Sutta 7: Where to Give Dana for Great Merit

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

[0826c19] Thus have I heard:

At one time, the Buddha (佛 [fu]) was in the Jetavana Monastery, Anathapindika's Park, in Sravasti (舍衛國祇樹給孤獨園 [she wei guo qi shu gei gu du yuan]).

[0826c19] wén rú shì:

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

[0826c19] 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.]

[0826c20] At that time, King Pasenadi (波斯匿王 [bo si ni wang]) went to the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]), prostrated himself at his feet, and sat to one side. Then, King Pasenadi (波斯匿王 [bo si ni wang]) said to the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]): "To whom should a household practice Dana (施之家當施何處 [shi zhi jia dang shi he chu])?"

[0826c20] ěr shí, bō sī nì wáng wǎng zhì shì zūn suǒ, tóu miàn lǐ zú, zài yī miàn zuò. shì shí, bō sī nì wáng bái shì zūn yán: “fū shī zhī jiā dāng shī hé chù?”

[0826c20] er shi, bo si ni wang wang zhi shi zun suo, tou mian li zu, zai yi mian zuo. shi shi, bo si ni wang bai shi zun yan: "fu shi zhi jia dang shi he chu?"

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

[0826c22] The World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) said to the King (王 [wang]): "Give Dana (施 [shi]) to whomever your heart delights in."

[0826c22] shì zūn gào wáng: “suí xīn suǒ huān, biàn yú bǐ shī.”

[0826c22] shi zun gao wang: "sui xin suo huan, bian yu bi shi."

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

[0826c23] The King (王 [wang]) again said to the Buddha (佛 [fu]): "Giving Dana (施 [shi]) to whom brings great merit (大功德 [da gong de])?"

[0826c23] wáng fù bái fú: “wèi shī hé chù, dé dà gōng dé?”

[0826c23] wang fu bai fu: "wei shi he chu, de da gong de?"

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

[0826c24] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) said to the King (王 [wang]): "You ask where one should give Dana (施何處 [shi he chu]), and now you ask about acquiring merit (獲福功德 [huo fu gong de])."

[0826c24] fú gào wáng yuē: “rǔ suǒ wèn dāng shī hé chù, jīn fù wèn huò fú gōng dé.”

[0826c24] fu gao wang yue: "ru suo wen dang shi he chu, jin fu wen huo fu gong de."

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

[0826c25] The King (王 [wang]) said to the Buddha (佛 [fu]): "I now ask the Tathagata (如來 [ru lai]) where to give Dana (施何處 [shi he chu]) to acquire merit (獲其功德 [huo qi gong de])?"

[0826c25] wáng bái fú yán: “wǒ jīn wèn rú lái wèi shī hé chù, huò qí gōng dé?”

[0826c25] wang bai fu yan: "wo jin wen ru lai wei shi he chu, huo qi gong de?"

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

[0826c26] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) said to the King (王 [wang]): "I will now ask you back, King (王 [wang]), and you answer as you please. What do you think, Great King (大王 [da wang])! If a Kshatriya (剎利子 [sha li zi]) or Brahman (婆羅門子 [po luo men zi]) comes, but is foolish and ignorant (愚惑無所知 [yu huo wu suo zhi]), with a confused and unstable mind (心意錯亂 [xin yi cuo luan]，恒不一定 [heng bu yi ding]), and comes to you, the King (王 [wang]), and asks: 'We shall respectfully serve the Sacred King (聖王 [sheng wang]), and provide whatever is needed at any time.' What do you think, Great King (大王 [da wang])! Do you need this person by your side?"

[0826c26] fú gào wáng yuē: “wú jīn hái wèn, wáng suí suǒ lè, hái bào wú. yún hé? dà wáng! ruò yǒu shā lì zi lái, pó luó mén zi lái, rán yú huò wú suǒ zhī, xīn yì cuò luàn, héng bù yī dìng, lái zhì wáng suǒ, ér wèn wáng yán: ‘wǒ děng dāng gōng fèng shèng wáng, suí shí suǒ xū.’ yún hé? dà wáng! xū cǐ rén zài zuǒ yòu hū?”

[0826c26] fu gao wang yue: "wu jin hai wen, wang sui suo le, hai bao wu. yun he? da wang! ruo you sha li zi lai, po luo men zi lai, ran yu huo wu suo zhi, xin yi cuo luan, heng bu yi ding, lai zhi wang suo, er wen wang yan: 'wo deng dang gong feng sheng wang, sui shi suo xu.' yun he? da wang! xu ci ren zai zuo you hu?"

