Sutta 8: The Buddha's Austere Practices and Attainment of Enlightenment

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

[0670c02] Thus have I heard:

At one time, the Buddha was staying in the forest outside [Vaishali] 毘舍離城 [pi she li cheng].

[0670c02] wén rú shì:

yī shí, fú zài pí shě lí chéng wài lín zhōng.

[0670c02] wen ru shi:

yi shi, fu zai pi she li cheng wai lin zhong.

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

[0670c03] At that time, the [World Honored One] 世尊 [shi zun] said to the [Bhikshus] 諸比丘 [zhu bi qiu], "When I had not yet attained [Buddhahood] 佛道 [fu dao], I lived in that [Great Fear Mountain] 大畏山 [da wei shan]. At that time, for anyone who entered that mountain, whether with desire or without desire, their hair would stand on end. If it was extremely hot, wild horses would run rampant, and I would sit naked. At night, I would enter a deep forest. If it was extremely cold, with wind and rain, I would enter the forest during the day and sit naked at night.

[0670c03] ěr shí, shì zūn gào zhū bǐ qiū: “wǒ xī wèi chéng fú dào shí, ěr shí yī bǐ dà wèi shān ér zhù. shì shí bǐ shān, qí yǒu yù xīn,, wú yù xīn rù zhōng zhě yī máo jiē shù. ruò fù jí shèng rè shí, yě mǎ zòng héng, lù qí xíng tǐ ér zuò, yè biàn rù shēn lín zhōng. ruò fù jí hán zhī rì, fēng yǔ jiāo liú, zhòu biàn rù lín zhōng, yè biàn lù zuò.

[0670c03] er shi, shi zun gao zhu bi qiu: "wo xi wei cheng fu dao shi, er shi yi bi da wei shan er zhu. shi shi bi shan, qi you yu xin,, wu yu xin ru zhong zhe yi mao jie shu. ruo fu ji sheng re shi, ye ma zong heng, lu qi xing ti er zuo, ye bian ru shen lin zhong. ruo fu ji han zhi ri, feng yu jiao liu, zhou bian ru lin zhong, ye bian lu zuo.

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

[0670c08] "At that time, I was only able to recite one verse, which I had never heard or seen before:

"Tranquil and peaceful is the night,
In the [Great Fear Mountain] 大畏山 [da wei shan].
My body is exposed,
This is my vow.

[0670c08] “wǒ ěr shí, zhèng néng sòng yī jì, xī suǒ wèi wén, xī suǒ wèi jiàn yě.

“dàn dàn yè ān,　　dà wèi shān zhōng,
　lù qí xíng tǐ,　　shì wǒ shì yuàn.

[0670c08] "wo er shi, zheng neng song yi ji, xi suo wei wen, xi suo wei jian ye.

"dan dan ye an, da wei shan zhong,
lu qi xing ti, shi wo shi yuan.

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

[0670c12] "If I went to a cemetery, I would take the clothing of the deceased to cover my body. At that time, if people from [Anta Village] 案吒村 [an zha cun] came and put wooden sticks in my ears, or in my nose, or some would spit, or some would urinate, or some would throw dirt on my body; however, at that time, I would never harbor any ill will towards those people. At that time, I had this protective mind. At that time, there was a place where cows grazed. If I saw calf dung, I would pick it up and eat it; if there was no calf dung, I would pick up cow dung and eat it. At that time, eating this food, I again thought: 'What is the use of eating now? I can just not eat all day.' When I had this thought, the [Devas] 諸天 [zhu tian] came to me and said: 'Do not stop eating now. If you stop eating, I will provide you with vital essence of nectar to sustain your life.' At that time, I again thought: 'Now that I have stopped eating, why should the [Devas] 諸天 [zhu tian] send nectar to me? My body will be false.' At this time, I again thought: 'I can now eat the remnants of hemp and rice.'

[0670c12] “ruò wǒ zhì zhǒng jiān, qǔ bǐ sǐ rén zhī yī, ér fù xíng tǐ. ěr shí, ruò àn zhā cūn rén lái qǔ mù zhī, zhe wǒ ěr zhōng, huò zhe bí zhōng, huò yǒu tuò zhě, huò yǒu nì zhě, huò yǐ tǔ bèn qí shēn shàng； rán wǒ ěr shí, zhōng bù qǐ yì, xiàng bǐ rén mín. ěr shí, yǒu cǐ hù xīn. ěr shí, yǒu [niú*miáo] niú zhī chù, shè jiàn dú zi shǐ, biàn qǔ shí zhī； ruò wú dú zi shǐ zhě, biàn qǔ dà niú shǐ shí zhī. ěr shí, shí cǐ zhī shí, wǒ fù zuò shì niàn: ‘jīn yòng shí wèi? nǎi kě zhōng rì bù shí.’ shí wǒ yǐ shēng cǐ niàn, zhū tiān biàn lái dào wǒ suǒ, ér zuò shì yán: ‘rǔ jīn wù fù duàn shí. ruò dāng duàn shí zhě, wǒ dāng yǐ gān lù jīng qì xiāng yì, shǐ cún qí mìng.’ ěr shí, wǒ fù zuò shì niàn: ‘jīn yǐ duàn shí, hé yuán fù shǐ zhū tiān sòng gān lù yǔ wǒ? jīn shēn jiāng yǒu xū zhà.’ shì shí, wǒ fù zuò shì niàn: ‘jīn kě shí má mǐ zhī yú.’

