信解品第四
Chapter Four: Complete Confidence
爾時慧命須菩提、摩訶迦旃延、摩訶迦葉、摩訶目犍連，從佛所聞未曾有法，世尊授舍利弗阿耨多羅三藐三菩提記，發希有心，歡喜踊躍，即從座起，整衣服偏袒右肩，右膝著地，一心合掌，曲躬恭敬，瞻仰尊顏而白佛言：「我等居僧之首，年竝朽邁，自謂已得涅槃，無所堪任，不復進求阿耨多羅三藐三菩提。世尊往昔說法既久，我時在座，身體疲懈，但念空、無相、無作，於菩薩法——遊戲神通、淨佛國土、成就眾生——心不喜樂。所以者何？世尊令我等出於三界，得涅槃證。又今我等年已朽邁，於佛教化菩薩阿耨多羅三藐三菩提，不生一念好樂之心。我等今於佛前，聞授聲聞阿耨多羅三藐三菩提記，心甚歡喜，得未曾有。不謂於今，忽然得聞希有之法，深自慶幸，獲大善利，無量珍寶、不求自得。
At that time, the wise Subhūti, Mahākātyāyana, Mahākāśyapa, and Mahāmaudgalyāyana were filled with extraordinary joy and delight, having heard from the Buddha the unprecedented Dharma of the World-Honored One bestowing the prediction of anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi upon Śāriputra. They immediately rose from their seats, adjusted their robes to bare their right shoulders, knelt on their right knees, joined their palms together, bowed respectfully, and gazing up at the honored face of the Buddha, saying, "We are the elders among the monks, advanced in years. We thought we had already attained nirvāṇa and were incapable of further progress, no longer seeking anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi. World-Honored One, when you expounded the Dharma for a long time in the past, we were present but our bodies and minds were weary. We only contemplated emptiness, characteristiclessness, and wishlessness, and took no delight in the Bodhisattva Dharma of playing with spiritual powers, purifying Buddha lands, and bringing sentient beings to maturity. Why? Because the World-Honored One enabled us to transcend the three realms and attain the realization of nirvana. Moreover, now that we are old and feeble, when the Buddha teaches the Bodhisattvas about anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi, we do not give rise to even a single thought of joy or aspiration for it. Now, before the Buddha, hearing the prediction of anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi bestowed upon the śrāvakas, our hearts are filled with great joy, experiencing something unprecedented. We never expected that today we would suddenly hear this rare Dharma. We deeply congratulate ourselves on gaining this great benefit - countless treasures obtained without seeking."
The Parable of the Wealthy Man and His Poor Son
「世尊！我等今者樂說譬喻以明斯義。譬若有人，年既幼稚，捨父逃逝，久住他國，或十、二十，至五十歲，年既長大，加復窮困，馳騁四方以求衣食。漸漸遊行，遇向本國。其父先來，求子不得，中止一城。其家大富，財寶無量——金、銀、琉璃、珊瑚、虎珀、頗梨珠等，其諸倉庫，悉皆盈溢；多有僮僕、臣佐、吏民；象馬車乘，牛羊無數——出入息利，乃遍他國，商估賈客亦甚眾多。時貧窮子遊諸聚落，經歷國邑，遂到其父所止之城。父每念子，與子離別五十餘年，而未曾向人說如此事，但自思惟，心懷悔恨，自念老朽，多有財物，金銀珍寶，倉庫盈溢；無有子息，一旦終沒，財物散失，無所委付。是以慇懃每憶其子，復作是念：『我若得子，委付財物，坦然快樂，無復憂慮。』
“World-Honored One! We now wish to use a parable to clarify this meaning. It is like a man who, when young, abandoned his father and fled, living in another country for a long time - ten, twenty, or up to fifty years. As he grew older, he became even more impoverished, rushing about in all directions seeking food and clothing. Gradually wandering, he happened to return to his native land.