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

[0827a02] The King (王 [wang]) said to the Buddha (佛 [fu]): "No, World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun])! Why is that? Because that person lacks wisdom (黠慧 [xia hui]), their mind is unstable (心識不定 [xin shi bu ding]), and they are incapable of guarding against external enemies (不堪候外敵 [bu kan hou wai di])."

[0827a02] wáng bái fú yán: “bù xū yě. shì zūn! suǒ yǐ rán zhě, yóu bǐ rén wú yǒu xiá huì, xīn shí bù dìng, bù kān hòu wài dí zhī suǒ zhì yě.”

[0827a02] wang bai fu yan: "bu xu ye. shi zun! suo yi ran zhe, you bi ren wu you xia hui, xin shi bu ding, bu kan hou wai di zhi suo zhi ye."

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

[0827a04] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) said to the King (王 [wang]): "What do you think, Great King (大王 [da wang])! If a Kshatriya (剎利 [sha li]) or Brahman (婆羅門 [po luo men]) of many skillful means (多諸方便 [duo zhu fang bian]), without fear (無有恐難 [wu you kong nan]), and not afraid (亦不畏懼 [yi bu wei ju]), who can eliminate external enemies (能除外敵 [neng chu wai di]), comes to you, the King (王 [wang]), and says: 'We will serve the Sacred King (聖王 [sheng wang]) at all times, may you mercifully accept us.' What do you think, Great King (大王 [da wang])! Would you accept this person?"

[0827a04] fú gào wáng yuē: “yún hé? dà wáng! ruò shā lì,, pó luó mén zhǒng duō zhū fāng biàn, wú yǒu kǒng nán, yì bù wèi jù, néng chú wài dí, lái zhì wáng suǒ, ér bái wáng yán: ‘wǒ děng suí shí zhān fèng shèng wáng, wéi yuàn ēn chuí dāng jiàn nà shòu.’ yún hé? dà wáng! dāng shòu sī rén bù.”

[0827a04] fu gao wang yue: "yun he? da wang! ruo sha li,, po luo men zhong duo zhu fang bian, wu you kong nan, yi bu wei ju, neng chu wai di, lai zhi wang suo, er bai wang yan: 'wo deng sui shi zhan feng sheng wang, wei yuan en chui dang jian na shou.' yun he? da wang! dang shou si ren bu."

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

[0827a08] The King (王 [wang]) said to the Buddha (佛 [fu]): "Yes, World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun])! We would accept this person. Why is that? Because that person is capable of guarding against external enemies (候外敵 [hou wai di]), without fear (無有畏難 [wu you wei nan]), and not afraid (亦不恐懼 [yi bu kong ju])."

[0827a08] wáng bái fú yán: “wéi rán, shì zūn! wǒ děng dāng nà shòu sī rén, suǒ yǐ rán zhě, yóu bǐ rén kān rèn hòu wài dí, wú yǒu wèi nán, yì bù kǒng jù.”

[0827a08] wang bai fu yan: "wei ran, shi zun! wo deng dang na shou si ren, suo yi ran zhe, you bi ren kan ren hou wai di, wu you wei nan, yi bu kong ju."

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

[0827a10] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) said to the King (王 [wang]): "It is the same with Bhikkhus (比丘 [bi qiu]). Bhikkhus (比丘 [bi qiu]) with complete faculties (諸根完具 [zhu gen wan ju]), abandoning the five and perfecting the six (捨五成六 [she wu cheng liu]), guarding one and subduing four (護一降四 [hu yi jiang si]), giving Dana (施 [shi]) to such a person brings the most merit (獲福最多 [huo fu zui duo])."

[0827a10] fú gào wáng yuē: “jīn bǐ qiū yì fù rú shì, zhū gēn wán jù, shě wǔ chéng liù, hù yī jiàng sì, shī cǐ zhī rén, huò fú zuì duō.”

[0827a10] fu gao wang yue: "jin bi qiu yi fu ru shi, zhu gen wan ju, she wu cheng liu, hu yi jiang si, shi ci zhi ren, huo fu zui duo."

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

[0827a12] The King (王 [wang]) said to the Buddha (佛 [fu]): "How does a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) abandon the five and perfect the six, guard one and subdue four?"

[0827a12] wáng bái fú yán: “yún hé bǐ qiū shě wǔ chéng liù, hù yī jiàng sì?”