[0670c12] "ruo wo zhi zhong jian, qu bi si ren zhi yi, er fu xing ti. er shi, ruo an zha cun ren lai qu mu zhi, zhe wo er zhong, huo zhe bi zhong, huo you tuo zhe, huo you ni zhe, huo yi tu ben qi shen shang; ran wo er shi, zhong bu qi yi, xiang bi ren min. er shi, you ci hu xin. er shi, you [niu*miao] niu zhi chu, she jian du zi shi, bian qu shi zhi; ruo wu du zi shi zhe, bian qu da niu shi shi zhi. er shi, shi ci zhi shi, wo fu zuo shi nian: 'jin yong shi wei? nai ke zhong ri bu shi.' shi wo yi sheng ci nian, zhu tian bian lai dao wo suo, er zuo shi yan: 'ru jin wu fu duan shi. ruo dang duan shi zhe, wo dang yi gan lu jing qi xiang yi, shi cun qi ming.' er shi, wo fu zuo shi nian: 'jin yi duan shi, he yuan fu shi zhu tian song gan lu yu wo? jin shen jiang you xu zha.' shi shi, wo fu zuo shi nian: 'jin ke shi ma mi zhi yu.'

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

[0670c24] "At that time, I ate one sesame seed and one grain of rice per day, and my body became weak, with bones connected, sores on my head, and my skin and flesh falling off, like a rotten gourd, and my head was not fully developed. At that time, my head was also like this, with sores on top, and my skin and flesh falling off, all due to not eating. Also, like stars appearing in deep water, my eyes at that time were also like this, all due to not eating. Just like an old, broken-down cart, my body was also like this, completely ruined and unsupportive. Also, like a camel's footprints, my two buttocks were also like this. If I massaged my belly with my hand, I would touch my spine; if I pressed my spine, I would touch my abdominal skin. My body was weak, all due to not eating.

[0670c24] “ěr shí, rì shí yī má yī mǐ, xíng tǐ liè ruò, hái gǔ xiāng lián, dǐng shàng shēng chuāng, pí ròu zì duò, yóu rú bài huài hù lú, yì bù chéng jiù wǒ tóu. ěr shí yì fù rú shì, dǐng shàng shēng chuāng, pí ròu zì duò, jiē yóu bù shí gù yě. yì rú shēn shuǐ zhī zhōng xīng sù xiàn zhōng, ěr shí, wǒ yǎn yì fù rú shì, jiē yóu bù shí gù. yóu rú gù chē bài huài, wǒ shēn yì fù rú shì, jiē xī bài huǐ bù kě chéng shùn. yì rú luò tuó jiǎo jī, liǎng kāo yì fù rú shì. ruò wǒ yǐ shǒu àn mó fù shí, biàn zhí jí gǔ, ruò àn jí shí, fù zhí fù pí, shēn tǐ léi ruò zhě, jiē yóu bù shí gù.

[0670c24] "er shi, ri shi yi ma yi mi, xing ti lie ruo, hai gu xiang lian, ding shang sheng chuang, pi rou zi duo, you ru bai huai hu lu, yi bu cheng jiu wo tou. er shi yi fu ru shi, ding shang sheng chuang, pi rou zi duo, jie you bu shi gu ye. yi ru shen shui zhi zhong xing su xian zhong, er shi, wo yan yi fu ru shi, jie you bu shi gu. you ru gu che bai huai, wo shen yi fu ru shi, jie xi bai hui bu ke cheng shun. yi ru luo tuo jiao ji, liang kao yi fu ru shi. ruo wo yi shou an mo fu shi, bian zhi ji gu, ruo an ji shi, fu zhi fu pi, shen ti lei ruo zhe, jie you bu shi gu.

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

[0671a04] "At that time, I again ate one sesame seed and one grain of rice as food, but it was of no benefit, nor did I attain the supreme [Dharma] 法 [fa]. If I wished to relieve myself, I would fall to the ground and be unable to get up by myself. At this time, the [Devas] 諸天 [zhu tian] saw this and said: 'This [Shramana Gautama] 沙門瞿曇 [sha men qu tan] has attained [Nirvana] 滅度 [mie du].' Or some [Devas] 諸天 [zhu tian] said: 'This [Shramana] 沙門 [sha men] has not yet died, but he will certainly die now.' Or some [Devas] 諸天 [zhu tian] said: 'This [Shramana] 沙門 [sha men] has not died, this [Shramana] 沙門 [sha men] is truly an [Arhat] 阿羅漢 [a luo han], and the [Dharma] 法 [fa] of an [Arhat] 羅漢 [luo han] involves such austere practices.'

[0671a04] “wǒ ěr shí, fù yǐ yī má yī mǐ, yǐ cǐ wèi shí, jìng wú suǒ yì, yì fù bù dé shàng zūn zhī fǎ. ruò wǒ yì zhōng yù dà xiǎo biàn zhě, jí biàn dào de bù néng zì qǐ jū. shì shí, zhū tiān jiàn yǐ, biàn zuò shì shuō: ‘cǐ shā mén qú tán yǐ qǔ miè dù.’ huò fù yǒu zhū tiān, ér zuò shì shuō: ‘cǐ shā mén wèi mìng zhōng, jīn bì mìng zhōng.’ huò fù yǒu zhū tiān, ér zuò shì shuō: ‘cǐ shā mén yì fēi mìng zhōng, cǐ shā mén shí shì ā luó hàn, fū luó hàn zhī fǎ yǒu cǐ kǔ xíng.’

[0671a04] "wo er shi, fu yi yi ma yi mi, yi ci wei shi, jing wu suo yi, yi fu bu de shang zun zhi fa. ruo wo yi zhong yu da xiao bian zhe, ji bian dao de bu neng zi qi ju. shi shi, zhu tian jian yi, bian zuo shi shuo: 'ci sha men qu tan yi qu mie du.' huo fu you zhu tian, er zuo shi shuo: 'ci sha men wei ming zhong, jin bi ming zhong.' huo fu you zhu tian, er zuo shi shuo: 'ci sha men yi fei ming zhong, ci sha men shi shi a luo han, fu luo han zhi fa you ci ku xing.'

