantly bear heavy burdens身常负重
and have the stick or whip laid on it. 加诸杖捶
He will think only of water and grass但念水草
and understand nothing else. 余无所知
Because he slandered this sutra, 谤斯经故
this is the punishment he will incur. 获罪如是
Or he will be born as a jackal有作野干
who comes to the village, 来入聚落
body all scabs and sores, 身体疥癞
having only one eye, 又无一目
by the boys为诸童子
beaten and cuffed, 之所打掷
suffering grief and pain, 受诸苦痛
sometimes to the point of death. 或时致死
And after he has died 于此死已
he will be born again in the body of a serpent, 更受蟒身
long and huge in size, 其形长大
measuring five hundred yojanas, 五百由旬
deaf, witless, without feet, 聋騃无足
slithering along on his belly, 宛转腹行
with little creatures为诸小虫
biting and feeding on him, 之所唼食
day and night undergoing hardship, 昼夜受苦
never knowing rest. 无有休息
Because he slandered this sutra, 谤斯经故
this is the punishment he will incur. 获罪如是
If he should become a human being, 若得为人
his faculties will be blighted and dull, 诸根闇钝
he will be puny, vile, bent, crippled, 矬陋挛躄
blind, deaf, hunchbacked. 盲聋背伛
The things he says有所言说
people will not believe, 人不信受
the breath from his mouth will be constantly foul, 口气常臭
he will be possessed by devils, 鬼魅所著
poor and lowly, 贫穷下贱
ordered around by others为人所使,
plagued by many ailments, thin and gaunt, 多病痟瘦
having no one to turn to. 无所依怙
Though he attached himself to others, 虽亲附人
they would never think of him; 人不在意
though he might gain something, 若有所得
he would at once lose or forget it. 寻复忘失
Though he might practice the art of medicine若修医道
and by its methods cure someone's disease, 顺方治病
the person would grow sicker from some other malady更增他疾
and perhaps in the end would die. 或复致死
If he himself had an illness, 若自有病
no one would aid or nurse him, 无人救疗
and though he took good medicine, 设服良药
it would only make his condition worse. 而复增剧
If others should turn against him, 若他反逆
he would find himself plundered and robbed. 抄劫窃盗
His sins would be such如是等罪
that they would bring unexpected disaster on him. 横罗其殃
A sinful person of this sort如斯罪人
will never see the Buddha, 永不见佛
the king of the many sages, 众圣之王
preaching the Law, teaching and converting. 说法教化
A sinful person of this sort如斯罪人
will constantly be born amid difficulties, 常生难处
crazed, deaf, confused in mind, 狂聋心乱
and never will hear the Law. 永不闻法
For countless kalpas于无数劫
numerous as Ganges sands如恒河沙
he will at birth become deaf and dumb, 生辄聋痖
his faculties impaired, 诸根不具
will constantly dwell in hell, 常处地狱
strolling in it as though it were a garden, 如游园观
and the other evil paths of existence在余恶道
he will look on as his own home. 如己舍宅
Camel, donkey, pig, dog-驼驴猪狗
these will be the forms he will take on. 是其行处
Because he slandered this sutra, 谤斯经故
this is the punishment he will incur. 获罪如是
If he should become a human being, 若得为人
he will be deaf, blind, dumb. 聋盲喑痖
Poverty, want, all kinds of decay贫穷诸衰
will be his adornment; 以自庄严
water blisters, diabetes, 水肿干痟
scabs, sores, ulcers, 疥癞痈疽
maladies such as these如是等病
will be his garments. 以为衣服
His body will always smell bad, 身常臭处
filthy and impure. 垢秽不净
Deeply attached to views of self, 深着我见
he will grow in anger and hatred; 增益嗔恚
aflame with licentious desires, 淫欲炽盛
he will not spurn even birds or beasts. 不择禽兽
Because he slandered this sutra, 谤斯经故
this is the punishment he will incur. 获罪如是
I tell you, Shariputra, 告舍利弗
if I were to describe the punishments that fall
on persons who slander this sutra, 谤斯经者 若说其罪
I could exhaust a kalpa and never come to the end. 穷劫不尽
For this reason以是因缘
I expressly say to you, 我故语汝
do not preach this sutra
to persons who are without wisdom. 无智人中 莫说此经
But if there are those of keen capacities, 若有利根
wise and understanding, 智慧明了
of much learning and strong memory, 多闻强识
who seek the Buddha way, 求佛道者
then to persons such as this如是之人
it is permissible to preach it. 乃可为说
If there are persons who have seen若人曾见
hundreds and thousands and millions of Buddhas, 亿百千佛
have planted many good roots殖诸善本
and are firm and deeply committed in mind, 深心坚固
then to persons such as this如是之人
it is permissible to preach it. 乃可为说
If there are persons who are diligent, 若人精进
constantly cultivating a compassionate mind, 常修慈心
not begrudging life or limb, 不惜身命
then it is permissible to preach it. 乃可为说
If there are persons who are respectful, reverent若人恭敬
with minds set on nothing else, 无有异心
who separate themselves from common folly离诸凡愚
to live alone among mountains and waters, 独处山泽
then to persons such as this如是之人
it is permissible to preach it. 乃可为说
Again, Shariputra, 又舍利弗
if you see a person若见有人
who thrusts aside evil friends舍恶知识
and associates with good companions, 亲近善友
then to a person such as this如是之人
it is permissible to preach it. 乃可为说
If you see a son of the Buddha若见佛子
observing the precepts, clean and spotless持戒清洁
as a pure bright gem, 如净明珠
seeking the Great Vehicle Sutra, 求大乘经
then to a person such as this如是之人
it is permissible to preach it. 乃可为说
If a person is without anger, 若人无嗔
upright and gentle in nature, 质直柔软
constantly pitying all beings, 常愍一切
respectful and reverent to the Buddhas, 恭敬诸佛
then to a person such as this如是之人
it is permissible to preach it. 乃可为说
Again, if a son of the Buddha复有佛子
in the midst of the great assembly于大众中
should with a pure mind以清净心
employ various causes and conditions, 种种因缘
similes, parables, and other expressions譬喻言辞
to preach the Law in unhindered fashion, 说法无碍
to a person such as this如是之人
it is permissible to preach it. 乃可为说
If there are monks who, 若有比丘
for the sake of comprehensive wisdom, 为一切智
seek the Law in every direction, 四方求法
pressing palms together, gratefully accepting, 合掌顶受
desiring only to accept and embrace但乐受持
the sutra of the Great Vehicle大乘经典
and not accepting a single verse
of the other sutras, 乃至不受 余经一偈
to persons such as this如是之人
it is permissible to preach it. 乃可为说
If a person, earnest in mind, 如人至心
seeks this sutra
as though he were seeking the Buddha's relics, 求佛舍利如是求经
and having gained and gratefully accepted it, 得已顶受
that person shows no intention其人不复
of seeking other sutras志求余经
and has never once given thought亦未曾念
to the writings of the non-Buddhist doctrines, 外道典籍
to a person such as this如是之人
it is permissible to preach it. 乃可为说
I tell you Shariputra, 告舍利弗
if I described all the characteristics我说是相
of those who seek the Buddha way, 求佛道者
I could exhaust a kalpa and never be done. 穷劫不尽
Persons of this type如是等人
are capable of believing and understanding. 则能信解
Therefore for them you should preach汝当为说
the Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful Law. 妙法华经