[0827a12] wang bai fu yan: "yun he bi qiu she wu cheng liu, hu yi jiang si?"

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

[0827a13] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) said to the King (王 [wang]): "Here, a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) abandons the five hindrances (五蓋 [wu gai]): sensual desire (貪欲蓋 [tan yu gai]), ill-will (瞋恚蓋 [chen hui gai]), sloth and torpor (睡眠 [shui mian]), restlessness and remorse (調 [diao]), and doubt (疑 [yi]). This, Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu])! is called abandoning the five. How does a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) perfect the six? King (王 [wang]), you should know that if a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]), having seen a form, does not give rise to a form-thought (不起色想 [bu qi se xiang]), and thereby guards the eye faculty (護眼根 [hu yan gen]), removing evil and unwholesome thoughts (惡不善念 [e bu shan nian]) and guarding the eye faculty (護眼根 [hu yan gen]); likewise with the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind, not giving rise to a mind-consciousness (不起意識 [bu qi yi shi]) and guarding the mind faculty (護意根 [hu yi gen]). This is how a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) perfects the six. How does a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) guard one? Here, a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) keeps mindfulness (繫念 [xi nian]) present. This is how a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) guards one. How does a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) subdue four? Here, a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) subdues the four Maras (四魔 [si mo]): the Mara of the aggregates (身魔 [shen mo]), the Mara of defilements (欲魔 [yu mo]), the Mara of death (死魔 [si mo]), and the Mara of heavenly beings (天魔 [tian mo]), all are subdued. This is how a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) subdues the four. Thus, Great King (大王 [da wang])! Abandoning the five and perfecting the six, guarding one and subduing four, giving Dana (施 [shi]) to such a person brings immeasurable merit (獲福難量 [huo fu nan liang]). Great King (大王 [da wang])! Wrong view (邪見 [xie jian]) is associated with extreme views (邊見 [bian jian]). Giving Dana (施 [shi]) to such a person is of no benefit."

[0827a13] fú gào wáng yuē: “yú shì, bǐ qiū shě tān yù gài,, chēn huì gài,, shuì mián,, diào,, yí, rú shì, bǐ qiū! míng wèi shě wǔ. yún hé bǐ qiū chéng jiù liù? wáng dāng zhī zhī, ruò bǐ qiū jiàn sè yǐ, bù qǐ sè xiǎng, yuán cǐ hù yǎn gēn, chú qù è bù shàn niàn ér hù yǎn gēn, ruò ěr,, bí,, kǒu,, shēn,, yì bù qǐ yì shí ér hù yì gēn, rú shì, bǐ qiū chéng jiù liù. yún hé bǐ qiū ér hù yī, yú shì, bǐ qiū xì niàn zài qián, rú shì, bǐ qiū ér hù yī. yún hé bǐ qiū ér jiàng sì? yú shì, bǐ qiū jiàng shēn mó,, yù mó,, sǐ mó,, tiān mó, jiē xī jiàng fú, rú shì, bǐ qiū jiàng fú yú sì. rú shì, dà wáng! shě wǔ jiù liù, hù yī jiàng sì, shī rú cǐ zhī rén, huò fú nán liàng. dà wáng! xié jiàn yǔ biān jiàn xiāng yīng, rú sī zhī rén shī gài wú yì.”

[0827a13] fu gao wang yue: "yu shi, bi qiu she tan yu gai,, chen hui gai,, shui mian,, diao,, yi, ru shi, bi qiu! ming wei she wu. yun he bi qiu cheng jiu liu? wang dang zhi zhi, ruo bi qiu jian se yi, bu qi se xiang, yuan ci hu yan gen, chu qu e bu shan nian er hu yan gen, ruo er,, bi,, kou,, shen,, yi bu qi yi shi er hu yi gen, ru shi, bi qiu cheng jiu liu. yun he bi qiu er hu yi, yu shi, bi qiu xi nian zai qian, ru shi, bi qiu er hu yi. yun he bi qiu er jiang si? yu shi, bi qiu jiang shen mo,, yu mo,, si mo,, tian mo, jie xi jiang fu, ru shi, bi qiu jiang fu yu si. ru shi, da wang! she wu jiu liu, hu yi jiang si, shi ru ci zhi ren, huo fu nan liang. da wang! xie jian yu bian jian xiang ying, ru si zhi ren shi gai wu yi."

