Sutta 9: The Passing of Sariputta and Moggallana

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639a12] Thus have I heard:

At one time, the Buddha (佛 [fu]) was residing in the Jeta Grove Anāthapiṇḍika’s Park (祇樹給孤獨園 [qi shu gei gu du yuan]) in Śrāvastī (舍衛國 [she wei guo]).

[0639a12] wén rú shì:

yī shí, fú zài shě wèi guó qí shù gěi gū dú yuán.

[0639a12] wen ru shi:

yi shi, fu zai she wei guo qi shu gei gu du yuan.

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639a13] At that time, the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) was accompanied by a great assembly of five hundred bhikṣus (大比丘眾五百人俱 [da bi qiu zhong wu bai ren ju]). At that time, the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) desired to go to the city of Rājagṛha (羅閱城 [luo yue cheng]) for the summer retreat (夏坐 [xia zuo]). Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) also desired to go to the city of Rājagṛha (羅閱城 [luo yue cheng]) for the summer retreat (夏坐 [xia zuo]). Twelve hundred and fifty disciples all desired to go to the city of Rājagṛha (羅閱城 [luo yue cheng]) for the summer retreat (夏坐 [xia zuo]). However, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) and Maudgalyāyana (目揵連 [mu qian lian]), after the summer retreat (夏坐 [xia zuo]), were to attain Nirvāṇa (涅槃 [nie pan]).

[0639a13] ěr shí, shì zūn yǔ dà bǐ qiū zhòng wǔ bǎi rén jù. ěr shí, shì zūn yù yì luó yuè chéng xià zuò, shě lì fú yì yù yì luó yuè chéng xià zuò, qiān èr bǎi wǔ shí dì zi jiē yù yì luó yuè chéng xià zuò, rán shě lì fú,, mù qián lián xià zuò jìng, dāng qǔ niè pán.

[0639a13] er shi, shi zun yu da bi qiu zhong wu bai ren ju. er shi, shi zun yu yi luo yue cheng xia zuo, she li fu yi yu yi luo yue cheng xia zuo, qian er bai wu shi di zi jie yu yi luo yue cheng xia zuo, ran she li fu,, mu qian lian xia zuo jing, dang qu nie pan.

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639a17] At that time, the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]), accompanied by the bhikṣus, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]), Maudgalyāyana (目揵連 [mu qian lian]), and others, traveled to the Kalandaka Bamboo Grove (迦蘭陀竹園 [jia lan tuo zhu yuan]) in the city of Rājagṛha (羅閱城 [luo yue cheng]), and having completed the summer retreat (夏坐 [xia zuo]). At that time, the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) said to Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]): "Now, these twelve hundred and fifty disciples are here for the summer retreat (夏坐 [xia zuo]) with you. However, the bhikṣus Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) and Maudgalyāyana (目揵連 [mu qian lian]) are about to pass into extinction. How is it, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu])! Are you capable of expounding the wonderful Dharma to the bhikṣus? My back is aching, and I wish to rest for a while."

[0639a17] ěr shí, shì zūn jiāng zhū bǐ qiū,, shě lì fú,, mù qián lián děng, yóu luó yuè chéng jiā lán tuó zhú yuán, shòu xià zuò yǐ. ěr shí, shì zūn gào shě lì fú: “jīn qiān èr bǎi wǔ shí dì zi, wèi rǔ děng zài cǐ xià zuò, rán shě lì fú,, mù qián lián bǐ qiū dāng qǔ miè dù. yún hé, shě lì fú! kān rèn yǔ zhū bǐ qiū shuō miào fǎ hū? wǒ jīn jí tòng, yù xiǎo zhǐ xī.”

[0639a17] er shi, shi zun jiang zhu bi qiu,, she li fu,, mu qian lian deng, you luo yue cheng jia lan tuo zhu yuan, shou xia zuo yi. er shi, shi zun gao she li fu: "jin qian er bai wu shi di zi, wei ru deng zai ci xia zuo, ran she li fu,, mu qian lian bi qiu dang qu mie du. yun he, she li fu! kan ren yu zhu bi qiu shuo miao fa hu? wo jin ji tong, yu xiao zhi xi."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639a22] Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) replied: "So it is, World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun])!"

At that time, the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) personally folded his saṅghāṭī (僧迦利 [seng jia li]), lay down on his right side, with his feet overlapping, and his mind intent on clear comprehension.

[0639a22] shě lì fú duì yuē: “rú shì. shì zūn! ”

ěr shí, shì zūn gōng bì sēng jiā lì, yòu xié zhe de, jiǎo jiǎo xiāng lèi, jì yì zài míng.

[0639a22] she li fu dui yue: "ru shi. shi zun! "

er shi, shi zun gong bi seng jia li, you xie zhe de, jiao jiao xiang lei, ji yi zai ming.

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639a24] At that time, the Venerable Śāriputra (尊者舍利弗 [zun zhe she li fu]) addressed the bhikṣus: "When I first received the precepts, after half a month, I attained and bore witness to the four analytical knowledges (四辯才 [si bian cai]), with complete meaning and principle. I shall now expound them, explaining their meaning, so that you may know them and understand them clearly. Listen carefully! Reflect well!"

[0639a24] ěr shí, zūn zhě shě lì fú gào zhū bǐ qiū: “wǒ chū shòu jiè shí, yǐ jīng bàn yuè, dé sì biàn cái ér zuò zhèng, yì lǐ jù zú. wǒ jīn dāng shuō zhī, fēn bié qí yì, shǐ rǔ děng zhī, bù xiàn fēn bié zhī. dì tīng! shàn sī niàn zhī.”

[0639a24] er shi, zun zhe she li fu gao zhu bi qiu: "wo chu shou jie shi, yi jing ban yue, de si bian cai er zuo zheng, yi li ju zu. wo jin dang shuo zhi, fen bie qi yi, shi ru deng zhi, bu xian fen bie zhi. di ting! shan si nian zhi."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639a27] The bhikṣus replied: "So it is." At that time, the bhikṣus received instruction from Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]).

[0639a27] zhū bǐ qiū duì yuē: “rú shì.” shì shí, zhū bǐ qiū cóng shě lì fú shòu jiào.

[0639a27] zhu bi qiu dui yue: "ru shi." shi shi, zhu bi qiu cong she li fu shou jiao.

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639a28] Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) said: "What are the four analytical knowledges (四辯才 [si bian cai]) to which I have attained? Namely, analytical knowledge of meaning (義辯 [yi bian]); analytical knowledge of dharma (法辯 [fa bian]) by which I have attained; analytical knowledge of explanation (應辯 [ying bian]) by which I have attained; analytical knowledge of eloquence (自辯 [zi bian]) by which I have attained. I shall now extensively explain their meaning. If there are any doubts among the four assemblies (四部之眾 [si bu zhi zhong]), I am here now, and you may ask me about their meaning. Furthermore, worthy ones, if you have any doubts about the four dhyānas (四禪 [si chan]), or worthy ones, if you have any doubts about the four immeasurable minds (四等心 [si deng xin]), you may ask me, and I shall now explain them. Moreover, worthy ones, if you have any doubts about the Four Right Efforts (四意斷 [si yi duan]), you may ask me about their meaning, and I shall now explain them. If you do not ask now, later regret will be useless! Now, only the deep Dharma (深法 [shen fa]) of the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]), the Arhat (無所著 [wu suo zhe]), the Fully Enlightened One (等正覺 [deng zheng jue]), and all the various actions, you may also ask me about their meaning, and I shall explain them, so that you will have no regrets later."

[0639a28] shě lì fú gào yuē: “hé děng shì sì biàn cái? wǒ dé zhèng zhě suǒ wèi yì biàn； wǒ yóu cǐ dé zhèng suǒ wèi fǎ biàn； wǒ yóu cǐ dé zhèng suǒ wèi yīng biàn； wǒ yóu cǐ dé zhèng suǒ wèi zì biàn. wǒ jīn dāng guǎng fēn bié qí yì. ruò dāng sì bù zhī zhòng yǒu hú yí zhě, wǒ jīn xiàn zài, kě wèn qí yì. ruò fù, zhū xián! yú sì chán yǒu hú yí zhě, ruò fù, zhū xián! yú sì děng xīn yǒu hú yí zhě, kě wèn wǒ, jīn dāng shuō zhī. shè fù, zhū xián! yú sì yì duàn yǒu hú yí zhě, kě wèn wǒ yì, wǒ jīn dāng shuō. sì shén zú,, sì yì zhǐ,, sì dì, yǒu hú yí zhě, biàn lái wèn wǒ yì, wǒ jīn dāng shuō zhī. jīn bù wèn zhě, hòu huǐ wú yì! wǒ jīn wéi yǒu shì zūn,, wú suǒ zhe,, děng zhèng jué suǒ yǒu shēn fǎ, suǒ xíng zhòng shì, yì wèn wǒ yì, wǒ dāng shuō zhī, hòu wù yǒu huǐ.”