His father had come there first, searching for his son but unable to find him, and had settled in a city. His household was extremely wealthy, with immeasurable treasures - gold, silver, lapis lazuli, coral, amber, crystal, and so on. His storehouses were all overflowing. He had many servants, ministers, and attendants; elephants, horses, carriages, cattle, and sheep without number. His investments and profits extended to other countries, and merchants and traders were also extremely numerous.
At that time, the poor son wandered through various villages, passing through countries and cities, and eventually arrived at the city where his father was staying. The father constantly thought of his son, having been separated from him for over fifty years, yet he had never told anyone about this matter. He only pondered it himself, his heart filled with regret and remorse. He thought to himself: "I am old and decrepit. I have much wealth - gold, silver, and precious treasures; my storehouses are overflowing. But I have no son. If I suddenly die, my wealth will be scattered with no one to entrust it to." For this reason, he earnestly remembered his son constantly, and again thought: "If I could get my son back and entrust my wealth to him, I would be content and happy, with no more worries."
「世尊！爾時窮子傭賃展轉遇到父舍，住立門側。遙見其父、踞師子床，寶机承足，諸婆羅門、剎利、居士皆恭敬圍繞，以真珠瓔珞，價直千萬，莊嚴其身；吏民、僮僕，手執白拂，侍立左右。覆以寶帳，垂諸華幡，香水灑地，散眾名華，羅列寶物，出內取與，有如是等種種嚴飾，威德特尊。窮子見父有大力勢，即懷恐怖，悔來至此。竊作是念：『此或是王，或是王等，非我傭力得物之處。不如往至貧里，肆力有地，衣食易得。若久住此，或見逼迫，強使我作。』作是念已，疾走而去。
“World-Honored One! At that time, the poor son, through his wanderings as a hired laborer, happened to come to his father's house and stood by the side of the gate. From afar he saw his father seated on a lion throne, his feet resting on a jeweled footstool. Brahmins, kṣatriyas, and householders surrounded him respectfully. Strings of pearls worth thousands of millions adorned his body. Attendants and servants stood to his left and right, holding white fly-whisks. A jeweled canopy was spread above, from which hung flowered banners. Perfumed water sprinkled the ground, and beautiful flowers were scattered about. Precious objects were arranged and brought in and out - there were such varieties of adornments, all extremely imposing and magnificent.
The poor son, seeing his father possessed of such great power and authority, was immediately seized with fear and regretted coming to this place. Secretly he thought to himself, ‘This must be a king, or someone of royal rank. This is not a place where I can hire out my labor and gain goods. It would be better to go to a poor village where I can find work more easily and get food and clothing. If I stay here long, I may be seized and forced to work.’ Having thought this, he quickly ran away.”
「時富長者於師子座，見子便識，心大歡喜，即作是念：『我財物庫藏，今有所付。我常思念此子，無由見之，而忽自來，甚適我願。我雖年朽，猶故貪惜。』即遣傍人，急追將還。爾時使者，疾走往捉。窮子驚愕，稱怨大喚：『我不相犯，何為見捉？』使者執之愈急，強牽將還。于時窮子，自念無罪，而被囚執，此必定死；轉更惶怖，悶絕躄地。父遙見之，而語使言：『不須此人，勿強將來。以冷水灑面，令得醒悟，莫復與語。』所以者何？父知其子志意下劣，自知豪貴為子所難，審知是子而以方便，不語他人云是我子。使者語之：『我今放汝，隨意所趣。』窮子歡喜，得未曾有，從地而起，往至貧里、以求衣食。
“At that time, the wealthy elder, seated on his lion throne, saw his son and immediately recognized him. His heart was filled with great joy, and he thought to himself, ‘Now I have someone to entrust my wealth and treasures to. I have constantly thought of this son, with no way to see him, yet he has suddenly come on his own, greatly fulfilling my wish. Although I am old and decrepit, I still cherish him.’ He immediately sent his attendants to quickly pursue and bring him back.
At that time, the messengers ran swiftly to seize him. The poor son was startled and frightened, crying out in distress, ‘I have not offended you, why are you seizing me?’ The messengers held him even more tightly and forcibly dragged him back. At this time, the poor son thought to himself that he was innocent, yet was being imprisoned. He believed he would surely die, and became even more terrified, fainting and falling to the ground.