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

[0827a25] Then, the King (王 [wang]) said to the Buddha (佛 [fu]): "Indeed, World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun])! The merit (福 [fu]) of giving Dana (施 [shi]) to such a person is immeasurable. If a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) accomplishes one Dharma (一法 [yi fa]), the merit (福 [fu]) is still immeasurable, let alone others. What is this one Dharma (一法 [yi fa])? It is mindfulness of the body (身念 [shen nian]). Why is that? The Nirgranthas (尼乾子 [ni gan zi]) always consider bodily actions (身行 [shen xing]) and mental actions (意行 [yi xing]), but not verbal actions (口行 [kou xing])."

[0827a25] shí, wáng bái fú yán: “rú shì, shì zūn! shī sī zhī rén qí fú nán liàng, ruò bǐ qiū chéng jiù yī fǎ, fú shàng nán liàng, hé kuàng yú zhě. yún hé wèi yī fǎ? suǒ wèi shēn niàn shì yě. suǒ yǐ rán zhě, ní gān zi héng jì shēn xíng,, yì xíng, bù jì kǒu xíng.”

[0827a25] shi, wang bai fu yan: "ru shi, shi zun! shi si zhi ren qi fu nan liang, ruo bi qiu cheng jiu yi fa, fu shang nan liang, he kuang yu zhe. yun he wei yi fa? suo wei shen nian shi ye. suo yi ran zhe, ni gan zi heng ji shen xing,, yi xing, bu ji kou xing."

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

[0827a29] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) said to the King (王 [wang]): "The Nirgranthas (尼乾子 [ni gan zi]) are foolish and ignorant (愚惑 [yu huo]), their minds are always confused (意常錯亂 [yi chang cuo luan]), and their consciousness is unstable (心識不定 [xin shi bu ding]). It is due to their teacher's Dharma (師法 [shi fa]) that they say this. The retribution they receive from bodily actions (身行之報 [shen xing zhi bao]) is not worth mentioning. Mental actions (意行 [yi xing]) are formless and invisible."

[0827a29] fú gào wáng yuē: “ní gān zi zhě yú huò, yì cháng cuò luàn, xīn shí bù dìng, shì bǐ shī fǎ gù, zhì sī yán ěr. bǐ shòu shēn xíng zhī bào, gài bù zú yán, yì xíng wú xíng ér bù kě jiàn.”

[0827a29] fu gao wang yue: "ni gan zi zhe yu huo, yi chang cuo luan, xin shi bu ding, shi bi shi fa gu, zhi si yan er. bi shou shen xing zhi bao, gai bu zu yan, yi xing wu xing er bu ke jian."

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

[0827b02] The King (王 [wang]) said to the Buddha (佛 [fu]): "Among these three actions, which is the most serious? Bodily action (身行 [shen xing])? Verbal action (口行 [kou xing])? Or mental action (意行 [yi xing])?"

[0827b02] wáng bái fú yán: “cǐ sān xíng zhōng hé zhě zuì zhòng? shēn xíng yé? kǒu xíng yé? yì xíng?”

[0827b02] wang bai fu yan: "ci san xing zhong he zhe zui zhong? shen xing ye? kou xing ye? yi xing?"

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

[0827b04] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) said to the King (王 [wang]): "Among these three actions, mental action (意行 [yi xing]) is the most serious. Verbal action (口行 [kou xing]) and bodily action (身行 [shen xing]) are not worth mentioning."

[0827b04] fú gào wáng yuē: “cǐ sān xíng zhōng yì xíng zuì zhòng, kǒu xíng,, shēn xíng gài bù zú yán.”

[0827b04] fu gao wang yue: "ci san xing zhong yi xing zui zhong, kou xing,, shen xing gai bu zu yan."

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

[0827b05] The King (王 [wang]) said to the Buddha (佛 [fu]): "For what reason do you say that mindfulness of the mind (念意 [nian yi]) is foremost?"

[0827b05] wáng bái fú yán: “fù hé yīn yuán gù, shuō niàn yì zuì wèi dì yī?”

[0827b05] wang bai fu yan: "fu he yin yuan gu, shuo nian yi zui wei di yi?"

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

[0827b06] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) said to the King (王 [wang]): "Whatever a person does, they first think it (意念 [yi nian]), then speak it (口發 [kou fa]), and having spoken it, they perform acts of killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct (身行殺 [shen xing sha]、盜 [dao]、婬 [yin]). The tongue faculty (舌根 [she gen]) is unstable and without origin. Even if that person dies, the body faculty (身根 [shen gen]) and tongue faculty (舌根 [she gen]) remain. Great King (大王 [da wang])! Why do the body and mouth not perform anything?"