[0639a28] she li fu gao yue: "he deng shi si bian cai? wo de zheng zhe suo wei yi bian; wo you ci de zheng suo wei fa bian; wo you ci de zheng suo wei ying bian; wo you ci de zheng suo wei zi bian. wo jin dang guang fen bie qi yi. ruo dang si bu zhi zhong you hu yi zhe, wo jin xian zai, ke wen qi yi. ruo fu, zhu xian! yu si chan you hu yi zhe, ruo fu, zhu xian! yu si deng xin you hu yi zhe, ke wen wo, jin dang shuo zhi. she fu, zhu xian! yu si yi duan you hu yi zhe, ke wen wo yi, wo jin dang shuo. si shen zu,, si yi zhi,, si di, you hu yi zhe, bian lai wen wo yi, wo jin dang shuo zhi. jin bu wen zhe, hou hui wu yi! wo jin wei you shi zun,, wu suo zhe,, deng zheng jue suo you shen fa, suo xing zhong shi, yi wen wo yi, wo dang shuo zhi, hou wu you hui."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639b11] At that time, the Venerable Mahāmaudgalyāyana (尊者大目揵連 [zun zhe da mu qian lian]), at the appointed time, put on his robe (著衣 [zhe yi]) and took his bowl (持鉢 [chi bo]), intending to enter the city of Rājagṛha (羅閱城 [luo yue cheng]) for alms. At that time, the staff-wielding Brahmins (執杖梵志 [zhi zhang fan zhi]) saw Maudgalyāyana (目連 [mu lian]) approaching from afar and said to each other: "Among the disciples of the Śramaṇa Gautama (沙門瞿曇 [sha men qu tan]), there is no one superior to this person. Let us all surround him and beat him to death."

[0639b11] shì shí, zūn zhě dà mù qián lián dào shí, zhe yī chí bō, yù rù luó yuè chéng qǐ shí. shì shí, zhí zhàng fàn zhì yáo jiàn mù lián lái, gè gè xiāng yì wèi yuē: “cǐ shì shā mén qú tán dì zi zhōng, wú yǒu chū cǐ rén shàng, wǒ děng jǐn gòng wéi yǐ, ér qǔ dǎ shā.”

[0639b11] shi shi, zun zhe da mu qian lian dao shi, zhe yi chi bo, yu ru luo yue cheng qi shi. shi shi, zhi zhang fan zhi yao jian mu lian lai, ge ge xiang yi wei yue: "ci shi sha men qu tan di zi zhong, wu you chu ci ren shang, wo deng jin gong wei yi, er qu da sha."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639b15] At that time, those Brahmins (梵志 [fan zhi]) surrounded and seized him, and each of them beat him with tiles and stones until he was killed, then left him. His body was completely bruised, his bones and flesh were completely rotten, and the extreme pain and suffering were immeasurable.

[0639b15] shì shí, bǐ fàn zhì biàn gòng wéi zhuō, gè yǐ wǎ shí dǎ shā ér biàn shě qù, shēn tǐ wú chù bù biàn, gǔ ròu làn jǐn, kù tòng kǔ nǎo, bù kě chēng jì.

[0639b15] shi shi, bi fan zhi bian gong wei zhuo, ge yi wa shi da sha er bian she qu, shen ti wu chu bu bian, gu rou lan jin, ku tong ku nao, bu ke cheng ji.

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639b17] At that time, Mahāmaudgalyāyana (大目揵連 [da mu qian lian]) thought: "These staff-wielding Brahmins (執杖梵志 [zhi zhang fan zhi]) surrounded me and beat me, my bones and flesh are completely rotten, my body is in pain, truly unbearable. I now wish to attain Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan]), so I have come to bid you farewell."

[0639b17] shì shí, dà mù qián lián ér zuò shì niàn: “cǐ zhū fàn zhì wéi wǒ qǔ dǎ, gǔ ròu làn jǐn, shě wǒ ér qù. wǒ jīn shēn tǐ wú chù bù tòng, jí huàn téng tòng, yòu wú qì lì kě hái zhì yuán, wǒ jīn kě yǐ shén zú hái zhì jīng shě.” shì shí, mù lián jí yǐ shén zú hái zhì jīng shě, dào shě lì fú suǒ, zài yī miàn zuò.

[0639b17] shi shi, da mu qian lian er zuo shi nian: "ci zhu fan zhi wei wo qu da, gu rou lan jin, she wo er qu. wo jin shen ti wu chu bu tong, ji huan teng tong, you wu qi li ke hai zhi yuan, wo jin ke yi shen zu hai zhi jing she." shi shi, mu lian ji yi shen zu hai zhi jing she, dao she li fu suo, zai yi mian zuo.

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639b22] At that time, the Venerable Mahāmaudgalyāyana (尊者大目揵連 [zun zhe da mu qian lian]) said to Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]): "These staff-wielding Brahmins (執杖梵志 [zhi zhang fan zhi]) surrounded me and beat me. My bones and flesh are completely rotten, and my body is in unbearable pain. I now wish to attain Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan]), so I have come to bid you farewell."

[0639b22] shì shí, zūn zhě dà mù qián lián yǔ shě lì fú yán: “cǐ zhí zhàng fàn zhì wéi wǒ qǔ dǎ, gǔ ròu làn jǐn, shēn tǐ téng tòng, shí bù kě kān, wǒ jīn yù qǔ bān niè pán, gù lái cí rǔ.”

[0639b22] shi shi, zun zhe da mu qian lian yu she li fu yan: "ci zhi zhang fan zhi wei wo qu da, gu rou lan jin, shen ti teng tong, shi bu ke kan, wo jin yu qu ban nie pan, gu lai ci ru."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639b25] At that time, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) said: "Among the disciples of the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]), you are foremost in psychic powers (神足 [shen zu]), possessing great power. Why did you not avoid it with psychic powers (神足 [shen zu])?"

[0639b25] shí shě lì fú yán: “shì zūn dì zi zhī zhōng, shén zú dì yī, yǒu dà wēi lì, hé gù bù yǐ shén zú ér bì hū?”

[0639b25] shi she li fu yan: "shi zun di zi zhi zhong, shen zu di yi, you da wei li, he gu bu yi shen zu er bi hu?"

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639b27] Maudgalyāyana (目連 [mu lian]) replied: "The actions I committed in the past were extremely grave and deep, and I must receive the retribution. It is impossible to avoid it; it is not in the sky that I receive this retribution. However, today my body is in extreme pain, so I have come to bid you farewell and attain Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan])."

[0639b27] mù lián bào yán: “wǒ běn suǒ zào xíng jí wèi shēn zhòng, yào suǒ shòu bào, zhōng bù kě bì, fēi shì kōng zhōng ér shòu cǐ bào. rán wǒ jīn rì shēn jí huàn téng tòng, gù lái cí rǔ, qǔ bān niè pán.”

[0639b27] mu lian bao yan: "wo ben suo zao xing ji wei shen zhong, yao suo shou bao, zhong bu ke bi, fei shi kong zhong er shou ci bao. ran wo jin ri shen ji huan teng tong, gu lai ci ru, qu ban nie pan."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639b29] Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) said: "All bhikṣus (比丘 [bi qiu]) and bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) who cultivate the four psychic powers (四神足 [si shen zu]), and extensively expound their meaning, if they wish to abide for a kalpa (劫 [jie]) or beyond a kalpa (過劫 [guo jie]), even if they do not pass into extinction, why do they not abide and instead pass into extinction?"

[0639b29] shě lì fú yán: “zhū yǒu bǐ qiū,, bǐ qiū ní xiū sì shén zú, duō guǎng yǎn qí yì, ruò bǐ rén yì zhōng yù zhù jié,, guò jié, nǎi zhì bù miè dù, hé yǐ bù zhù ér miè dù hū?”