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

[0671a11] "At that time, I still had consciousness and knew what was happening around me. At that time, I again thought: 'I can now enter the [breathless Dhyana] 無息禪 [wu xi chan].' So I entered the [breathless Dhyana] 無息禪 [wu xi chan], counting my breaths in and out. As I counted my breaths in and out, I became aware of air coming out of my ears, and at that time the sound of the wind was like thunder. At that time, I again thought: 'I will now close my mouth and plug my ears, so that no breath comes out.' When no breath came out, at that time the internal air came out through my hands and feet, and even if the air could not come out through my ears, nose, or mouth, at that time the internal sound was like a lion's roar, and I was also like this. At that time, my consciousness still revolved with my body.

[0671a11] “wǒ ěr shí, yóu yǒu shén shí, zhī wài lái jī qù. shí, wǒ fù zuò shì niàn: ‘jīn kě rù wú xī chán zhōng.’ biàn rù wú xī chán zhōng, shù chū rù xī, wǒ jīn yǐ shù chū rù xī, jué zhī yǒu qì cóng ěr zhōng chū, shì shí fēng shēng rú shì léi míng. ěr shí, fù zuò shì niàn: ‘wǒ jīn bì kǒu sāi ěr, shǐ xī bù chū.’ xī yǐ bù chū, shì shí nèi qì biàn cóng shǒu jiǎo zhōng chū, zhèng shǐ qì bù dé cóng ěr,, bí,, kǒu chū, ěr shí nèi shēng rú shì léi hǒu, wǒ ěr shí yì fù rú shì. shì shí shén shí yóu suí shēn huí.

[0671a11] "wo er shi, you you shen shi, zhi wai lai ji qu. shi, wo fu zuo shi nian: 'jin ke ru wu xi chan zhong.' bian ru wu xi chan zhong, shu chu ru xi, wo jin yi shu chu ru xi, jue zhi you qi cong er zhong chu, shi shi feng sheng ru shi lei ming. er shi, fu zuo shi nian: 'wo jin bi kou sai er, shi xi bu chu.' xi yi bu chu, shi shi nei qi bian cong shou jiao zhong chu, zheng shi qi bu de cong er,, bi,, kou chu, er shi nei sheng ru shi lei hou, wo er shi yi fu ru shi. shi shi shen shi you sui shen hui.

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

[0671a19] "At that time, I again thought: 'I should again enter the [breathless Dhyana] 無息禪 [wu xi chan].' At that time, I completely blocked all openings for breath. As I blocked all breaths in and out, at that time I suffered from a headache in my forehead, as if someone was drilling into my head, and I also suffered from an extremely painful headache. At that time, I still had consciousness. At that time, I again thought: 'I can now meditate again, and not allow breath to come in or out.' At that time, I blocked breaths in and out, and at that time all breaths gathered in my abdomen. At that time, the movement of breath was extremely small, like a butcher slaughtering a cow with a knife; I was also like this, suffering extreme pain. Also, like two strong men holding a weak person over a fire to roast, suffering extreme, unbearable pain; I was also like this, this painful suffering cannot be fully described. At that time, I still had consciousness. On the day I meditated at that time, my body did not look like a human's; some people who saw it said: 'This [Shramana's] 沙門 [sha men] color is extremely dark.' Some people who saw it said: 'This [Shramana's] 沙門 [sha men] color looks like he's about to die.' [Bhikshus] 比丘 [bi qiu], you should know, I performed these austere practices for six years, but I did not attain the supreme [Dharma] 法 [fa].

[0671a19] “shì shí, fù zuò shì niàn: ‘wǒ yí gèng rù wú xī chán zhōng.’ shì shí, jǐn sāi zhū kǒng zhī xī. wǒ yǐ sāi zhū chū rù xī, shì shí biàn huàn tóu é tòng, rú shì yǒu rén yǐ zuān zuān tóu, wǒ yì rú shì jí kǔ tóu tòng. ěr shí, wǒ gù yǒu shén shí, ěr shí wǒ fù zuò shì niàn: ‘wǒ jīn gèng kě zuò chán, xī qì bù dé chū rù.’ ěr shí, wǒ biàn sāi chū rù xī, shì shí zhū xī jǐn jí fù zhōng. ěr shí, xī zhuǎn shí jí wèi shǎo lèi, yóu rú tú niú zhī jiā, yǐ dāo shā niú； wǒ yì rú shì, jí huàn kǔ tòng. yì rú liǎng jiàn rén gòng zhí yī liè rén yú huǒ shàng zhì, jí huàn téng tòng bù kě kān rěn； wǒ yì rú shì, cǐ kǔ téng tòng bù kě jù chén. ěr shí, wǒ yóu yǒu shén shí cún, dāng wǒ ěr shí zuò chán zhī rì, xíng tǐ bù zuò rén sè； qí zhōng yǒu rén jiàn yǐ, ér zuò shì shuō: ‘cǐ shā mén yán sè jí hēi.’ yǒu rén jiàn yǐ, ér zuò shì shuō: ‘cǐ shā mén yán sè shì zhōng.’ bǐ qiū dāng zhī, wǒ liù nián zhī zhōng zuò cǐ kǔ xíng, bù dé shàng zūn zhī fǎ.

[0671a19] "shi shi, fu zuo shi nian: 'wo yi geng ru wu xi chan zhong.' shi shi, jin sai zhu kong zhi xi. wo yi sai zhu chu ru xi, shi shi bian huan tou e tong, ru shi you ren yi zuan zuan tou, wo yi ru shi ji ku tou tong. er shi, wo gu you shen shi, er shi wo fu zuo shi nian: 'wo jin geng ke zuo chan, xi qi bu de chu ru.' er shi, wo bian sai chu ru xi, shi shi zhu xi jin ji fu zhong. er shi, xi zhuan shi ji wei shao lei, you ru tu niu zhi jia, yi dao sha niu; wo yi ru shi, ji huan ku tong. yi ru liang jian ren gong zhi yi lie ren yu huo shang zhi, ji huan teng tong bu ke kan ren; wo yi ru shi, ci ku teng tong bu ke ju chen. er shi, wo you you shen shi cun, dang wo er shi zuo chan zhi ri, xing ti bu zuo ren se; qi zhong you ren jian yi, er zuo shi shuo: 'ci sha men yan se ji hei.' you ren jian yi, er zuo shi shuo: 'ci sha men yan se shi zhong.' bi qiu dang zhi, wo liu nian zhi zhong zuo ci ku xing, bu de shang zun zhi fa.