[0827b06] fú gào wáng yuē: “fū rén suǒ xíng, xiān yì niàn, rán hòu kǒu fā, kǒu yǐ fā, biàn shēn xíng shā,, dào,, yín, shé gēn bù dìng, yì wú duān xù, zhèng shǐ bǐ rén mìng zhōng, shēn gēn,, shé gēn zài. dà wáng! bǐ rén hé yǐ gù shēn,, kǒu bù yǒu suǒ shè yé?”

[0827b06] fu gao wang yue: "fu ren suo xing, xian yi nian, ran hou kou fa, kou yi fa, bian shen xing sha,, dao,, yin, she gen bu ding, yi wu duan xu, zheng shi bi ren ming zhong, shen gen,, she gen zai. da wang! bi ren he yi gu shen,, kou bu you suo she ye?"

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

[0827b10] The King (王 [wang]) said to the Buddha (佛 [fu]): "Because that person has no mind faculty (意根 [yi gen]), this change occurs."

[0827b10] wáng bái fú yán: “bǐ rén yǐ wú yì gēn gù, zhì sī biàn ěr.”

[0827b10] wang bai fu yan: "bi ren yi wu yi gen gu, zhi si bian er."

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

[0827b11] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) said to the King (王 [wang]): "By this skillful means, know that the mind faculty (意根 [yi gen]) is the most serious, and the other two are light."

[0827b11] fú gào wáng yuē: “dāng yǐ cǐ fāng biàn, zhī yì gēn zuì wèi zhòng, yú èr zhě qīng.”

[0827b11] fu gao wang yue: "dang yi ci fang bian, zhi yi gen zui wei zhong, yu er zhe qing."

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

[0827b12] At that time, the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) spoke this Gatha (偈 [ji]):

"The mind (心 [xin]) is the root of phenomena (法本 [fa ben]),
The mind (心 [xin]) is revered, the mind (心 [xin]) commands.
When the mind (心 [xin]) contemplates evil (念惡 [nian e]),
One acts and practices it.
Thereby one suffers,
Like a wheel rolling over.
The mind (心 [xin]) is the root of phenomena (法本 [fa ben]),
The mind (心 [xin]) is revered, the mind (心 [xin]) commands.
When the mind (心 [xin]) contemplates good (念善 [nian shan]),
One acts and practices it.
One receives good retribution,
Like a shadow following the form."

[0827b12] ěr shí, shì zūn biàn shuō sī jì:

“xīn wèi fǎ běn,　　xīn zūn xīn shǐ,　　xīn zhī niàn è,
　jí xíng jí shī,　　yú bǐ shòu kǔ,　　lún lì yú zhé.
　xīn wèi fǎ běn,　　xīn zūn xīn shǐ,　　zhōng xīn niàn shàn,
　jí xíng jí wèi,　　shòu qí shàn bào,　　rú yǐng suí xíng.”

[0827b12] er shi, shi zun bian shuo si ji:

"xin wei fa ben, xin zun xin shi, xin zhi nian e,
ji xing ji shi, yu bi shou ku, lun li yu zhe.
xin wei fa ben, xin zun xin shi, zhong xin nian shan,
ji xing ji wei, shou qi shan bao, ru ying sui xing."

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

[0827b17] At that time, King Pasenadi (波斯匿王 [bo si ni wang]) said to the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]): "Indeed, Tathagata (如來 [ru lai])! For a person who does evil (為惡之人 [wei e zhi ren]), their bodily actions are evil (身行惡 [shen xing e]), and they fall into evil destinies (墮惡趣 [duo e qu]) according to their actions."

[0827b17] ěr shí, bō sī nì wáng bái shì zūn yán: “rú shì, rú lái! wèi è zhī rén, shēn xíng è, suí xíng duò è qù.”

[0827b17] er shi, bo si ni wang bai shi zun yan: "ru shi, ru lai! wei e zhi ren, shen xing e, sui xing duo e qu."

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

[0827b18] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) said to the King (王 [wang]): "For what purpose did you observe and come to ask me to whom one should give Dana (施何人 [shi he ren]) to gain more merit (獲福益多 [huo fu yi duo])?"

[0827b18] fú gào wáng yán: “rǔ wèi guān hé děng yì, ér lái wèn wǒ wèi shī hé rén, huò fú yì duō?”

[0827b18] fu gao wang yan: "ru wei guan he deng yi, er lai wen wo wei shi he ren, huo fu yi duo?"