[0639b29] she li fu yan: "zhu you bi qiu,, bi qiu ni xiu si shen zu, duo guang yan qi yi, ruo bi ren yi zhong yu zhu jie,, guo jie, nai zhi bu mie du, he yi bu zhu er mie du hu?"

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639c03] Maudgalyāyana (目連 [mu lian]) replied: "So it is, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu])! The Tathāgata (如來 [ru lai]) said: 'If a bhikṣu (比丘 [bi qiu]) or bhikṣuṇī (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) cultivates the four psychic powers (四神足 [si shen zu]) and desires to abide for a kalpa (劫 [jie]), it is also possible.' However, if the Tathāgata (如來 [ru lai]) were to abide for a kalpa (劫 [jie]), I would also abide. But today, the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) will soon attain Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan]). The lifespan of sentient beings (眾生之類 [zhong sheng zhi lei]) is extremely short, and I cannot bear to see the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) attain Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan]). Moreover, my body is in extreme pain, and I wish to attain Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan])."

[0639c03] mù lián bào yán: “rú shì, shě lì fú! rú lái yán: ‘ruò bǐ qiū,, bǐ qiū ní xiū sì shén zú, yù zhù shòu jīng jié zhě, yì kě dé ěr.’ dàn rú lái zhù jié zhù zhě, wǒ yì zhù ěr. dàn jīn rì shì zūn bù jiǔ dāng qǔ bān niè pán, zhòng shēng zhī lèi shòu mìng jí duǎn, yòu wǒ bù rěn jiàn shì zūn qǔ bān niè pán. rán wǒ shēn tǐ jí wèi téng tòng, yù qǔ bān niè pán.”

[0639c03] mu lian bao yan: "ru shi, she li fu! ru lai yan: 'ruo bi qiu,, bi qiu ni xiu si shen zu, yu zhu shou jing jie zhe, yi ke de er.' dan ru lai zhu jie zhu zhe, wo yi zhu er. dan jin ri shi zun bu jiu dang qu ban nie pan, zhong sheng zhi lei shou ming ji duan, you wo bu ren jian shi zun qu ban nie pan. ran wo shen ti ji wei teng tong, yu qu ban nie pan."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639c08] At that time, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) said to Maudgalyāyana (目連 [mu lian]): "You wait a little longer; I shall first attain extinction." At that time, Maudgalyāyana (目連 [mu lian]) remained silent and did not reply.

[0639c08] ěr shí, shě lì fú yǔ mù lián yán: “rǔ jīn xiǎo tíng, wǒ dāng xiān qǔ miè dù.” shì shí, mù lián mò rán bù duì.

[0639c08] er shi, she li fu yu mu lian yan: "ru jin xiao ting, wo dang xian qu mie du." shi shi, mu lian mo ran bu dui.

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639c10] At that time, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) went to the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]), prostrated himself at his feet, and sat to one side. At that time, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) said to the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]): "I now wish to attain extinction. I only ask for your permission."

[0639c10] shì shí, shě lì fú wǎng zhì shì zūn suǒ, tóu miàn lǐ zú, zài yī miàn zuò. shí, shě lì fú bái shì zūn yán: “wǒ jīn yù qǔ miè dù, wéi yuàn tīng xǔ.”

[0639c10] shi shi, she li fu wang zhi shi zun suo, tou mian li zu, zai yi mian zuo. shi, she li fu bai shi zun yan: "wo jin yu qu mie du, wei yuan ting xu."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639c12] At that time, the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) remained silent and did not reply. At that time, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) addressed the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) three times, saying: "Now is the time for me to attain Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan])."

[0639c12] shì shí, shì zūn mò rán bù duì. shí shě lì fú zài sān bái shì zūn yán: “wǒ jīn zhèng shì shí, yù qǔ bān niè pán.”

[0639c12] shi shi, shi zun mo ran bu dui. shi she li fu zai san bai shi zun yan: "wo jin zheng shi shi, yu qu ban nie pan."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639c14] At that time, the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) said to Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]): "Why do you not abide for one kalpa (一劫 [yi jie]), or even beyond one kalpa (過一劫 [guo yi jie])?"

[0639c14] shì shí, shì zūn gào shě lì fú: “rǔ jīn hé gù bù zhù yī jié, nǎi guò yī jié?”

[0639c14] shi shi, shi zun gao she li fu: "ru jin he gu bu zhu yi jie, nai guo yi jie?"

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639c15] Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) said to the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]): "I personally heard from the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]), and personally accepted, that the lifespan of sentient beings (眾生之類 [zhong sheng zhi lei]) is extremely short, with a maximum lifespan not exceeding one hundred years. Because the lifespan of sentient beings (眾生 [zhong sheng]) is short, the Tathāgata’s (如來 [ru lai]) lifespan is also short. If the Tathāgata (如來 [ru lai]) were to abide for one kalpa (一劫 [yi jie]), I would also abide for one kalpa (一劫 [yi jie])."

[0639c15] shě lì fú bái shì zūn yán: “wǒ gōng cóng shì zūn wén, gōng zì chéng shòu, zhòng shēng zhī lèi shòu mìng jí duǎn, jí shòu bù guò bǎi suì, yǐ zhòng shēng mìng duǎn, gù rú lái shòu yì duǎn. ruò dāng rú lái zhù shòu yī jié zhě, wǒ dāng yì zhù shòu yī jié.”

[0639c15] she li fu bai shi zun yan: "wo gong cong shi zun wen, gong zi cheng shou, zhong sheng zhi lei shou ming ji duan, ji shou bu guo bai sui, yi zhong sheng ming duan, gu ru lai shou yi duan. ruo dang ru lai zhu shou yi jie zhe, wo dang yi zhu shou yi jie."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0639c19] The World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) said: "As Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) says, because the lifespan of sentient beings (眾生 [zhong sheng]) is short, the Tathāgata’s (如來 [ru lai]) lifespan is also short. However, this matter cannot be discussed. The reason is that in the distant past, for asaṃkhyeya (阿僧祇 [a seng qi]) kalpas, there was a Buddha (佛 [fu]) named Sukalpadharmaraja (善念誓願如來 [shan nian shi yuan ru lai]), Arhat (至真 [zhi zhen]), Fully Enlightened One (等正覺 [deng zheng jue]), who appeared in the world. At that time, human lifespan was eighty thousand years, and there was no untimely death. When that Sukalpadharmaraja Tathāgata (善念誓願如來 [shan nian shi yuan ru lai]) became a Buddha (佛 [fu]), on that very day, he transformed into immeasurable Buddhas (無量佛 [wu liang fu]), establishing immeasurable sentient beings (無量眾生 [wu liang zhong sheng]) on the path of the three vehicles (三乘行 [san cheng xing]), some abiding in the stage of non-retrogression (不退轉地 [bu tui zhuan de]); he further established immeasurable sentient beings (無量眾生 [wu liang zhong sheng]) in the four noble families; he further established immeasurable sentient beings (無量眾生 [wu liang zhong sheng]) in the palaces of the Four Great Kings (四天王宮 [si tian wang gong]), Yāma Heaven (艶天 [yan tian]), Tuṣita Heaven (兜術天 [dou shu tian]), Nirmāṇarati Heaven (化自在天 [hua zi zai tian]), Paranirmita-vaśavartin Heaven (他化自在天 [ta hua zi zai tian]), Brahma-kāyika Heaven (梵迦夷天 [fan jia yi tian]), Desire Realm Heaven (欲天 [yu tian]), Form Realm Heaven (色天 [se tian]), and Formless Realm Heaven (無色天 [wu se tian]). Also on that day, he entered Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan]) in the realm of Nirvāṇa (涅槃界 [nie pan jie]) without remainder. And now Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) says: 'Because the lifespan of sentient beings (眾生 [zhong sheng]) is short, the Tathāgata’s (如來 [ru lai]) lifespan is also short.' How is it, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu])! Do you say: 'The Tathāgata (如來 [ru lai]) should abide for one kalpa (一劫 [yi jie]), and I should also abide for one kalpa (一劫 [yi jie])'? However, sentient beings (眾生 [zhong sheng]) cannot know the length of the Tathāgata’s (如來 [ru lai]) lifespan. Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]), you should know that the Tathāgata (如來 [ru lai]) has four inconceivable matters (四不可思議事 [si bu ke si yi shi]) that cannot be known by the Small Vehicle (小乘 [xiao cheng]). What are these four? The world (世 [shi]) is inconceivable, sentient beings (眾生 [zhong sheng]) are inconceivable, dragons (龍 [long]) are inconceivable, and the Buddha-field (佛土境界 [fu tu jing jie]) is inconceivable. These, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]), are the four inconceivable matters."