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

[0671b04] "At that time, I thought: 'Today I can eat one fruit.' At that time, I ate one fruit. On the day I ate one fruit, my body became withered and weak, unable to get up by itself, like a person aged one hundred and twenty, whose bones and joints are scattered and cannot be supported. [Bhikshus] 比丘 [bi qiu], you should know, that one fruit at that time was like a small jujube today. At that time, I again thought: 'This is not the foundation for my attainment of the path; there must be another path.' At that time, I again thought: 'I recall in the past, under my father's royal tree, I was free from lust and desire, having removed evil and unwholesome [Dharma] 法 [fa], and dwelt in the first [Dhyana] 禪 [chan]; without [awareness] 無覺 [wu jue] and [investigation] 無觀 [wu guan], I dwelt in the second [Dhyana] 禪 [chan]; with pure mindfulness and no thoughts, I dwelt in the third [Dhyana] 禪 [chan]; without suffering or pleasure, with pure intention, I dwelt in the fourth [Dhyana] 禪 [chan]. This might be the path. I should now seek this path.'

[0671b04] “ěr shí, wǒ zuò shì niàn: ‘jīn rì kě shí yī guǒ.’ ěr shí wǒ biàn shí yī guǒ. dāng wǒ shí yī guǒ zhī rì, shēn xíng wēi ruò bù néng zì qǐ jū, rú nián bǎi èr shí, gǔ jié lí sàn bù néng fú chí. bǐ qiū dāng zhī, ěr shí yī guǒ zhě, rú shì jīn rì xiǎo zǎo ěr. ěr shí, wǒ fù zuò shì niàn: ‘fēi wǒ chéng dào zhī běn, gù dāng gèng yǒu yú dào.’ ěr shí, wǒ fù zuò shì niàn: ‘wǒ zì yì xī rì, zài fù wáng shù xià wú yín,, wú yù, chú qù è bù shàn fǎ, yóu yú chū chán； wú jué,, wú guān, yóu yú èr chán； niàn qīng jìng wú yǒu zhòng xiǎng, yóu yú sān chán； wú fù kǔ lè, yì niàn qīng jìng, yóu yú sì chán. cǐ huò néng shì dào, wǒ jīn dāng qiú cǐ dào.’

[0671b04] "er shi, wo zuo shi nian: 'jin ri ke shi yi guo.' er shi wo bian shi yi guo. dang wo shi yi guo zhi ri, shen xing wei ruo bu neng zi qi ju, ru nian bai er shi, gu jie li san bu neng fu chi. bi qiu dang zhi, er shi yi guo zhe, ru shi jin ri xiao zao er. er shi, wo fu zuo shi nian: 'fei wo cheng dao zhi ben, gu dang geng you yu dao.' er shi, wo fu zuo shi nian: 'wo zi yi xi ri, zai fu wang shu xia wu yin,, wu yu, chu qu e bu shan fa, you yu chu chan; wu jue,, wu guan, you yu er chan; nian qing jing wu you zhong xiang, you yu san chan; wu fu ku le, yi nian qing jing, you yu si chan. ci huo neng shi dao, wo jin dang qiu ci dao.'

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

[0671b14] "I diligently sought the path for six years but did not achieve it; sometimes I slept on thorns; sometimes on wooden planks with iron nails, or with my body suspended from a bird, with my feet above and my head pointing downwards; or with crossed legs in a squatting position; or growing long hair and beard without ever trimming them; or exposing myself to the sun and fire; or sitting on ice in deep winter; with my body submerged in water; or remaining silent; or eating once a day; or twice a day; or three, four, up to seven times a day; or eating vegetables and fruits; or eating rice and hemp; or eating grass roots; or eating tree fruits; or eating flower fragrances; or eating various fruits; or sometimes naked; or sometimes wearing worn-out clothes; or wearing grass clothes; or wearing wool clothes; or sometimes covering my body with human hair; or sometimes growing my hair; or sometimes taking others' hair and wearing it. Thus, [Bhikshus] 比丘 [bi qiu]! My former austere practices were to this extent, yet I did not attain the fundamental four [Dharmas] 法 [fa]. What are the four? Namely, the noble holy discipline [Xian Sheng Jie Lu] 賢聖戒律 [xian sheng jie lu] is difficult to understand and know; noble holy wisdom [Xian Sheng Zhi Hui] 賢聖智慧 [xian sheng zhi hui] is difficult to understand and know; noble holy liberation [Xian Sheng Jie Tuo] 賢聖解脫 [xian sheng jie tuo] is difficult to understand and know; noble holy [Samadhi] 三昧 [san mei] is difficult to understand and know. These, [Bhikshus] 比丘 [bi qiu]! are the four [Dharmas] 法 [fa]. My former austere practices did not achieve this essential.

[0671b14] “wǒ liù nián zhī zhōng qín kǔ qiú dào ér bù kè huò； huò wò jīng jí zhī shàng； huò wò bǎn mù tiě dīng zhī shàng, huò xuán niǎo shēn tǐ yuǎn de, liǎng jiǎo zài shàng ér tóu shǒu xiàng de； huò jiāo jiǎo dūn jù； huò yǎng zhǎng xū fà wèi céng jiǎn chú； huò rì bào huǒ zhì； huò shèng dōng zuò bīng； shēn tǐ méi shuǐ； huò jì mò bù yǔ； huò shí yī shí； huò shí èr shí； huò shí sān shí,, sì shí, nǎi zhì qī shí； huò shí cài guǒ； huò shí dào má； huò shí cǎo gēn； huò shí mù shí； huò shí huā xiāng； huò shí zhǒng zhǒng guǒ luǒ； huò shí luǒ xíng； huò shí zhe bì huài zhī yī； huò zhe shā cǎo zhī yī； huò zhe máo cuì zhī yī； huò shí yǐ rén fà fù xíng； huò shí yǎng fà； huò shí qǔ tā fà yì dài. rú shì, bǐ qiū! wú xī kǔ xíng nǎi zhì yú sī, rán bù huò sì fǎ zhī běn. yún hé wèi sì? suǒ wèi xián shèng jiè lǜ nán xiǎo nán zhī； xián shèng zhì huì nán xiǎo nán zhī； xián shèng jiě tuō nán xiǎo nán zhī； xián shèng sān mèi nán xiǎo nán zhī. shì wèi, bǐ qiū! yǒu cǐ sì fǎ, wú xī kǔ xíng bù huò cǐ yào.