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

[0827b20] The King (王 [wang]) said to the Buddha (佛 [fu]): "I formerly went to the Nirgranthas (尼乾子 [ni gan zi]) and asked them: 'Where should one give Dana (惠施 [hui shi])?' The Nirgranthas (尼乾子 [ni gan zi]), upon hearing my question, discussed other matters and did not answer me. At that time, a Nirgrantha (尼乾子 [ni gan zi]) said to me: 'Sramana Gautama (沙門瞿曇 [sha men qu tan]) says that giving Dana (施 [shi]) to me brings much merit (得福多 [de fu duo]), while giving Dana (施 [shi]) to others brings no merit. One should give Dana (施 [shi]) to my disciples (弟子 [di zi]), and not to others. For those who give Dana (施 [shi]) to my disciples (弟子 [di zi]), the merit (福 [fu]) is immeasurable.' "

[0827b20] wáng bái fú yán: “wǒ xī zhì ní gān zi suǒ, wèn ní qián zi yuē: ‘dāng yú hé chù huì shī?’ ní gān zi wén wǒ suǒ wèn yǐ, gèng lùn yú shì, yì bù jiàn bào. shí ní gān zi yǔ wǒ yán: ‘shā mén qú tán zuò shì shuō, shī wǒ dé fú duō, yú zhě wú fú, dāng shī wǒ dì zi, bù yīng shī yú rén, qí yǒu rén mín shī wǒ dì zi zhě, qí fú bù kě liàng yě.’ ”

[0827b20] wang bai fu yan: "wo xi zhi ni gan zi suo, wen ni qian zi yue: 'dang yu he chu hui shi?' ni gan zi wen wo suo wen yi, geng lun yu shi, yi bu jian bao. shi ni gan zi yu wo yan: 'sha men qu tan zuo shi shuo, shi wo de fu duo, yu zhe wu fu, dang shi wo di zi, bu ying shi yu ren, qi you ren min shi wo di zi zhe, qi fu bu ke liang ye.' "

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

[0827b25] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) said to the King (王 [wang]): "At that time, how did you respond?"

[0827b25] fú gào wáng yuē: “ěr shí, wèi yún hé bào zhī?”

[0827b25] fu gao wang yue: "er shi, wei yun he bao zhi?"

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

[0827b26] The King (王 [wang]) said to the Buddha (佛 [fu]): "At that time, I thought to myself: 'Perhaps there is such a principle, that giving Dana (惠施 [hui shi]) to the Tathagata (如來 [ru lai]) brings immeasurable merit (福難量 [fu nan liang]).' That is why I am now asking the Buddha (佛 [fu]): 'To whom should one give Dana (與何處 [yu he chu]) for immeasurable merit (福難量 [fu nan liang])?' However, now the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) does not praise himself, nor does he denigrate others."

[0827b26] wáng bái fú yán: “shí wǒ biàn zuò shì niàn: ‘huò yǒu sī lǐ, huì shī rú lái, qí fú nán liàng.’ jīn gù wèn fú: ‘wèi yǔ hé chù, qí fú nán liàng?’ rán jīn shì zūn bù zì chēng yù, yì bù huǐ rén.”

[0827b26] wang bai fu yan: "shi wo bian zuo shi nian: 'huo you si li, hui shi ru lai, qi fu nan liang.' jin gu wen fu: 'wei yu he chu, qi fu nan liang?' ran jin shi zun bu zi cheng yu, yi bu hui ren."

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

[0827b29] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) said to the King (王 [wang]): "I do not say that giving Dana (施 [shi]) to me brings much merit (福多 [fu duo]) while giving Dana (施 [shi]) to others brings no merit. But what I say today is that giving the leftovers from the alms bowl (鉢中遺餘 [bo zhong yi yu]) to others brings immeasurable merit (福難量 [fu nan liang]), with a pure mind (清淨之心 [qing jing zhi xin]), placing it in clean water, and universally giving rise to this thought: 'All embodied beings (有形之類 [you xing zhi lei]) within this are blessed immeasurably, let alone human beings (人形 [ren xing]).' However, Great King (大王 [da wang])! What I say today is that giving Dana (施 [shi]) to those who uphold precepts (持戒人 [chi jie ren]) is immeasurable, while giving Dana (施 [shi]) to those who violate precepts (犯戒人 [fan jie ren]) is not worth mentioning.