[0639c19] shì zūn gào yuē: “rú shě lì fú yán, yǐ zhòng shēng mìng duǎn, gù rú lái shòu yì duǎn, rán fù cǐ shì yì bù kě lùn. suǒ yǐ rán zhě, guò qù jiǔ yuǎn ā sēng qí jié, yǒu fú míng shàn niàn shì yuàn rú lái,, zhì zhēn,, děng zhèng jué, chū xiàn yú shì. dāng yú ěr shí, rén shòu bā wàn suì, wú yǒu zhōng yāo zhě. bǐ shàn niàn shì yuàn rú lái dāng chéng fú shí, jí qí rì biàn huà zuò wú liàng fú, lì wú liàng zhòng shēng zài sān chéng xíng, yǒu zài bù tuì zhuǎn de zhù zhě； fù lì wú liàng zhòng shēng zài sì xìng jiā； fù lì wú liàng zhòng shēng zài sì tiān wáng gōng,, yàn tiān,, dōu shù tiān,, huà zì zài tiān,, tā huà zì zài tiān,, fàn jiā yí tiān,, yù tiān,, sè tiān,, wú sè tiān, yì yú qí rì, yú wú yú niè pán jiè ér bān niè pán. ér jīn shě lì fú yán: ‘yǐ zhòng shēng shòu duǎn, gù rú lái shòu mìng yì duǎn.’ yún hé, shě lì fú! ér zuò shì shuō: ‘rú lái dāng zhù yī jié, zhì yī jié, wǒ yì dāng zhù yī jié, zhì yī jié.’ rán fù zhòng shēng, bù néng zhī rú lái shòu mìng zhǎng duǎn. shě lì fú dāng zhī, rú lái yǒu sì bù kě sī yì shì, fēi xiǎo chéng suǒ néng zhī. yún hé wèi sì? shì bù kě sī yì, zhòng shēng bù kě sī yì, lóng bù kě sī yì, fú tǔ jìng jiè bù kě sī yì. shì wèi, shě lì fú! yǒu sì bù kě sī yì.”

[0639c19] shi zun gao yue: "ru she li fu yan, yi zhong sheng ming duan, gu ru lai shou yi duan, ran fu ci shi yi bu ke lun. suo yi ran zhe, guo qu jiu yuan a seng qi jie, you fu ming shan nian shi yuan ru lai,, zhi zhen,, deng zheng jue, chu xian yu shi. dang yu er shi, ren shou ba wan sui, wu you zhong yao zhe. bi shan nian shi yuan ru lai dang cheng fu shi, ji qi ri bian hua zuo wu liang fu, li wu liang zhong sheng zai san cheng xing, you zai bu tui zhuan de zhu zhe; fu li wu liang zhong sheng zai si xing jia; fu li wu liang zhong sheng zai si tian wang gong,, yan tian,, dou shu tian,, hua zi zai tian,, ta hua zi zai tian,, fan jia yi tian,, yu tian,, se tian,, wu se tian, yi yu qi ri, yu wu yu nie pan jie er ban nie pan. er jin she li fu yan: 'yi zhong sheng shou duan, gu ru lai shou ming yi duan.' yun he, she li fu! er zuo shi shuo: 'ru lai dang zhu yi jie, zhi yi jie, wo yi dang zhu yi jie, zhi yi jie.' ran fu zhong sheng, bu neng zhi ru lai shou ming zhang duan. she li fu dang zhi, ru lai you si bu ke si yi shi, fei xiao cheng suo neng zhi. yun he wei si? shi bu ke si yi, zhong sheng bu ke si yi, long bu ke si yi, fu tu jing jie bu ke si yi. shi wei, she li fu! you si bu ke si yi."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640a08] Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) said: "So it is, World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun])! There are four inconceivable matters (四不可思議 [si bu ke si yi]), the world (世界 [shi jie]), sentient beings (眾生 [zhong sheng]), dragon palaces (龍宮 [long gong]), and Buddha-fields (佛土 [fu tu]) are indeed inconceivable. However, for a long night, I have always had this thought: 'The Śākyamuni Buddha (釋迦文佛 [shi jia wen fu]) will not abide for a kalpa (一劫 [yi jie]).' Furthermore, devas (諸天 [zhu tian]) have come to me and told me: 'The Śākyamuni Buddha (釋迦文佛 [shi jia wen fu]) will not be in the world for long. He is approaching eighty years of age, and now the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) will soon attain Nirvāṇa (涅槃 [nie pan]).' I cannot bear to see the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) attain Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan]). Moreover, I personally heard this from the Tathāgata (如來 [ru lai]): 'All past, future, and present Buddhas’ (諸佛 [zhu fu]) foremost disciples first attain Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan]), and then the Buddha (佛 [fu]) attains Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan]); and the last disciples also first attain Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan]), and then the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) will soon attain extinction.' I only wish that the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) grants permission for me to attain extinction."

[0640a08] shě lì fú yán: “rú shì, shì zūn! yǒu sì bù kě sī yì, shì jiè,, zhòng shēng,, lóng gōng,, fú tǔ shí bù kě sī yì. rán zhǎng yè héng yǒu cǐ niàn: ‘shì jiā wén fú zhōng bù zhù yī jié.’ yòu fù zhū tiān lái zhì wǒ suǒ, ér yǔ wǒ yán: ‘shì jiā wén fú bù jiǔ zài shì, nián xiàng bā shí, rán jīn shì zūn bù jiǔ dāng qǔ niè pán.’ wǒ jīn bù kān jiàn shì zūn qǔ bān niè pán. yòu wǒ gōng cóng rú lái wén cǐ yǔ: ‘zhū guò qù,, dāng lái,, jīn xiàn zài, zhū fú shàng zú dì zi xiān qǔ bān niè pán, rán hòu fú qǔ bān niè pán； yòu zuì hòu dì zi yì xiān qǔ bān niè pán, rán hòu shì zūn bù jiǔ dāng qǔ miè dù.’ wéi yuàn shì zūn tīng qǔ miè dù.”

[0640a08] she li fu yan: "ru shi, shi zun! you si bu ke si yi, shi jie,, zhong sheng,, long gong,, fu tu shi bu ke si yi. ran zhang ye heng you ci nian: 'shi jia wen fu zhong bu zhu yi jie.' you fu zhu tian lai zhi wo suo, er yu wo yan: 'shi jia wen fu bu jiu zai shi, nian xiang ba shi, ran jin shi zun bu jiu dang qu nie pan.' wo jin bu kan jian shi zun qu ban nie pan. you wo gong cong ru lai wen ci yu: 'zhu guo qu,, dang lai,, jin xian zai, zhu fu shang zu di zi xian qu ban nie pan, ran hou fu qu ban nie pan; you zui hou di zi yi xian qu ban nie pan, ran hou shi zun bu jiu dang qu mie du.' wei yuan shi zun ting qu mie du."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640a17] The World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) said: "Now is the time."

[0640a17] shì zūn gào yuē: “jīn zhèng shì shí.”

[0640a17] shi zun gao yue: "jin zheng shi shi."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640a18] Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) then sat in front of the Tathāgata (如來 [ru lai]), straightening his body and mind, fixing his attention forward, and entered the first dhyāna (初禪 [chu chan]); rising from the first dhyāna (初禪 [chu chan]), he entered the second dhyāna (二禪 [er chan]); rising from the second dhyāna (二禪 [er chan]), he again entered the third dhyāna (三禪 [san chan]); rising from the third dhyāna (三禪 [san chan]), he again entered the fourth dhyāna (四禪 [si chan]); rising from the fourth dhyāna (四禪 [si chan]), he entered the sphere of infinite space (空處 [kong chu]), the sphere of infinite consciousness (識處 [shi chu]), the sphere of nothingness (不用處 [bu yong chu]), the sphere of neither perception nor non-perception (有想無想處 [you xiang wu xiang chu]). Rising from the sphere of neither perception nor non-perception (有想無想處 [you xiang wu xiang chu]), he entered the cessation of perception and feeling (滅盡定 [mie jin ding]); rising from the cessation of perception and feeling (滅盡定 [mie jin ding]), he entered the sphere of neither perception nor non-perception (有想無想處 [you xiang wu xiang chu]); rising from the sphere of neither perception nor non-perception (有想無想處 [you xiang wu xiang chu]), he entered the sphere of nothingness (不用處 [bu yong chu]), the sphere of infinite consciousness (識處 [shi chu]), the sphere of infinite space (空處 [kong chu]); rising from the sphere of infinite space (空處 [kong chu]), he entered the fourth dhyāna (第四禪 [di si chan]); rising from the fourth dhyāna (第四禪 [di si chan]), he entered the third dhyāna (三禪 [san chan]); rising from the third dhyāna (三禪 [san chan]), he entered the second dhyāna (第二禪 [di er chan]); rising from the second dhyāna (第二禪 [di er chan]), he entered the first dhyāna (初禪 [chu chan]); rising from the first dhyāna (初禪 [chu chan]), he entered the second dhyāna (第二禪 [di er chan]); rising from the second dhyāna (第二禪 [di er chan]), he entered the third dhyāna (第三禪 [di san chan]); rising from the third dhyāna (三禪 [san chan]), he entered the fourth dhyāna (第四禪 [di si chan]). At that time, the Venerable Śāriputra (尊者舍利弗 [zun zhe she li fu]), having risen from the fourth dhyāna (四禪 [si chan]), said to the bhikṣus: "This is called the Lion's Roar Samādhi (師子奮迅三昧 [shi zi fen xun san mei])."