The father saw this from afar and told the messengers, ‘This person is not needed, do not forcibly bring him here. Sprinkle cold water on his face to revive him, and do not speak to him further.’ Why was this? The father knew his son's mindset was inferior, and he knew that his own wealth and status would be difficult for his son to accept. Though he knew this was his son, he used upāya and did not tell others that this was his son.
The messenger said to him: "I now release you, go wherever you wish." The poor son was delighted, having experienced something unprecedented. He got up from the ground and went to the poor village to seek food and clothing.”
「爾時長者將欲誘引其子而設方便，密遣二人，形色憔悴無威德者：『汝可詣彼，徐語窮子：「此有作處，倍與汝直。」窮子若許，將來使作。若言：「欲何所作？」便可語之：「雇汝除糞。我等二人亦共汝作。」』時二使人即求窮子，既已得之，具陳上事。
“At that time, the elder, wishing to entice his son, devised an upāya. He secretly sent two men of haggard appearance and little dignity, saying, ‘You may go to him and gently say to the poor son, “There is work here, we will pay you double wages.” If the poor son agrees, bring him to work. If he asks, 'What kind of work?' then tell him: 'We are hiring you to remove dung. We two will also work with you."’ At that time, the two messengers immediately sought out the poor son, and having found him, told him all of this.
「爾時窮子先取其價，尋與除糞。其父見子，愍而怪之。又以他日，於窓牖中遙見子身，羸瘦憔悴，糞土塵坌，污穢不淨。即脫瓔珞、細軟上服、嚴飾之具，更著麁弊垢膩之衣，塵土坌身，右手執持除糞之器，狀有所畏。語諸作人：『汝等勤作，勿得懈息。』以方便故，得近其子。後復告言：『咄，男子！汝常此作，勿復餘去，當加汝價。諸有所須瓫器米麵鹽醋之屬，莫自疑難，亦有老弊使人須者相給，好自安意。我如汝父，勿復憂慮。所以者何？我年老大，而汝少壯，汝常作時，無有欺怠瞋恨怨言，都不見汝有此諸惡，如餘作人。自今已後，如所生子。』即時長者、更與作字，名之為兒。爾時窮子雖欣此遇，猶故自謂客作賤人。由是之故，於二十年中常令除糞。過是已後，心相體信，入出無難，然其所止猶在本處。
At that time, the poor son first took his wages by removing dung. His father saw his son and felt pity for him. On another day, from a window, he saw his son from afar, thin and haggard, covered with dirt and filth, unclean. He immediately took off his necklaces, fine soft upper garments, and adornments, and instead put on coarse, worn, and dirty clothes. He covered himself with dust and held a dung-removal tool in his right hand, appearing fearful. He said to the workers, ‘You must work hard and not be lazy.’ By this upāya, he was able to approach his son. Later he said again, ‘Hey, young man! You should stay here and work, do not go elsewhere. I will increase your wages. Whatever you need - pots, rice, flour, salt, vinegar and the like - don't hesitate to ask. There are also old and worn-out servants if you need them. Be at ease. I am like a father to you, do not worry anymore. Why? Because I am old and you are young. When you work, you are never deceitful, lazy, angry, hateful, or complaining. I do not see in you these various evils like in other workers. From now on, you will be like my own son.’ The elder then gave him a name, calling him 'son'. At that time, although the poor son rejoiced at this encounter, he still thought of himself as a lowly hired worker. For this reason, for twenty years he was constantly made to remove dung. After this time, their hearts came to trust each other, and he could come and go freely, but his dwelling was still in its original place.”