[0671b14] "wo liu nian zhi zhong qin ku qiu dao er bu ke huo; huo wo jing ji zhi shang; huo wo ban mu tie ding zhi shang, huo xuan niao shen ti yuan de, liang jiao zai shang er tou shou xiang de; huo jiao jiao dun ju; huo yang zhang xu fa wei ceng jian chu; huo ri bao huo zhi; huo sheng dong zuo bing; shen ti mei shui; huo ji mo bu yu; huo shi yi shi; huo shi er shi; huo shi san shi,, si shi, nai zhi qi shi; huo shi cai guo; huo shi dao ma; huo shi cao gen; huo shi mu shi; huo shi hua xiang; huo shi zhong zhong guo luo; huo shi luo xing; huo shi zhe bi huai zhi yi; huo zhe sha cao zhi yi; huo zhe mao cui zhi yi; huo shi yi ren fa fu xing; huo shi yang fa; huo shi qu ta fa yi dai. ru shi, bi qiu! wu xi ku xing nai zhi yu si, ran bu huo si fa zhi ben. yun he wei si? suo wei xian sheng jie lu nan xiao nan zhi; xian sheng zhi hui nan xiao nan zhi; xian sheng jie tuo nan xiao nan zhi; xian sheng san mei nan xiao nan zhi. shi wei, bi qiu! you ci si fa, wu xi ku xing bu huo ci yao.

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

[0671b29] "At that time, I again thought: 'I must now seek the unsurpassed path [Wu Shang Zhi Dao] 無上之道 [wu shang zhi dao].' What is the unsurpassed path [Wu Shang Zhi Dao] 無上之道 [wu shang zhi dao]? It is referring to the four [Dharmas] 法 [fa]: noble holy discipline [Xian Sheng Jie Lu] 賢聖戒律 [xian sheng jie lu], noble holy [Samadhi] 三昧 [san mei], noble holy wisdom [Xian Sheng Zhi Hui] 賢聖智慧 [xian sheng zhi hui], and noble holy liberation [Xian Sheng Jie Tuo] 賢聖解脫 [xian sheng jie tuo]. At that time, I again thought: 'I cannot seek the supreme path [Shang Zun Zhi Dao] 上尊之道 [shang zun zhi dao] with this weak body. I must eat a little of fine essence to nourish my body, so that my strength becomes vigorous, and then I can practice the path.' When I ate fine essence, the five [Bhikshus] 比丘 [bi qiu] abandoned me and retreated, saying: 'This [Shramana Gautama] 沙門瞿曇 [sha men qu tan]'s conduct is confused; he has abandoned the true [Dharma] 法 [fa] and has gone to evil practices.'

[0671b29] “ěr shí, wǒ fù zuò shì niàn: ‘wú jīn yào dāng qiú wú shàng zhī dào.’ hé zhě shì wú shàng zhī dào? suǒ wèi xiàng sì fǎ shì yě: xián shèng jiè lǜ,, xián shèng sān mèi,, xián shèng zhì huì,, xián shèng jiě tuō. ěr shí, wǒ fù zuò shì niàn: ‘bù kě yǐ cǐ léi liè zhī tǐ, qiú yú shàng zūn zhī dào, duō shǎo shí jīng wēi zhī qì, zhǎng yù shēn tǐ, qì lì chì shèng, rán hòu dé xiū xíng dào.’ dāng shí jīng wēi zhī qì, shí wǔ bǐ qiū shě wǒ hái tuì: ‘cǐ shā mén qú tán xìng xíng cuò luàn, yǐ shě zhēn fǎ ér jiù xié yè.’

[0671b29] "er shi, wo fu zuo shi nian: 'wu jin yao dang qiu wu shang zhi dao.' he zhe shi wu shang zhi dao? suo wei xiang si fa shi ye: xian sheng jie lu,, xian sheng san mei,, xian sheng zhi hui,, xian sheng jie tuo. er shi, wo fu zuo shi nian: 'bu ke yi ci lei lie zhi ti, qiu yu shang zun zhi dao, duo shao shi jing wei zhi qi, zhang yu shen ti, qi li chi sheng, ran hou de xiu xing dao.' dang shi jing wei zhi qi, shi wu bi qiu she wo hai tui: 'ci sha men qu tan xing xing cuo luan, yi she zhen fa er jiu xie ye.'

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

[0671c07] "At that time, I immediately rose from my seat and walked towards the east. At that time, I again thought: 'Where did the countless [Buddhas] 佛 [fu] of the distant past attain the path?' At that time, the [Devas] 神天 [shen tian] in the sky were above and said to me: 'Noble one, you should know, the countless [Buddhas] 佛 [fu] of the past, [World Honored Ones] 世尊 [shi zun], sat under the cool shade of the Bodhi tree [Dao Shu] 道樹 [dao shu] and attained [Buddhahood] 成佛 [cheng fu].' At that time, I again thought: 'Where did I sit to attain [Buddhahood] 成佛 [cheng fu]? Did I sit or stand?' At that time, the [Devas] 諸天 [zhu tian] again came and told me, saying: 'The countless [Buddhas] 佛 [fu] of the past, [World Honored Ones] 世尊 [shi zun], sat on a grass mat and then attained [Buddhahood] 成佛 [cheng fu].'