[0640a18] shě lì fú jí zhù rú lái qián zuò, zhèng shēn zhèng yì, xì niàn zài qián, ér rù chū chán； cóng chū chán qǐ, rù èr chán； cóng èr chán qǐ, fù rù sān chán； cóng sān chán qǐ, fù rù sì chán； cóng sì chán qǐ, fù rù kōng chù,, shí chù,, bù yòng chù,, yǒu xiǎng wú xiǎng chù, cóng yǒu xiǎng wú xiǎng qǐ, rù miè jǐn dìng； cóng miè jǐn dìng qǐ, rù yǒu xiǎng wú xiǎng chù； cóng yǒu xiǎng wú xiǎng qǐ, rù bù yòng chù,, shí chù,, kōng chù； cóng kōng chù qǐ, rù dì sì chán； cóng dì sì chán qǐ, rù sān chán； cóng dì sān chán qǐ, rù dì èr chán； cóng dì èr chán qǐ, rù chū chán； cóng chū chán qǐ, rù dì èr chán； cóng dì èr chán qǐ, rù dì sān chán； cóng dì sān chán qǐ, rù dì sì chán. shí, zūn zhě shě lì fú cóng sì chán qǐ yǐ, gào zhū bǐ qiū: “cǐ míng shī zi fèn xùn sān mèi.”

[0640a18] she li fu ji zhu ru lai qian zuo, zheng shen zheng yi, xi nian zai qian, er ru chu chan; cong chu chan qi, ru er chan; cong er chan qi, fu ru san chan; cong san chan qi, fu ru si chan; cong si chan qi, fu ru kong chu,, shi chu,, bu yong chu,, you xiang wu xiang chu, cong you xiang wu xiang qi, ru mie jin ding; cong mie jin ding qi, ru you xiang wu xiang chu; cong you xiang wu xiang qi, ru bu yong chu,, shi chu,, kong chu; cong kong chu qi, ru di si chan; cong di si chan qi, ru san chan; cong di san chan qi, ru di er chan; cong di er chan qi, ru chu chan; cong chu chan qi, ru di er chan; cong di er chan qi, ru di san chan; cong di san chan qi, ru di si chan. shi, zun zhe she li fu cong si chan qi yi, gao zhu bi qiu: "ci ming shi zi fen xun san mei."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640a29] At that time, the bhikṣus exclaimed, "Never before!" "How wonderful! How extraordinary! The Venerable Śāriputra (尊者舍利弗 [zun zhe she li fu]) entered samādhi (三昧 [san mei]) so swiftly!"

[0640a29] shì shí, zhū bǐ qiū tàn wèi céng yǒu: “shén qí! shén tè! zūn zhě shě lì fú rù sān mèi, sù jí nǎi ěr.”

[0640a29] shi shi, zhu bi qiu tan wei ceng you: "shen qi! shen te! zun zhe she li fu ru san mei, su ji nai er."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640b01] At that time, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) immediately rose from his seat, prostrated himself at the World-Honored One’s (世尊 [shi zun]) feet, and then departed.

[0640b01] ěr shí, shě lì fú jí cóng zuò qǐ, tóu miàn lǐ shì zūn zú, biàn tuì ér qù.

[0640b01] er shi, she li fu ji cong zuo qi, tou mian li shi zun zu, bian tui er qu.

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640b02] At that time, many bhikṣus followed behind Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]). At that time, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) turned back and said: "Worthy ones! Where are you all going?"

[0640b02] dāng yú ěr shí, zhòng duō bǐ qiū cóng shě lì fú hòu. shí shě lì fú hái gù yǔ: “zhū xián! gè yù suǒ zhì?”

[0640b02] dang yu er shi, zhong duo bi qiu cong she li fu hou. shi she li fu hai gu yu: "zhu xian! ge yu suo zhi?"

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640b04] The many bhikṣus replied: "We wish to make offerings to the Venerable Śāriputra (尊者舍利 [zun zhe she li])."

[0640b04] zhòng duō bǐ qiū bào yuē: “wǒ děng yù dé gōng yǎng zūn zhě shě lì.”

[0640b04] zhong duo bi qiu bao yue: "wo deng yu de gong yang zun zhe she li."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640b05] Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) said: "Stop! Stop! Worthy ones! This is already an offering. I have my own śrāmaṇera (沙彌 [sha mi]), who is sufficient to make offerings to me. You all should return to your respective places, contemplate the Dharma, cultivate the pure conduct (梵行 [fan xing]) well, and put an end to suffering. The appearance of the Tathāgata (如來 [ru lai]) in the world is extremely difficult to encounter; he appears only at rare times, like the Udumbara flower (優曇鉢華 [you tan bo hua]) that blooms only occasionally. The Tathāgata (如來 [ru lai]) is also like this, appearing only after billions of kalpas. A human birth is also difficult to obtain, and the attainment of faith is also difficult to achieve. To seek to leave home and learn the Tathāgata’s (如來 [ru lai]) Dharma is also difficult to achieve. To wish for all phenomena (一切諸行 [yi qie zhu xing]) not to cease is also difficult to achieve; to completely extinguish desire without remainder, to attain extinction in Nirvāṇa (涅槃 [nie pan]). Now, there are four fundamental dharmas (四法本末 [si fa ben mo]) spoken by the Tathāgata (如來 [ru lai]). What are these four? All phenomena (一切諸行 [yi qie zhu xing]) are impermanent (無常 [wu chang]); this is the first fundamental dharma (初法本末 [chu fa ben mo]) spoken by the Tathāgata (如來 [ru lai]). All phenomena (一切諸行 [yi qie zhu xing]) are suffering (苦 [ku]); this is the second fundamental dharma (第二法本末 [di er fa ben mo]) spoken by the Tathāgata (如來 [ru lai]). All phenomena (一切諸行 [yi qie zhu xing]) are selfless (無我 [wu wo]); this is the third fundamental dharma (第三法本末 [di san fa ben mo]) spoken by the Tathāgata (如來 [ru lai]). Nirvāṇa (涅槃 [nie pan]) is eternal tranquility (永寂 [yong ji]); this is the fourth fundamental dharma (第四法本末 [di si fa ben mo]) spoken by the Tathāgata (如來 [ru lai]). These, worthy ones, are the four fundamental dharmas (四法本末 [si fa ben mo]) spoken by the Tathāgata (如來 [ru lai])."

[0640b05] shě lì fú yán: “zhǐ! zhǐ! zhū xián! cǐ zé wèi gōng yǎng yǐ. wú zì yǒu shā mí, zú dé gōng yǎng wǒ ěr. rǔ děng gè hái suǒ zài, sī wéi dào huà, shàn xiū fàn xíng, jǐn yú kǔ jì. rú lái chū shì, shén nán kě yù, shí shí nǎi chū, yóu yōu tán bō huá shí shí nǎi chū. rú lái yì fù rú shì, yì jié nǎi chū. rén shēn yì fù nán kè, yǒu xìn chéng jiù yì fù nán dé, yù qiú chū jiā xué rú lái fǎ yì fù nán dé. yī qiè zhū xíng yù shǐ bù miè jǐn, cǐ yì nán dé； miè yú ài yù yǒng jǐn wú yú, miè jǐn niè pán. jīn yǒu sì fǎ běn mò, rú lái zhī suǒ shuō. yún hé wèi sì? yī qiè zhū xíng wú cháng, shì wèi chū fǎ běn mò, rú lái zhī suǒ shuō. yī qiè zhū xíng kǔ, shì wèi dì èr fǎ běn mò, rú lái zhī suǒ shuō. yī qiè zhū xíng wú wǒ, shì wèi dì sān fǎ běn mò, rú lái zhī suǒ shuō. niè pán wèi yǒng jì, shì wèi dì sì fǎ běn mò, rú lái zhī suǒ shuō. shì wèi, zhū xián! sì fǎ běn mò, rú lái zhī suǒ shuō.”