「世尊，爾時長者有疾，自知將死不久。語窮子言：『我今多有金銀珍寶，倉庫盈溢，其中多少、所應取與，汝悉知之。我心如是，當體此意。所以者何？今我與汝，便為不異，宜加用心，無令漏失。』爾時窮子，即受教勅，領知眾物，金銀珍寶及諸庫藏，而無悕取一飡之意。然其所止故在本處，下劣之心亦未能捨。復經少時，父知子意漸已通泰，成就大志，自鄙先心。臨欲終時，而命其子并會親族、國王、大臣、剎利、居士，皆悉已集，即自宣言：『諸君當知！此是我子，我之所生。於某城中、捨吾逃走，伶俜辛苦五十餘年，其本字某。我名某甲，昔在本城懷憂推覓，忽於此間遇會得之。此實我子，我實其父。今我所有一切財物，皆是子有，先所出內，是子所知。』
"World-Honored One, at that time the elder became ill and knew he would die before long. He said to his poor son, 'I now have much gold, silver, and precious treasures. My storehouses are overflowing. You should know how much there is and what should be given and received. My heart is like this, you should understand my intention. Why? Now you and I are no different. You should apply your mind diligently and not let anything be lost.' At that time, the poor son accepted the instruction and order, taking charge of all the possessions, gold, silver, precious treasures, and all the storehouses, but he had no thought of hoping to take even a single meal for himself. However, his dwelling was still in its original place, and he was still unable to give up his sense of inferiority.
After some time had passed, the father knew that his son's mind had gradually become more at ease and that he had accomplished great aspirations, and he despised his former state of mind. When he was about to die, he summoned his son and gathered together his relatives, great ministers, kṣatriyas, and householders. When they had all assembled, he declared, 'Gentlemen, you should know! This is my son, born of me. In such-and-such a city he left me and ran away, wandering in distress and hardship for over fifty years. His original name is so-and-so. My name is so-and-so. Long ago, in my native city, I anxiously searched for him. Suddenly, I encountered him here and got him back. This is truly my son and I am truly his father. Now all my wealth belongs to my son, and all my previous payments and receipts are known to him.'"
「世尊！是時窮子聞父此言，即大歡喜，得未曾有，而作是念：『我本無心有所希求，今此寶藏自然而至。』
"World-Honored One! At that time, when the poor son heard these words from his father, he was filled with great joy, experiencing something unprecedented, and thought to himself: 'I originally had no intention of seeking anything, yet now this treasure has come to me naturally.'
「世尊！大富長者則是如來，我等皆似佛子，如來常說我等為子。世尊！我等以三苦故，於生死中受諸熱惱，迷惑無知，樂著小法。今日世尊令我等思惟，蠲除諸法戲論之糞，我等於中勤加精進，得至涅槃一日之價。既得此已，心大歡喜，自以為足，而便自謂：『於佛法中勤精進故，所得弘多。』然世尊先知我等，心著弊欲，樂於小法，便見縱捨，不為分別：『汝等當有如來知見寶藏之分。』世尊以方便力，說如來智慧。我等從佛，得涅槃一日之價，以為大得；於此大乘，無有志求。我等又因如來智慧，為諸菩薩開示演說，而自於此無有志願。所以者何？佛知我等心樂小法，以方便力、隨我等說；而我等不知真是佛子。今我等方知世尊，於佛智慧無所悋惜。所以者何？我等昔來真是佛子，而但樂小法，若我等有樂大之心，佛則為我說大乘法。於此經中唯說一乘，而昔於菩薩前，毀呰聲聞樂小法者，然佛實以大乘教化。是故我等，說本無心有所悕求。今法王大寶自然而至，如佛子所應得者皆已得之。」爾時摩訶迦葉欲重宣此義，而說偈言：
World-Honored One! The wealthy elder is like the Tathāgata, and we are all like the Buddha's children. The Tathāgata always says that we are his children. World-Honored One! Because of the three kinds of suffering, we experience various torments in the cycle of birth and death, confused and ignorant, taking pleasure in lesser teachings. Today, the World-Honored One has made us contemplate and remove the dung of frivolous discussions about dharmas. We have diligently applied ourselves to this and have attained the daily wage of nirvana. Having obtained this, our hearts are filled with great joy, considering it sufficient, and we say to ourselves: 'Because of our diligent efforts in the Buddha's teachings, we have gained much.'