[0827b29] fú gào wáng yuē: “wǒ kǒu bù zuò shì shuō, shī wǒ dé fú duō, yú zhě bù dé fú. dàn wǒ jīn rì suǒ shuō, bō zhōng yí yú, chí yǔ rén zhě, qí fú nán liàng, yǐ qīng jìng zhī xīn, zhe jìng shuǐ zhōng, pǔ shēng sī niàn, sī zhōng yǒu xíng zhī lèi, méng yòu wú liàng, hé kuàng rén xíng. dàn, dà wáng! wǒ jīn suǒ shuō shī chí jiè rén, qí fú nán liàng, yǔ fàn jiè rén zhě, gài bù zú yán.

[0827b29] fu gao wang yue: "wo kou bu zuo shi shuo, shi wo de fu duo, yu zhe bu de fu. dan wo jin ri suo shuo, bo zhong yi yu, chi yu ren zhe, qi fu nan liang, yi qing jing zhi xin, zhe jing shui zhong, pu sheng si nian, si zhong you xing zhi lei, meng you wu liang, he kuang ren xing. dan, da wang! wo jin suo shuo shi chi jie ren, qi fu nan liang, yu fan jie ren zhe, gai bu zu yan.

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

[0827c06] "Great King (大王 [da wang]), you should know, just as a farmer's son (田家子 [tian jia zi]) skillfully cultivates his land, removing weeds and evil, and places good seeds (好穀子 [hao gu zi]) in good fields (良田中 [liang tian zhong]), from which he obtains immeasurable produce (獲子無有限量 [huo zi wu you xian liang]); likewise, if that farmer's son (田家子 [tian jia zi]) does not cultivate the land and does not remove weeds and evil, but sows seeds, the harvest will be insignificant. It is the same with Bhikkhus (比丘 [bi qiu]). If a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) abandons the five and perfects the six, guards one and subdues four, giving Dana (施惠 [shi hui]) to such a person brings immeasurable merit (福無量 [fu wu liang]); while giving Dana (施 [shi]) to a person with wrong views (邪見之人 [xie jian zhi ren]) is not worth mentioning. Just as, Great King (大王 [da wang])! the Kshatriya (剎利種 [sha li zhong]) and Brahman (婆羅門種 [po luo men zhong]) who are without doubt (無疑難 [wu yi nan]) and can subdue external enemies (降外敵 [jiang wai di]) should be regarded as Arhats (羅漢之人 [luo han zhi ren]); those Brahman (婆羅門種 [po luo men zhong]) whose minds are not firm (意不專定 [yi bu zhuan ding]) should be regarded as persons with wrong views (邪見之人 [xie jian zhi ren])."

[0827c06] “dà wáng dāng zhī, rú tián jiā zi shàn zhì qí de, chú qù huì è, yǐ hǎo gǔ zi zhe liáng tián zhōng, yú zhōng huò zi wú yǒu xiàn liàng； yì rú bǐ tián jiā zi bù xiū zhì de, yì bù chú qù huì è ér xià gǔ zi, suǒ shōu gài bù zú yán. jīn bǐ qiū yì fù rú shì, ruò bǐ qiū shě wǔ jiù liù, hù yī jiàng sì, rú sī zhī rén, qí shī huì zhě, qí fú wú liàng； yǔ xié jiàn zhī rén, gài bù zú yán. yóu rú, dà wáng! shā lì zhǒng,, pó luó mén zhǒng, yì wú yí nán, néng jiàng wài dí, dāng guān yì rú luó hàn zhī rén, bǐ pó luó mén zhǒng yì bù zhuān dìng zhě, guān dāng rú xié jiàn zhī rén.”

[0827c06] "da wang dang zhi, ru tian jia zi shan zhi qi de, chu qu hui e, yi hao gu zi zhe liang tian zhong, yu zhong huo zi wu you xian liang; yi ru bi tian jia zi bu xiu zhi de, yi bu chu qu hui e er xia gu zi, suo shou gai bu zu yan. jin bi qiu yi fu ru shi, ruo bi qiu she wu jiu liu, hu yi jiang si, ru si zhi ren, qi shi hui zhe, qi fu wu liang; yu xie jian zhi ren, gai bu zu yan. you ru, da wang! sha li zhong,, po luo men zhong, yi wu yi nan, neng jiang wai di, dang guan yi ru luo han zhi ren, bi po luo men zhong yi bu zhuan ding zhe, guan dang ru xie jian zhi ren."