[0640b05] she li fu yan: "zhi! zhi! zhu xian! ci ze wei gong yang yi. wu zi you sha mi, zu de gong yang wo er. ru deng ge hai suo zai, si wei dao hua, shan xiu fan xing, jin yu ku ji. ru lai chu shi, shen nan ke yu, shi shi nai chu, you you tan bo hua shi shi nai chu. ru lai yi fu ru shi, yi jie nai chu. ren shen yi fu nan ke, you xin cheng jiu yi fu nan de, yu qiu chu jia xue ru lai fa yi fu nan de. yi qie zhu xing yu shi bu mie jin, ci yi nan de; mie yu ai yu yong jin wu yu, mie jin nie pan. jin you si fa ben mo, ru lai zhi suo shuo. yun he wei si? yi qie zhu xing wu chang, shi wei chu fa ben mo, ru lai zhi suo shuo. yi qie zhu xing ku, shi wei di er fa ben mo, ru lai zhi suo shuo. yi qie zhu xing wu wo, shi wei di san fa ben mo, ru lai zhi suo shuo. nie pan wei yong ji, shi wei di si fa ben mo, ru lai zhi suo shuo. shi wei, zhu xian! si fa ben mo, ru lai zhi suo shuo."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640b19] At that time, all the bhikṣus wept together: "The Venerable Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) passed away so quickly!"

[0640b19] ěr shí, zhū bǐ qiū xián gòng duò lèi: “jīn shě lì fú miè dù, hé sù nǎi ěr.”

[0640b19] er shi, zhu bi qiu xian gong duo lei: "jin she li fu mie du, he su nai er."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640b20] At that time, the Venerable Śāriputra (尊者舍利弗 [zun zhe she li fu]) said to the bhikṣus: "Stop! Stop! Worthy ones! Do not grieve. It is impossible for things that change (變易之法 [bian yi zhi fa]) to remain unchanged. Even Mount Sumeru (須彌山王 [xu mi shan wang]) is subject to the changes of impermanence (無常之變 [wu chang zhi bian]), how much more so a body like a mustard seed? Can the bhikṣu Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) escape this suffering? Even the Tathāgata’s (如來 [ru lai]) Vajra (金剛 [jin gang]) body will soon attain Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan]), let alone my body? You all should cultivate your Dharma practice and put an end to suffering."

[0640b20] ěr shí, zūn zhě shě lì fú gào zhū bǐ qiū: “zhǐ! zhǐ! zhū xián! shèn mò chóu yōu, biàn yì zhī fǎ, yù shǐ bù biàn yì zhě, cǐ shì bù rán. xū mí shān wáng shàng yǒu wú cháng zhī biàn, kuàng fù jiè zi zhī tǐ, shě lì fú bǐ qiū ér miǎn cǐ huàn hū? rú lái jīn gāng zhī shēn, bù jiǔ yì dāng qǔ bān niè pán, hé kuàng wǒ shēn? rán rǔ děng gè xiū qí fǎ xíng, dé jǐn kǔ jì.”

[0640b20] er shi, zun zhe she li fu gao zhu bi qiu: "zhi! zhi! zhu xian! shen mo chou you, bian yi zhi fa, yu shi bu bian yi zhe, ci shi bu ran. xu mi shan wang shang you wu chang zhi bian, kuang fu jie zi zhi ti, she li fu bi qiu er mian ci huan hu? ru lai jin gang zhi shen, bu jiu yi dang qu ban nie pan, he kuang wo shen? ran ru deng ge xiu qi fa xing, de jin ku ji."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640b25] At that time, the Venerable Śāriputra (尊者舍利弗 [zun zhe she li fu]) went to the monastery. Having arrived, he gathered his robes and bowl (收攝衣鉢 [shou she yi bo]), exited the bamboo grove (竹園 [zhu yuan]), and went to his birthplace. At that time, the Venerable Śāriputra (尊者舍利弗 [zun zhe she li fu]) gradually begged for food until he reached the country of Magadha (摩瘦國 [mo shou guo]). At that time, the Venerable Śāriputra (尊者舍利弗 [zun zhe she li fu]) was traveling in his birthplace in Magadha (摩瘦 [mo shou]), and he encountered illness, suffering extreme pain. At that time, only the śrāmaṇera (沙彌 [sha mi]) Cuṇḍa (均頭 [jun tou]) was attending to him, immediately removing impurities and providing cleanliness.

[0640b25] shì shí, zūn zhě shě lì fú wǎng yì jīng shě. dào yǐ, shōu shè yī bō, chū yú zhú yuán, wǎng yì běn shēng zhù chù. shì shí, zūn zhě shě lì fú jiàn jiàn qǐ shí zhì mó shòu guó. ěr shí, zūn zhě shě lì fú yóu yú mó shòu běn shēng zhī chù, shēn yù jí bìng, jí wèi kǔ tòng. shí, wéi yǒu jūn tóu shā mí gōng yǎng, mù xià chú qù bù jìng, gōng gěi qīng jìng.

[0640b25] shi shi, zun zhe she li fu wang yi jing she. dao yi, shou she yi bo, chu yu zhu yuan, wang yi ben sheng zhu chu. shi shi, zun zhe she li fu jian jian qi shi zhi mo shou guo. er shi, zun zhe she li fu you yu mo shou ben sheng zhi chu, shen yu ji bing, ji wei ku tong. shi, wei you jun tou sha mi gong yang, mu xia chu qu bu jing, gong gei qing jing.

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640c01] At that time, Śakra Devānām Indra (釋提桓因 [shi ti huan yin]) knew what Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) was thinking. Just as a strong man can flex and extend his arm, he disappeared from the Trayastriṃśa Heaven (三十三天 [san shi san tian]) and appeared in Śāriputra’s (舍利弗 [she li fu]) monastery. Having arrived, he prostrated himself at his feet, and then rubbed Śāriputra’s (舍利弗 [she li fu]) feet with both hands, proclaiming his name, and saying: "I am the King of Devas, Indra (天王帝釋 [tian wang di shi])."

[0640c01] shì shí, shì tí huán yīn zhī shě lì fú xīn zhōng suǒ niàn, pì rú lì shì qū shēn bì qǐng, cóng sān shí sān tiān méi bù xiàn, lái zhì shě lì fú jīng shě zhōng. zhì yǐ, tóu miàn lǐ zú, fù yǐ liǎng shǒu mó shě lì fú zú, zì chēng xìng míng, ér zuò shì shuō: “wǒ shì tiān wáng dì shì.”

[0640c01] shi shi, shi ti huan yin zhi she li fu xin zhong suo nian, pi ru li shi qu shen bi qing, cong san shi san tian mei bu xian, lai zhi she li fu jing she zhong. zhi yi, tou mian li zu, fu yi liang shou mo she li fu zu, zi cheng xing ming, er zuo shi shuo: "wo shi tian wang di shi."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640c06] Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) said: "Excellent! Heavenly Lord! May your life be boundless."

Śakra Devānām Indra (釋提桓因 [shi ti huan yin]) replied: "I now wish to make offerings to the Venerable Śāriputra (尊者舍利 [zun zhe she li])."

[0640c06] shě lì fú yán: “kuài zāi! tiān dì! shòu mìng wú qióng.”

shì tí huán yīn bào yán: “wǒ jīn yù gōng yǎng zūn zhě shě lì.”

[0640c06] she li fu yan: "kuai zai! tian di! shou ming wu qiong."

shi ti huan yin bao yan: "wo jin yu gong yang zun zhe she li."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640c07] At that time, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) replied: "Stop! Stop! Heavenly Lord! This is already an offering. The devas (諸天 [zhu tian]) are pure, and so are the Asuras (阿須輪 [a xu lun]), dragons (龍 [long]), ghosts (鬼 [gui]), and all the assemblies of devas (諸天之眾 [zhu tian zhi zhong]). I now have my own śrāmaṇera (沙彌 [sha mi]), who is sufficient to serve me."