However, the World-Honored One knew beforehand that our hearts were attached to base desires and took pleasure in lesser teachings, so he appeared to let us be and did not distinguish for us: 'You should have a share in the Tathāgata's treasure of knowledge and vision.' The World-Honored One, using his power of upāya, spoke of the Tathāgata's wisdom. We received from the Buddha the daily wage of nirvana and considered it a great attainment; regarding this Great Vehicle, we had no aspiration.
We also, because of the Tathāgata's wisdom, expounded and explained it for the bodhisattvas, yet we ourselves had no aspiration for it. Why is this? The Buddha knew that our hearts took pleasure in lesser teachings, so he used his power of upāya to speak to us accordingly; yet we did not know we were truly the Buddha's children. Now we finally understand that the World-Honored One does not begrudge us the Buddha's wisdom. Why is this? We have always been the Buddha's children, but we only took pleasure in lesser teachings. If we had taken pleasure in greater teachings, the Buddha would have taught us the Mahayana Dharma. In this sutra, only the One Vehicle is taught, whereas in the past, before the bodhisattvas, he criticized the śrāvakas who took pleasure in lesser teachings. However, the Buddha actually educated us with the Great Vehicle. Therefore, we say that we originally had no intention of seeking anything. Now the great treasure of the Dharma King has come naturally, and we have obtained what children of the Buddha should obtain."
At that time, Mahākāśyapa, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke in verse:
我等今日， 聞佛音教， 歡喜踊躍， 得未曾有。
Today we. Having heard the teaching of the Buddha's voice, Are filled with joy and delight, Gaining what we've never had before.
佛說聲聞， 當得作佛， 無上寶聚， 不求自得。
The Buddha says śrāvakas Will be able to become Buddhas, An unsurpassed treasure trove, Obtained without seeking.
譬如童子， 幼稚無識， 捨父逃逝， 遠到他土， 周流諸國， 五十餘年。
It's like a young boy, Immature and unknowing, Who abandons his father and flees, Traveling far to another land, Wandering through various countries For over fifty years.
其父憂念， 四方推求， 求之既疲， 頓止一城， 造立舍宅， 五欲自娛。
His father, worried and thinking of him, Searches in all four directions, Until, weary from searching, He stops in a city, Builds a home to dwell in, And enjoys the five desires.
其家巨富， 多諸金銀、 車璩馬腦、 真珠琉璃；
His household is extremely wealthy, With much gold and silver, Lapis lazuli and agate, True pearls and crystal;
象馬牛羊、 輦輿車乘； 田業僮僕、 人民眾多。
Elephants, horses, cattle, and sheep, Carriages and vehicles for transport; Farmlands, servants, and workers, And many people.
出入息利， 乃遍他國， 商估賈人、 無處不有。
His profits and interests Extend to other countries, Merchants and traders Are found everywhere.
千萬億眾， 圍繞恭敬， 常為王者， 之所愛念， 群臣豪族， 皆共宗重。
Hundreds of millions of people Surround him respectfully, He is constantly loved By kings and rulers, Ministers and noble clans All revere him greatly.
以諸緣故， 往來者眾， 豪富如是， 有大力勢。
For various reasons, Many come and go, So wealthy and prosperous, He has great power and influence.
而年朽邁， 益憂念子， 夙夜惟念， 死時將至。
But as he grows old and frail, He increasingly worries about his son, Thinking of him day and night, As his time of death approaches.
癡子捨我， 五十餘年， 庫藏諸物， 當如之何？
‘My foolish son left me Over fifty years ago, What will become of All my stored treasures?’
爾時窮子， 求索衣食， 從邑至邑、 從國至國。
At that time, the poor son Seeking food and clothing From village to village, From country to country.
或有所得， 或無所得， 飢餓羸瘦， 體生瘡癬。
Sometimes getting something, Sometimes not getting anything, Hungry and emaciated, His body covered with sores and scabs.
漸次經歷， 到父住城， 傭賃展轉， 遂至父舍。
Gradually he travels, Arriving at the city where his father lives, Moving from job to job, Until he reaches his father's house.