[0671c07] “dāng wǒ ěr shí, jí cóng zuò qǐ, dōng xiàng jīng xíng. shì shí, wǒ fù zuò shì niàn: ‘guò qù jiǔ yuǎn héng shā zhū fú, chéng dào zhī chù wèi zài hé suǒ?’ shì shí, xū kōng shén tiān zhù zài shàng, ér yǔ wǒ yuē: ‘xián shì dāng zhī, guò qù héng shā zhū fú shì zūn, zuò yú dào shù qīng liáng yīn xià ér dé chéng fú.’ shí, wǒ fù zuò shì niàn: ‘wèi zuò hé chù dé chéng fú dào? zuò yé? lì yé?’ shì shí, zhū tiān fù lái gào wǒ, ér zuò shì shuō: ‘guò qù héng shā zhū fú shì zūn, zuò yú cǎo rù, rán hòu chéng fú.’

[0671c07] "dang wo er shi, ji cong zuo qi, dong xiang jing xing. shi shi, wo fu zuo shi nian: 'guo qu jiu yuan heng sha zhu fu, cheng dao zhi chu wei zai he suo?' shi shi, xu kong shen tian zhu zai shang, er yu wo yue: 'xian shi dang zhi, guo qu heng sha zhu fu shi zun, zuo yu dao shu qing liang yin xia er de cheng fu.' shi, wo fu zuo shi nian: 'wei zuo he chu de cheng fu dao? zuo ye? li ye?' shi shi, zhu tian fu lai gao wo, er zuo shi shuo: 'guo qu heng sha zhu fu shi zun, zuo yu cao ru, ran hou cheng fu.'

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

[0671c15] "At that time, not far from me, there was the auspicious [Brahmin] 吉祥梵志 [ji xiang fan zhi] cutting grass nearby. I immediately went to him and asked: 'Who are you? What is your name? Do you have a family name?' The [Brahmin] 梵志 [fan zhi] replied: 'My name is [Jixiang] 吉祥 [ji xiang], and my family name is [Fuxing] 弗星 [fu xing].' At that time, I said to that person: 'Excellent! Excellent! Such a name is rare in the world; the name is not empty, and its meaning will surely be fulfilled. May you be auspicious and have no misfortune in this life, and may birth, old age, sickness, and death be forever eliminated. Your family name [Fuxing] 弗星 [fu xing] is the same as mine. I now wish to ask for a little grass.' [Jixiang] 吉祥 [ji xiang] asked: '[Gautama] 瞿曇 [qu tan]! What do you need this grass for today?' At that time, I replied to [Jixiang] 吉祥 [ji xiang], saying: 'I wish to spread it under the King of Trees [Shu Wang] 樹王 [shu wang] and seek the four [Dharmas] 法 [fa]. What are the four? Namely, noble holy discipline [Xian Sheng Jie Lu] 賢聖戒律 [xian sheng jie lu], noble holy [Samadhi] 三昧 [san mei], noble holy wisdom [Xian Sheng Zhi Hui] 賢聖智慧 [xian sheng zhi hui], and noble holy liberation [Xian Sheng Jie Tuo] 賢聖解脫 [xian sheng jie tuo].'

[0671c15] “shì shí, qù wǒ bù yuǎn, yǒu jí xiáng fàn zhì zài cè yì cǎo, jí wǎng zhì bǐ, wèn: ‘rǔ shì hé rén, wèi míng hé děng, wèi yǒu xìng yé?’ fàn zhì bào yuē: ‘wǒ míng jí xiáng, qí xìng fú xīng.’ wǒ ěr shí yǔ bǐ rén yuē: ‘shàn zāi! shàn zāi! rú shì xìng zì, shì zhī xī yǒu； xìng míng bù xū, bì chéng qí hào, dāng shǐ xiàn shì jí wú bù lì, shēng,, lǎo,, bìng,, sǐ, yǒng shǐ chú jǐn. rǔ xìng fú xīng, yǔ wǒ gòng tóng. wú jīn yù suǒ qiú, jiàn huì shǎo cǎo.’ jí xiáng wèn yuē: ‘qú tán! jīn rì yòng sī cǎo wèi?’ ěr shí, wǒ bào jí xiáng yuē: ‘wú yù fū shù wáng xià qiú yú sì fǎ. yún hé wèi sì? suǒ wèi xián shèng jiè lǜ,, xián shèng sān mèi,, xián shèng zhì huì,, xián shèng jiě tuō.’

[0671c15] "shi shi, qu wo bu yuan, you ji xiang fan zhi zai ce yi cao, ji wang zhi bi, wen: 'ru shi he ren, wei ming he deng, wei you xing ye?' fan zhi bao yue: 'wo ming ji xiang, qi xing fu xing.' wo er shi yu bi ren yue: 'shan zai! shan zai! ru shi xing zi, shi zhi xi you; xing ming bu xu, bi cheng qi hao, dang shi xian shi ji wu bu li, sheng,, lao,, bing,, si, yong shi chu jin. ru xing fu xing, yu wo gong tong. wu jin yu suo qiu, jian hui shao cao.' ji xiang wen yue: 'qu tan! jin ri yong si cao wei?' er shi, wo bao ji xiang yue: 'wu yu fu shu wang xia qiu yu si fa. yun he wei si? suo wei xian sheng jie lu,, xian sheng san mei,, xian sheng zhi hui,, xian sheng jie tuo.'