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

[0827c15] Then, King Pasenadi (波斯匿王 [bo si ni wang]) said to the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]): "Giving Dana (施 [shi]) to those who uphold precepts (持戒之人 [chi jie zhi ren]) brings immeasurable merit (福難量 [fu nan liang]). From now on, I will never refuse anyone who comes seeking. If the four assemblies (四部之眾 [si bu zhi zhong]) have any needs, I will not refuse them either. I will provide clothes, food, and bedding (衣被 [yi bei]、飲食 [yin shi]、床臥具 [chuang wo ju]) as needed, and also give Dana (施 [shi]) to those who practice pure conduct (梵行者 [fan xing zhe])."

[0827c15] shí, bō sī nì wáng bái shì zūn yán: “shī chí jiè zhī rén, qí fú nán liàng. zì jīn yǐ hòu, qí yǒu lái qiú suǒ zhě, zhōng bù wéi nì. ruò fù sì bù zhī zhòng, yǒu suǒ qiú suǒ zhě, yì bù nì zhī. suí shí gěi yǔ yī bèi,, yǐn shí,, chuáng wò jù, yì fù shī yǔ zhū fàn xíng zhě.”

[0827c15] shi, bo si ni wang bai shi zun yan: "shi chi jie zhi ren, qi fu nan liang. zi jin yi hou, qi you lai qiu suo zhe, zhong bu wei ni. ruo fu si bu zhi zhong, you suo qiu suo zhe, yi bu ni zhi. sui shi gei yu yi bei,, yin shi,, chuang wo ju, yi fu shi yu zhu fan xing zhe."

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

[0827c19] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) said to him: "Do not say that. Why is that? Giving Dana (施 [shi]) to animals brings immeasurable merit (福難量 [fu nan liang]), let alone human beings (人身 [ren shen]). However, what I say today is that giving Dana (施 [shi]) to those who uphold precepts (持戒人 [chi jie ren]) is immeasurable, not to those who violate precepts (犯戒人 [fan jie ren])."

[0827c19] fú gào zhī yuē: “wù zuò shì shuō. suǒ yǐ rán zhě, shī chù shēng zhī lèi, qí fú nán liàng, kuàng fù rén shēn hū. dàn wǒ jīn rì suǒ shuō zhě, shī chí jiè rén nán jì, fēi fàn jiè rén.”

[0827c19] fu gao zhi yue: "wu zuo shi shuo. suo yi ran zhe, shi chu sheng zhi lei, qi fu nan liang, kuang fu ren shen hu. dan wo jin ri suo shuo zhe, shi chi jie ren nan ji, fei fan jie ren."

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

[0827c22] King Pasenadi (波斯匿王 [bo si ni wang]) said to the Buddha (佛 [fu]): "I now take refuge again. The World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) is diligent, even to the extent that externalists (外道異學 [wai dao yi xue]) slander the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]), and yet the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) constantly praises those people. Externalists (外道異學 [wai dao yi xue]) are attached to gain and offerings (貪著利養 [tan zhe li yang]), and yet the Tathagata (如來 [ru lai]) is not attached to gain and offerings (不貪利養 [bu tan li yang]). Affairs of state are numerous, I wish to return to my dwelling."

[0827c22] bō sī nì wáng bái fú yán: “wǒ jīn zhòng fù zì guī, rán shì zūn yīn qín, nǎi zhì yú sī wài dào yì xué chuán fěi shì zūn, yòu qiě shì zūn héng tàn yù bǐ rén, wài dào yì xué tān zhe lì yǎng, yòu fù rú lái bù tān lì yǎng. guó shì duō wěi, yù hái suǒ zhǐ.”

[0827c22] bo si ni wang bai fu yan: "wo jin zhong fu zi gui, ran shi zun yin qin, nai zhi yu si wai dao yi xue chuan fei shi zun, you qie shi zun heng tan yu bi ren, wai dao yi xue tan zhe li yang, you fu ru lai bu tan li yang. guo shi duo wei, yu hai suo zhi."

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

[0827c25] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) said to the King (王 [wang]): "It is fitting that you know the time."

[0827c25] fú gào wáng yuē: “yí zhī shì shí.”

[0827c25] fu gao wang yue: "yi zhi shi shi."

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

[0827c26] At that time, King Pasenadi (波斯匿王 [bo si ni wang]), hearing what the Buddha (佛 [fu]) had said, rejoiced and respectfully practiced it.

[0827c26] ěr shí, bō sī nì wáng wén fú suǒ shuō, huān xǐ fèng xíng.

[0827c26] er shi, bo si ni wang wen fu suo shuo, huan xi feng xing.