爾時長者， 於其門內， 施大寶帳， 處師子座；
At that time, the elder Inside his gates, Sets up a great jeweled canopy, And sits on a lion throne;
眷屬圍遶， 諸人侍衛， 或有計算， 金銀寶物， 出內財產， 注記券疏。
Surrounded by relatives, With attendants guarding, Others calculating Gold, silver, and treasures, Recording income and expenses, Making notes of bonds and deeds.
窮子見父 豪貴尊嚴， 謂是國王， 若是王等。
The poor son sees his father Wealthy, noble, and dignified, Thinking he is a king, Or someone of royal rank.
驚怖自怪， 何故至此。
Frightened and astonished, He wonders how he got here.
覆自念言： 『我若久住， 或見逼迫， 強驅使作。』
He thinks to himself: "If I stay here long, I may be seized And forced to work."
思惟是已， 馳走而去， 借問貧里， 欲往傭作。
Having this thought, He quickly runs away, Inquiring about poor villages, Wishing to find work as a laborer.
長者是時， 在師子座， 遙見其子， 默而識之。
At that time, the elder, Seated on his lion throne, Sees his son from afar, And silently recognizes him.
即勅使者， 追捉將來。 窮子驚喚， 迷悶躄地：
He immediately orders his attendants To pursue and bring him back. The poor son cries out in alarm, Fainting and falling to the ground:
『是人執我， 必當見殺， 何用衣食， 使我至此？』
‘This person has seized me, I will surely be killed. Why did I come here For the sake of food and clothing?’
長者知子， 愚癡狹劣， 不信我言， 不信是父。
The elder knew his son was Foolish and narrow-minded, Not believing his words, Not believing he was his father.
即以方便， 更遣餘人， 眇目矬陋， 無威德者：
Then using upāya, He sends other men, One-eyed, short, and ugly, Of no dignity, saying:
『汝可語之， 云當相雇， 除諸糞穢， 倍與汝價。』
‘You may tell him, We will hire you To remove filth, And pay you double wages.’
窮子聞之， 歡喜隨來， 為除糞穢， 淨諸房舍。
The poor son hears this, Joyfully follows along, To remove filth, And clean all the rooms.
長者於牖， 常見其子， 念子愚劣， 樂為鄙事。
The elder, from the window Constantly watches his son, Thinking of his son's foolishness, Taking pleasure in such menial tasks.
於是長者， 著弊垢衣， 執除糞器， 往到子所， 方便附近， 語令勤作：
Then the elder Puts on worn and dirty clothes, Takes up a dung-removal tool, And goes to where his son is. Using upāya to approach him, And tells him to work diligently:
『既益汝價， 并塗足油， 飲食充足， 薦席厚煖。』
‘I have increased your wages, And will give you oil to anoint your feet, Provide ample food and drink, And thick warm mats to sleep on.’
如是苦言： 『汝當勤作。』 又以軟語： 『若如我子。』
With such harsh words: ’You must work diligently.’ And then with gentle words: ’As if you were my son.’
長者有智， 漸令入出， 經二十年， 執作家事。
The elder, being wise, Gradually allows him to come and go, For twenty years, Managing household affairs.
示其金銀、 真珠頗梨； 諸物出入， 皆使令知。
He shows him the gold and silver, Pearls and crystal; All the incoming and outgoing goods, He made him aware of everything.
猶處門外， 止宿草庵， 自念貧事： 『我無此物。』
Yet he still lives outside, Staying in a thatched hut, Thinking of himself as poor: ’I have none of these things.’
父知子心， 漸已廣大， 欲與財物。 即聚親族、 國王大臣、 剎利居士。
The father knew his son's mind Had gradually broadened, And wished to give him his wealth. He gathered his relatives, The king and great ministers, Kṣatriyas and householders.
於此大眾， 說是我子， 捨我他行， 經五十歲。 自見子來， 已二十年。
To this great assembly, He said, "This is my son, Who left me and went away, For fifty years. Since seeing my son return, Twenty years have passed.
昔於某城， 而失是子， 周行求索， 遂來至此。
In a certain city long ago, I lost this son, Searching everywhere, I finally came here.