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

[0671c24] "[Bhikshus] 比丘 [bi qiu], you should know that at that time, [Jixiang] 吉祥 [ji xiang] personally held the grass and went to the King of Trees [Shu Wang] 樹王 [shu wang]. I then sat upon it, straightened my body and mind, sat cross-legged, and fixed my mindfulness in front of me. At that time, my greedy thoughts dissolved, and I removed all evil [Dharmas] 法 [fa], with [awareness] 有覺 [you jue] and [investigation] 有觀 [you guan], I dwelt in the first [Dhyana] 禪 [chan]; with [awareness] 有覺 [you jue] and [investigation] 有觀 [you guan] completely removed, I dwelt in the second and third [Dhyanas] 禪 [chan]; with pure mindfulness, with sorrow and joy completely removed, I dwelt in the fourth [Dhyana] 禪 [chan]. At that time, with a pure mind, having removed all defilements, I attained fearlessness and recollected countless past transformations. I then recollected countless worldly affairs, sometimes one birth, two births, three, four, five births, ten births, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, one hundred births, one thousand births, hundreds of thousands of births, eons of formation, eons of destruction, countless eons of formation, countless eons of destruction, countless eons of formation and destruction. I had died here and been born there, and after dying there, I was born here, without knowing the fundamental causes and conditions. I recollected countless worldly affairs in this way.

[0671c24] “bǐ qiū dāng zhī, ěr shí, jí xiáng gōng zì zhí cǎo yì shù wáng suǒ. wú jí zuò qí shàng, zhèng shēn zhèng yì, jié jiā fū zuò, jì niàn zài qián. ěr shí, tān yù yì jiě, chú zhū è fǎ, yǒu jué,, yǒu guān, yóu zhì chū chán； yǒu jué,, yǒu guān chú jǐn, yóu zhì èr,, sān chán； hù niàn qīng jìng, yōu xǐ chú jǐn, yóu zhì sì chán. wǒ ěr shí yǐ qīng jìng zhī xīn, chú zhū jié shǐ, dé wú suǒ wèi, zì shí sù mìng wú shù lái biàn. wǒ biàn zì yì wú shù shì shì, huò yī shēng,, èr shēng,, sān,, sì,, wǔ shēng,, shí shēng,, èr shí,, sān shí,, sì shí,, wǔ shí,, bǎi shēng,, qiān shēng,, bǎi qiān wàn shēng,, chéng jié,, bài jié,, wú shù chéng jié,, wú shù bài jié,, wú shù chéng bài zhī jié, wǒ céng sǐ cǐ shēng bǐ, cóng bǐ mìng zhōng ér lái shēng cǐ, wú qí běn mò yīn yuán suǒ cóng, yì rú cǐ wú shù shì shì.

[0671c24] "bi qiu dang zhi, er shi, ji xiang gong zi zhi cao yi shu wang suo. wu ji zuo qi shang, zheng shen zheng yi, jie jia fu zuo, ji nian zai qian. er shi, tan yu yi jie, chu zhu e fa, you jue,, you guan, you zhi chu chan; you jue,, you guan chu jin, you zhi er,, san chan; hu nian qing jing, you xi chu jin, you zhi si chan. wo er shi yi qing jing zhi xin, chu zhu jie shi, de wu suo wei, zi shi su ming wu shu lai bian. wo bian zi yi wu shu shi shi, huo yi sheng,, er sheng,, san,, si,, wu sheng,, shi sheng,, er shi,, san shi,, si shi,, wu shi,, bai sheng,, qian sheng,, bai qian wan sheng,, cheng jie,, bai jie,, wu shu cheng jie,, wu shu bai jie,, wu shu cheng bai zhi jie, wo ceng si ci sheng bi, cong bi ming zhong er lai sheng ci, wu qi ben mo yin yuan suo cong, yi ru ci wu shu shi shi.

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

[0672a06] "I further observed all beings with the [Divine Eye] 天眼 [tian yan], pure and faultless, those who were born and those who died, those in good destinies and with good forms, those in bad destinies and with bad forms, whether beautiful or ugly, according to their fundamental actions, all clearly understood. Some beings practice evil bodily conduct, evil verbal conduct, and evil mental conduct, slander noble sages, create evil karma, and are associated with wrong views. Upon the dissolution of their body and the end of their life, they are reborn in hell. Some beings practice good bodily, verbal, and mental conduct, do not slander noble sages, and are associated with right views. Upon the dissolution of their body and the end of their life, they are reborn among humans. This shows that these beings' bodily, verbal, and mental conduct have no evil karma. I attained with the mind of [Samadhi] 三昧 [san mei], pure and faultless, the exhaustion of defilements, and attained the undefiled liberation of mind and liberation by wisdom; birth and death are exhausted, the holy life is established, what needed to be done has been done, and I will not receive another rebirth, truly knowing this. Thus, I attained the unsurpassed, true, and right path [Wu Shang Zheng Zhen Zhi Dao] 無上正真之道 [wu shang zheng zhen zhi dao].

[0672a06] “wǒ fù yǐ tiān yǎn qīng jìng wú xiá huì, guān zhòng shēng lèi shēng zhě,, zhōng zhě, shàn qù,, shàn sè, è qù,, è sè, ruò hǎo,, ruò chǒu, suí qí xíng běn, jiē xī zhī zhī. huò yǒu zhòng shēng shēn xiū è xíng, kǒu xiū è xíng, yì xiū è xíng, fěi bàng xián shèng, zào xié yè běn, yǔ xié jiàn xiāng yīng, shēn huài mìng zhōng, shēng de yù zhōng. huò yǒu zhòng shēng zhī lèi, shēn,, kǒu,, yì xíng shàn, bù fěi bàng xián shèng, yǔ zhèng jiàn xiāng yīng, shēn huài mìng zhōng, shēng yú rén jiān, shì wèi cǐ zhòng shēng shēn,, kǒu,, yì xíng wú yǒu xié yè. wǒ yǐ sān mèi zhī xīn qīng jìng wú xiá huì, yǒu lòu jǐn, chéng wú lòu xīn jiě tuō,, zhì huì jiě tuō； shēng sǐ yǐ jǐn, fàn xíng yǐ lì, suǒ zuò yǐ bàn, gèng bù fù shòu tāi, rú shí zhī zhī. jí chéng wú shàng zhèng zhēn zhī dào.