[0640c07] shí shě lì fú bào yán: “zhǐ! zhǐ! tiān dì! cǐ zé wèi gōng yǎng yǐ, zhū tiān qīng jìng, ā xū lún,, lóng,, guǐ jí zhū tiān zhī zhòng. wǒ jīn zì yǒu shā mí, zú kān shǐ lìng.”

[0640c07] shi she li fu bao yan: "zhi! zhi! tian di! ci ze wei gong yang yi, zhu tian qing jing, a xu lun,, long,, gui ji zhu tian zhi zhong. wo jin zi you sha mi, zu kan shi ling."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640c10] At that time, Śakra Devānām Indra (釋提桓因 [shi ti huan yin]) addressed Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) three times, saying: "I now wish to perform meritorious deeds. Do not deny my wish. I now wish to make offerings to the Venerable Śāriputra (尊者舍利 [zun zhe she li])." At that time, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) remained silent and did not reply. At that time, Śakra Devānām Indra (釋提桓因 [shi ti huan yin]) personally removed the excrement, not refusing the humble task.

[0640c10] shí, shì tí huán yīn zài sān bái shě lì fú yán: “wǒ jīn yù zuò fú yè, mò jiàn wéi yuàn, jīn yù gōng yǎng zūn zhě shě lì.” shì shí, shě lì fú mò rán bù duì. shí, shì tí huán yīn gōng zì chú fèn, bù cí qiān kǔ.

[0640c10] shi, shi ti huan yin zai san bai she li fu yan: "wo jin yu zuo fu ye, mo jian wei yuan, jin yu gong yang zun zhe she li." shi shi, she li fu mo ran bu dui. shi, shi ti huan yin gong zi chu fen, bu ci qian ku.

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640c13] At that time, the Venerable Śāriputra (尊者舍利弗 [zun zhe she li fu]) attained Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan]) that very night. At that time, the earth trembled six times, there was a great sound, and heavenly flowers rained down. Musical performances and dances were created, and devas (諸天 [zhu tian]) filled the sky, weeping and wailing uncontrollably. In the sky, devas (天 [tian]) of the desire realm, form realm, and formless realm (欲天 [yu tian]、色天 [se tian]、無色天 [wu se tian]) all shed tears, like a gentle spring rain. At that time, it was also like this: "The Venerable Śāriputra (尊者舍利弗 [zun zhe she li fu]) attained Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan]) so swiftly!"

[0640c13] shì shí, zūn zhě shě lì fú jí yǐ qí yè ér bān niè pán. shì shí, cǐ de liù biàn zhèn dòng, yǒu dà yīn shēng, yǔ zhū tiān huá, zuò chàng jì lè, zhū tiān cè sāi xū kōng, shén miào zhū tiān yì sàn jū móu tóu huá, huò yǐ zhān tán zá suì zhī xiāng ér sàn qí shàng. shí, shě lì fú yǐ qǔ miè dù, zhū tiān jiē zài kōng zhōng, bēi hào tí kū, bù néng zì shèng, xū kōng zhī zhōng, yù tiān,, sè tiān,, wú sè tiān, xī gòng duò lèi, yì rú chūn yuè xì yǔ hé chàng. ěr shí, yì fù rú shì. “jīn zūn zhě shě lì fú qǔ bān niè pán, hé qí sù zāi.”

[0640c13] shi shi, zun zhe she li fu ji yi qi ye er ban nie pan. shi shi, ci de liu bian zhen dong, you da yin sheng, yu zhu tian hua, zuo chang ji le, zhu tian ce sai xu kong, shen miao zhu tian yi san ju mou tou hua, huo yi zhan tan za sui zhi xiang er san qi shang. shi, she li fu yi qu mie du, zhu tian jie zai kong zhong, bei hao ti ku, bu neng zi sheng, xu kong zhi zhong, yu tian,, se tian,, wu se tian, xi gong duo lei, yi ru chun yue xi yu he chang. er shi, yi fu ru shi. "jin zun zhe she li fu qu ban nie pan, he qi su zai."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640c21] At that time, Śakra Devānām Indra (釋提桓因 [shi ti huan yin]) gathered all kinds of incense and cremated the body of the Venerable Śāriputra (尊者舍利弗 [zun zhe she li fu]). After making various offerings, he collected the relics (舍利 [she li]) and the robes and bowl (衣鉢 [yi bo]), and entrusted them to the śrāmaṇera (沙彌 [sha mi]) Cuṇḍa (均頭 [jun tou]). He further said to him: "These are your teacher Śāriputra’s (舍利 [she li]) relics (舍利 [she li]) and robes and bowl (衣鉢 [yi bo]). Go and present them to the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]). Having arrived, fully inform the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) of this matter. If he has any instructions, then carry them out."

[0640c21] shì shí, shì tí huán yīn jí yī qiè zhòng xiāng, ér yé wéi zūn zhě shě lì fú shēn, zhǒng zhǒng gōng yǎng yǐ, ér shōu shě lì jí yī bō, ér fù jūn tóu shā mí, yòu gào zhī yuē: “cǐ shì rǔ shī shě lì jí yī bō, wǎng fèng shì zūn. dào yǐ, yǐ cǐ yīn yuán, jù bái shì zūn, ruò yǒu suǒ shuō zhě, biàn fèng xíng zhī.”

[0640c21] shi shi, shi ti huan yin ji yi qie zhong xiang, er ye wei zun zhe she li fu shen, zhong zhong gong yang yi, er shou she li ji yi bo, er fu jun tou sha mi, you gao zhi yue: "ci shi ru shi she li ji yi bo, wang feng shi zun. dao yi, yi ci yin yuan, ju bai shi zun, ruo you suo shuo zhe, bian feng xing zhi."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640c25] At that time, Cuṇḍa (均頭 [jun tou]) replied: "So it is, Kausika (拘翼 [ju yi])!"

[0640c25] shì shí, jūn tóu bào yán: “rú shì, jū yì! ”

[0640c25] shi shi, jun tou bao yan: "ru shi, ju yi! "

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640c26] At that time, the śrāmaṇera (沙彌 [sha mi]) Cuṇḍa (均頭 [jun tou]) took the robes, held the bowl (持鉢 [chi bo]), and the relics (舍利 [she li]), and went to Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]). He said to Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]): "My teacher has attained extinction. I have now brought his robes and bowl (衣鉢 [yi bo]) and relics (舍利 [she li]) to present to the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun])!"

[0640c26] shì shí, jūn tóu shā mí zhuō yī,, chí bō jí shě lì, wǎng zhì ā nán suǒ, bái ā nán yuē: “wǒ shī yǐ qǔ miè dù, jīn chí shě lì,, yī bō lái, yòng shàng shì zūn! ”

[0640c26] shi shi, jun tou sha mi zhuo yi,, chi bo ji she li, wang zhi a nan suo, bai a nan yue: "wo shi yi qu mie du, jin chi she li,, yi bo lai, yong shang shi zun! "

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0640c29] At that time, Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]), having seen them, immediately shed tears and said: "You should also come with me to the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) and jointly inform him of this matter. If the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) has any instructions, we will always carry them out."

[0640c29] shí ā nán jiàn yǐ, jí duò lèi ér zuò shì yǔ: “rǔ yì lái gòng zhì shì zūn suǒ, yǐ cǐ yīn yuán, gòng bái shì zūn. ruò shì zūn yǒu suǒ shuō, wǒ děng cháng fèng xíng zhī.”

[0640c29] shi a nan jian yi, ji duo lei er zuo shi yu: "ru yi lai gong zhi shi zun suo, yi ci yin yuan, gong bai shi zun. ruo shi zun you suo shuo, wo deng chang feng xing zhi."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0641a02] Cuṇḍa (均頭 [jun tou]) replied: "So it is, Venerable One!"

[0641a02] jūn tóu bào yán: “rú shì, zūn zhě! ”

[0641a02] jun tou bao yan: "ru shi, zun zhe! "

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0641a03] At that time, Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]) led the śrāmaṇera (沙彌 [sha mi]) Cuṇḍa (均頭 [jun tou]) to the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]), prostrated himself at his feet, and said to the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]): "This śrāmaṇera (沙彌 [sha mi]) Cuṇḍa (均頭 [jun tou]) came to me and said: 'My teacher has attained extinction. I have now brought his robes and bowl (衣鉢 [yi bo]) to present to the Tathāgata (如來 [ru lai]).' Today, my heart is troubled, my will is confused, and I do not know which way to go. Hearing that the Venerable Śāriputra (尊者舍利弗 [zun zhe she li fu]) has attained Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan]), my heart is saddened."