凡我所有， 舍宅人民， 悉以付之， 恣其所用。
All that I possess, Houses and people, I entrust to him entirely, To use as he wishes.
子念昔貧， 志意下劣， 今於父所， 大獲珍寶，
The son recalls his past poverty, His lowly and inferior mindset, Now at his father's place, He has gained great treasures,
并及舍宅、 一切財物。 甚大歡喜， 得未曾有。
Along with houses and dwellings, And all kinds of wealth. He is extremely joyful, Gaining what he never had before.
佛亦如是， 知我樂小， 未曾說言： 『汝等作佛。』
The Buddha is also like this, Knowing we delight in the small, He never said: "You will become Buddhas."
而說我等， 得諸無漏， 成就小乘， 聲聞弟子。
Instead, he told us We had attained freedom from outflows, Accomplishing the Small Vehicle, As śrāvaka disciples.
佛勅我等， 說最上道， 修習此者， 當得成佛。
The Buddha instructs us To speak of the supreme path, Those who cultivate this Will surely become Buddhas.
我承佛教， 為大菩薩， 以諸因緣、 種種譬喻、 若干言辭， 說無上道。
I accept the Buddha's teaching, For the great bodhisattvas, Using various causes and conditions, Many kinds of parables, And numerous expressions, To expound the unsurpassed way.
諸佛子等、 從我聞法， 日夜思惟， 精勤修習。
The Buddha's children Hear the Dharma from me, Day and night they contemplate, And diligently practice.
是時諸佛， 即授其記： 『汝於來世， 當得作佛。』
At that time, all Buddhas Immediately give them predictions: "You in future lives Will certainly become Buddhas."
一切諸佛， 祕藏之法， 但為菩薩， 演其實事， 而不為我， 說斯真要。
The secret treasury of Dharma Of all Buddhas Is only for bodhisattvas, To expound its true meaning, But not for us Was this real essence explained.
如彼窮子、 得近其父， 雖知諸物， 心不希取。
Like that poor son Who got close to his father, Though he knew of all the possessions, His heart did not desire to take them.
我等雖說， 佛法寶藏， 自無志願， 亦復如是。
We, though we speak of The treasure store of Buddha's Dharma, Have no aspiration for it ourselves, And are also like this.
我等內滅， 自謂為足， 唯了此事， 更無餘事。
We have achieved inner extinction, Considering it to be enough, Understanding only this matter, And nothing more.
我等若聞， 淨佛國土， 教化眾生， 都無欣樂。
If we hear of Purifying Buddha lands And teaching sentient beings, We feel no joy at all.
所以者何？ 一切諸法， 皆悉空寂， 無生無滅， 無大無小， 無漏無為。
Why is this so? All dharmas Are entirely empty and quiescent, Neither born nor destroyed, Neither great nor small, Without outflows and unconditioned.
如是思惟， 不生喜樂。
Thinking in this way, We do not give rise to joy or delight.
我等長夜， 於佛智慧， 無貪無著， 無復志願； 而自於法， 謂是究竟。
For a long time, we Regarding the Buddha's wisdom, Had no greed or attachment, No further aspiration; And considered our understanding of the Dharma To be ultimate.
我等長夜， 修習空法， 得脫三界， 苦惱之患， 住最後身、 有餘涅槃。
For a long time, we Practiced the teaching of emptiness, Freed ourselves from the three realms, And from the afflictions of suffering, Dwelling in our final body, In nirvāṇa with remainder.
佛所教化， 得道不虛， 則為已得， 報佛之恩。
The Buddha's teachings Led us to attain the path without fail, Thus we considered we had already Repaid the Buddha's kindness.
我等雖為， 諸佛子等， 說菩薩法， 以求佛道； 而於是法， 永無願樂。
Although for the sake of The Buddha's children, We expounded the Bodhisattva Dharma To seek the Way of the Buddha; Yet for this Dharma, We had no lasting aspiration.
導師見捨， 觀我心故， 初不勸進， 說有實利。
Our guide, seeing us abandon it, Observing our minds, Initially did not encourage us, Or speak of real benefits.