[0672a06] "wo fu yi tian yan qing jing wu xia hui, guan zhong sheng lei sheng zhe,, zhong zhe, shan qu,, shan se, e qu,, e se, ruo hao,, ruo chou, sui qi xing ben, jie xi zhi zhi. huo you zhong sheng shen xiu e xing, kou xiu e xing, yi xiu e xing, fei bang xian sheng, zao xie ye ben, yu xie jian xiang ying, shen huai ming zhong, sheng de yu zhong. huo you zhong sheng zhi lei, shen,, kou,, yi xing shan, bu fei bang xian sheng, yu zheng jian xiang ying, shen huai ming zhong, sheng yu ren jian, shi wei ci zhong sheng shen,, kou,, yi xing wu you xie ye. wo yi san mei zhi xin qing jing wu xia hui, you lou jin, cheng wu lou xin jie tuo,, zhi hui jie tuo; sheng si yi jin, fan xing yi li, suo zuo yi ban, geng bu fu shou tai, ru shi zhi zhi. ji cheng wu shang zheng zhen zhi dao.

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

[0672a17] "If, [Bhikshus] 比丘 [bi qiu]! there are some [Shramanas] 沙門 [sha men] or [Brahmanas] 婆羅門 [po luo men] who clearly understand all destinies, but these destinies have no root, and I have never failed to go to them before, except for the pure abode heaven from which I do not return to this world. Or if there are [Shramanas] 沙門 [sha men] or [Brahmanas] 婆羅門 [po luo men] who should be born in a certain place, but I am not born there, it would not be appropriate, for I have already been born in the pure abode heaven and will not return to this world. You have attained noble holy discipline [Xian Sheng Jie Lu] 賢聖戒律 [xian sheng jie lu], and I have also attained it; noble holy [Samadhi] 三昧 [san mei], you have also attained it, and I have also attained it; noble holy wisdom [Xian Sheng Zhi Hui] 賢聖智慧 [xian sheng zhi hui], you have also attained it, and I have also attained it; noble holy liberation [Xian Sheng Jie Tuo] 賢聖解脫 [xian sheng jie tuo], you have also attained it, and I have also attained it; noble holy knowledge and vision of liberation [Xian Sheng Jie Tuo Zhi Jian] 賢聖解脫知見 [xian sheng jie tuo zhi jian], you have also attained it, and I have also attained it; the root of rebirth has been cut, birth and death are forever exhausted, and I will not receive another rebirth.

[0672a17] “ruò shǐ bǐ qiū! huò yǒu shā mén,, pó luó mén míng le zhū qù, rán cǐ qù wú běn, wú xī wèi shǐ bù xíng, chú yī jìng jū tiān shàng bù lái cǐ shì； huò fù shā mén,, pó luó mén dāng kě suǒ shēng zhī chù, rán wǒ bù shēng zhě, zé fēi qí yí, yǐ shēng jìng jū tiān, bù fù lái cǐ shì jiān. qīng děng yǐ dé xián shèng jiè lǜ, wǒ yì dé zhī； xián shèng sān mèi, qīng děng yì dé, wǒ yì dé zhī； xián shèng zhì huì, qīng děng yì dé, wǒ yì dé zhī； xián shèng jiě tuō, qīng děng yì dé, wǒ yì dé zhī； xián shèng jiě tuō zhī jiàn, qīng děng yì dé, wǒ yì dé zhī； yǐ duàn bāo tāi zhī gēn, shēng sǐ yǒng jǐn, gèng bù fù shòu bāo tāi.

[0672a17] "ruo shi bi qiu! huo you sha men,, po luo men ming le zhu qu, ran ci qu wu ben, wu xi wei shi bu xing, chu yi jing ju tian shang bu lai ci shi; huo fu sha men,, po luo men dang ke suo sheng zhi chu, ran wo bu sheng zhe, ze fei qi yi, yi sheng jing ju tian, bu fu lai ci shi jian. qing deng yi de xian sheng jie lu, wo yi de zhi; xian sheng san mei, qing deng yi de, wo yi de zhi; xian sheng zhi hui, qing deng yi de, wo yi de zhi; xian sheng jie tuo, qing deng yi de, wo yi de zhi; xian sheng jie tuo zhi jian, qing deng yi de, wo yi de zhi; yi duan bao tai zhi gen, sheng si yong jin, geng bu fu shou bao tai.

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

[0672a26] "Therefore, [Bhikshus] 諸比丘 [zhu bi qiu]! You should seek skillful means to accomplish these four [Dharmas] 法 [fa]. The reason is that if a [Bhikshu] 比丘 [bi qiu] attains these four [Dharmas] 法 [fa], attaining the path is not difficult, just as I today attained the unsurpassed, true, and right path [Wu Shang Zheng Zhen Zhi Dao] 無上正真之道 [wu shang zheng zhen zhi dao], all by means of these four [Dharmas] 法 [fa]. Thus, [Bhikshus] 諸比丘 [zhu bi qiu]! You should train yourselves in this way."

[0672a26] “shì gù, zhū bǐ qiū! dāng qiú fāng biàn, chéng jiù sì fǎ. suǒ yǐ rán zhě. ruò bǐ qiū dé cǐ sì fǎ zhě, chéng dào bù nán, rú wǒ jīn rì chéng wú shàng zhèng zhēn zhī dào, jiē yóu sì fǎ ér dé chéng guǒ. rú shì, zhū bǐ qiū! dāng zuò shì xué.”

[0672a26] "shi gu, zhu bi qiu! dang qiu fang bian, cheng jiu si fa. suo yi ran zhe. ruo bi qiu de ci si fa zhe, cheng dao bu nan, ru wo jin ri cheng wu shang zheng zhen zhi dao, jie you si fa er de cheng guo. ru shi, zhu bi qiu! dang zuo shi xue."

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

[0672b01] At that time, the [Bhikshus] 諸比丘 [zhu bi qiu], having heard what the Buddha said, rejoiced and practiced it.

[0672b01] ěr shí, zhū bǐ qiū wén fú suǒ shuō, huān xǐ fèng xíng.

[0672b01] er shi, zhu bi qiu wen fu suo shuo, huan xi feng xing.