[0641a03] shì shí, ā nán jiāng jūn tóu shā mí zhì shì zūn suǒ, tóu miàn lǐ zú, bái shì zūn yuē: “cǐ jūn tóu shā mí lái zhì wǒ suǒ, bái wǒ yán: ‘wǒ shī yǐ miè dù, jīn chí yī bō lái fèng shàng rú lái.’ wǒ jīn rì xīn yì fán nǎo, zhì xìng mí huò, mò zhī dōng xī, wén zūn zhě shě lì fú qǔ bān niè pán, chàng rán shāng xīn.”

[0641a03] shi shi, a nan jiang jun tou sha mi zhi shi zun suo, tou mian li zu, bai shi zun yue: "ci jun tou sha mi lai zhi wo suo, bai wo yan: 'wo shi yi mie du, jin chi yi bo lai feng shang ru lai.' wo jin ri xin yi fan nao, zhi xing mi huo, mo zhi dong xi, wen zun zhe she li fu qu ban nie pan, chang ran shang xin."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0641a07] The World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) said: "How is it, Ānanda (阿難 [a nan])! Did the bhikṣu Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) attain Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan]) by means of the body of precepts (戒身 [jie shen])?"

[0641a07] shì zūn gào yuē: “yún hé, ā nán! shě lì fú bǐ qiū yòng jiè shēn bān niè pán hū?”

[0641a07] shi zun gao yue: "yun he, a nan! she li fu bi qiu yong jie shen ban nie pan hu?"

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0641a09] Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]) replied: "No, World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun])!"

The World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) said: "How is it, Ānanda (阿難 [a nan])! Did he attain extinction by means of the body of concentration (定身 [ding shen]), the body of wisdom (慧身 [hui shen]), or the body of liberation (解脫所見身 [jie tuo suo jian shen])?"

[0641a09] ā nán duì yuē: “fēi yě. shì zūn! ”

shì zūn gào yuē: “yún hé, ā nán! yòng dìng shēn,, huì shēn,, jiě tuō suǒ jiàn shēn, ér qǔ miè dù hū?”

[0641a09] a nan dui yue: "fei ye. shi zun! "

shi zun gao yue: "yun he, a nan! yong ding shen,, hui shen,, jie tuo suo jian shen, er qu mie du hu?"

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0641a11] Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]) said to the Buddha (佛 [fu]): "The bhikṣu Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) did not attain extinction by means of the body of precepts (戒身 [jie shen]), the body of concentration (定身 [ding shen]), the body of wisdom (慧身 [hui shen]), the body of liberation (解脫身 [jie tuo shen]), or the body of liberation-knowledge (解脫所見身 [jie tuo suo jian shen]). Rather, the bhikṣu Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) was always fond of teaching and expounding the Dharma tirelessly, and also instructing and admonishing the bhikṣus tirelessly. I now recall Śāriputra’s (舍利弗 [she li fu]) profound and excessive kindness, and that is why I am grieved."

[0641a11] ā nán bái fú yán: “shě lì fú bǐ qiū bù yòng jiè shēn,, dìng shēn,, huì shēn,, jiě tuō shēn,, jiě tuō suǒ jiàn shēn, ér qǔ miè dù, dàn shě lì fú bǐ qiū héng xǐ jiào huà, shuō fǎ wú yàn zú, yǔ zhū bǐ qiū jiào jiè, yì wú yàn zú. wǒ jīn yì cǐ shě lì fú shēn ēn guò duō, shì yǐ chóu yì ěr.”

[0641a11] a nan bai fu yan: "she li fu bi qiu bu yong jie shen,, ding shen,, hui shen,, jie tuo shen,, jie tuo suo jian shen, er qu mie du, dan she li fu bi qiu heng xi jiao hua, shuo fa wu yan zu, yu zhu bi qiu jiao jie, yi wu yan zu. wo jin yi ci she li fu shen en guo duo, shi yi chou yi er."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0641a15] The World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) said: "Stop! Stop! Ānanda (阿難 [a nan])! Do not grieve. It is impossible for things that are impermanent (不常之物 [bu chang zhi wu]) to remain always in existence. Birth has death. How is it, Ānanda (阿難 [a nan])! Did not all past Buddhas (諸佛 [zhu fu]) attain extinction? For example, when the oil in a lampwick is exhausted, it extinguishes. Just as from the Bodhisattva (寶藏 [bao cang]) and Dīpaṃkara Buddhas (定光 [ding guang]) up to the seven Buddhas (七佛 [qi fu]) and their disciples, did they not all attain Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan])? Similarly, did not the Pratyekabuddhas (辟支佛 [pi zhi fu]) Śubhatiṣṭhita (審諦 [shen di]), Uccaiḥśruti (高稱 [gao cheng]), Dūragama (遠聞 [yuan wen]), Nicaya (尼嗟 [ni jie]), Upanicaya (優尼般嗟 [you ni ban jie]), Kāla (伽羅 [jia luo]), and Upakāla (優般伽羅 [you ban jia luo]) — all those Pratyekabuddhas (辟支佛 [pi zhi fu]) — not attain extinction? At the beginning of the Bhadrakalpa (賢劫 [xian jie]), there was a great righteous king (大國聖王 [da guo sheng wang]) named Sudharma Mahādeva (善悅摩訶提婆 [shan yue mo he ti po]). Where is such a Cakravartin (轉輪聖王 [zhuan lun sheng wang]) now? Did they not all attain Parinirvāṇa (般涅槃 [ban nie pan])?"

[0641a15] shì zūn gào yuē: “zhǐ! zhǐ! ā nán! mò huái chóu yōu, bù cháng zhī wù, yù shǐ héng zài zhě, cǐ shì bù rán. fū shēng yǒu sǐ. yún hé, ā nán! guò qù zhū fú jǐn fēi miè dù hū? pì rú dēng zhù, yóu jǐn jí miè. rú cóng bǎo cáng,, dìng guāng zhì jīn qī fú jí dì zi zhòng, jǐn fēi bān niè pán hū? rú shì pì zhī fú shěn dì,, gāo chēng,, yuǎn wén,, ní jiē yōu ní bān jiē jiā luó, yōu bān jiā luó, ěr xǔ pì zhī fú jǐn fēi miè dù hū? xián jié zhī chū, dà guó shèng wáng míng yuē shàn yuè mó hē tí pó, rú shì zhuǎn lún shèng wáng jīn wèi suǒ zài, qǐ fēi jǐn fēi bān niè pán hū?”

[0641a15] shi zun gao yue: "zhi! zhi! a nan! mo huai chou you, bu chang zhi wu, yu shi heng zai zhe, ci shi bu ran. fu sheng you si. yun he, a nan! guo qu zhu fu jin fei mie du hu? pi ru deng zhu, you jin ji mie. ru cong bao cang,, ding guang zhi jin qi fu ji di zi zhong, jin fei ban nie pan hu? ru shi pi zhi fu shen di,, gao cheng,, yuan wen,, ni jie you ni ban jie jia luo, you ban jia luo, er xu pi zhi fu jin fei mie du hu? xian jie zhi chu, da guo sheng wang ming yue shan yue mo he ti po, ru shi zhuan lun sheng wang jin wei suo zai, qi fei jin fei ban nie pan hu?"

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0641a24] At that time, the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) then spoke this verse:

"All phenomena (一切行 [yi qie xing]) are impermanent (無常 [wu chang]),
Those who are born must die,
Not born, not extinguished,
This extinction is the supreme."

Ekottarāgama Sutra, Volume 18 (增壹阿含經卷第十八 [zeng yi a han jing juan di shi ba])

[0641a24] ěr shí, shì zūn biàn shuō cǐ jì:

“yī qiè xíng wú cháng,　　shēng zhě dāng yǒu sǐ,
　bù shēng bù fù miè,　　cǐ miè zuì dì yī.”

zēng yī ā hán jīng juǎn dì shí bā

[0641a24] er shi, shi zun bian shuo ci ji:

"yi qie xing wu chang, sheng zhe dang you si,
bu sheng bu fu mie, ci mie zui di yi."

zeng yi a han jing juan di shi ba