如富長者， 知子志劣， 以方便力， 柔伏其心， 然後乃付， 一切財物。
Like the wealthy elder Who knew his son's inferior resolve, Used upāya power To soften his heart, And only then entrusted him With all his wealth.
佛亦如是， 現希有事， 知樂小者， 以方便力， 調伏其心， 乃教大智。
The Buddha is also like this, Displaying rare occurrences, Knowing those who delight in the small, Using the power of upāya To tame their hearts, And then teach great wisdom.
我等今日， 得未曾有， 非先所望， 而今自得， 如彼窮子， 得無量寶。
We today Have gained what we never had before, What we did not hope for before, We have now attained ourselves, Like that poor son Gaining immeasurable treasure.
世尊我今， 得道得果， 於無漏法， 得清淨眼。
World-Honored One, now I Have attained the Way and its fruit, And regarding the unconditioned Dharma, Have gained the pure eye.
我等長夜， 持佛淨戒， 始於今日， 得其果報， 法王法中， 久修梵行， 今得無漏， 無上大果。
For long nights, we Have upheld the Buddha's pure precepts, Only today Have we received their fruits. In the Dharma King's teachings, We have long practiced pure conduct, Now we have attained the unconditioned, The supreme great fruit.
我等今者， 真是聲聞， 以佛道聲， 令一切聞。
Now we are True śrāvakas (’voice hearers’), With the sound of the Way of the Buddha, We cause all to hear.
我等今者， 真阿羅漢， 於諸世間， 天人魔梵， 普於其中， 應受供養。
We now Are truly arhats, Among all worlds, Gods, humans, māras, and Brahmās, Everywhere among them, We are worthy of offerings.
世尊大恩， 以希有事， 憐愍教化， 利益我等， 無量億劫， 誰能報者。
The World-Honored One's great kindness, With rare occurrences, Compassionately teaches and transforms, Benefiting us, For countless billions of eons, Who could repay it?
手足供給， 頭頂禮敬， 一切供養， 皆不能報。
Serving with hands and feet, Bowing with head to the ground, All forms of offerings Cannot repay the debt.
若以頂戴， 兩肩荷負， 於恒沙劫， 盡心恭敬；
If one were to carry on one's head, Or bear on both shoulders, For eons as numerous as sands of the Ganges, Paying homage with utmost respect;
又以美饍、 無量寶衣， 及諸臥具、 種種湯藥，
Or if one were to offer exquisite food, Countless precious garments, And various bedding, All kinds of medicinal decoctions,
牛頭栴檀， 及諸珍寶， 以起塔廟， 寶衣布地。
Ox-head sandalwood, And various rare jewels, To build stupas and temples, And spread jeweled garments on the ground.
如斯等事， 以用供養， 於恒沙劫， 亦不能報。
Such matters as these, Used as offerings For eons as numerous as sands of the Ganges, Still could not repay the debt.
諸佛希有， 無量無邊， 不可思議， 大神通力， 無漏無為， 諸法之王。
The Buddhas are rare, Limitless and boundless, Inconceivable, With great supernatural powers, Undefiled and unconditioned, Kings of all dharmas.
能為下劣， 忍于斯事， 取相凡夫， 隨宜為說。
They are able, for the sake of the inferior, To endure these matters, And for ordinary people who grasp at appearances, They expound according to what is appropriate.
諸佛於法， 得最自在， 知諸眾生， 種種欲樂， 及其志力。
The Buddhas, regarding the Dharma, Have attained supreme mastery, They know all sentient beings' Various desires and pleasures, And their strength of resolve.
隨所堪任， 以無量喻， 而為說法。
According to their capacities, Using countless parables, They expound the Dharma.
隨諸眾生， 宿世善根， 又知成熟、 未成熟者， 種種籌量， 分別知已， 於一乘道、 隨宜說三。」
Following the sentient beings' Roots of goodness from past lives, Knowing those who are mature And those who are not yet mature, Through various considerations, Having discerned and understood, Regarding the path of the One Vehicle, They expediently teach three.