Part 144 - Discourse on the Nirvana of Mahaprajapati

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

The Sutra of the Great Prajāpatī's Parinirvāṇa (佛說大愛道般泥洹經 [fu shuo da ai dao ban ni huan jing])

Translated by the Śramaṇa (沙門 [sha men]) Bai Fazu (白法祖 [bai fa zu]) from Henei (河內 [he nei]) during the Western Jin Dynasty (西晉 [xi jin]).

fú shuō dà ài dào bān ní huán jīng

xī jìn hé nèi shā mén bái fǎ zǔ yì

fu shuo da ai dao ban ni huan jing

xi jin he nei sha men bai fa zu yi

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

[0867a24] Thus have I heard:

At one time, the Buddha (佛 [fu]) was in the country of Vaiśālī (墮舍利國 [duo she li guo]), residing in the Kūṭāgāra Hall (拘羅曷講堂 [ju luo he jiang tang]) at the Mahāvana (獼猴水 [mi hou shui]). At that time, Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) was in the country of Vaiśālī (墮舍利國 [duo she li guo]) with five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼俱 [bi qiu ni ju]), all of whom were Arhats (阿羅漢 [a luo han]) and possessed great divine powers (大神足 [da shen zu]). For Cunda (諄那須 [zhun na xu]), Mahāli (摩訶離 [mo he li]), Vicikitsa (惟讖彌 [wei chen mi]), Upāravaṇa (優波羅洹 [you bo luo huan]), and Prajāpatī Gautamī (卑耶俱曇彌 [bei ye ju tan mi]), these elder bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) and great disciples (大弟子 [da di zi]) were residing in the bhikṣuṇī monastery (比丘尼精舍 [bi qiu ni jing she]) in the royal city of Vaiśālī (墮舍利王國 [duo she li wang guo]). At this time, Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) reflected to herself, saying, "I cannot bear to see the Buddha (佛 [fu]) enter Parinirvāṇa (般泥洹 [ban ni huan]), nor the venerable ones like Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]), Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]), and Maudgalyāyana (目揵連 [mu qian lian]). I wish to relinquish my lifespan and attain Nirvāṇa (泥洹 [ni huan]) first." At that time, the Buddha (佛 [fu]) immediately became aware of her thoughts and said to Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]), "Here, Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) is thinking to herself, 'I cannot bear to see the Buddha (佛 [fu]) enter Parinirvāṇa (般泥洹 [ban ni huan]), nor the venerable ones like Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]), Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]), and Maudgalyāyana (目乾連 [mu gan lian]). I wish to relinquish my lifespan and attain Nirvāṇa (泥洹 [ni huan]) first.' These five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]), realizing in their own minds the cessation of all suffering, also thought, 'We cannot bear to see the Buddha (佛 [fu]) enter Parinirvāṇa (般泥洹 [ban ni huan]), nor the venerable Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]), Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]), and Maudgalyāyana (目乾連 [mu gan lian]). We too shall relinquish our lifespans and attain Nirvāṇa (泥洹 [ni huan]) first.'" The Buddha (佛 [fu]) spoke thus.

[0867a24] wén rú shì:

yī shí, fú zài duò shě lì guó, xíng zài mí hóu shuǐ jū luó hé jiǎng táng. shì shí, mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí, xíng zài duò shě lì guó, yǔ wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní jù, jiē shì ā luó hàn, jiē wèi dà shén zú, wèi zhūn nà xū,, mó hē lí,, wéi chèn mí,, yōu bō luó huán,, bēi yé jù tán mí, shì bèi zhǎng nián bǐ qiū ní dà dì zi, xíng zài duò shě lì wáng guó bǐ qiū ní jīng shě. shì shí mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí, zì yì jué niàn yán: “wǒ bù rěn jiàn fú bān ní huán, bìng ā nán,, shě lì fú,, mù qián lián shì xián zhě bèi, wǒ xiān shě shòu mìng xíng qǔ ní huán qù.” shì shí fú jí yǐ jué zhī, biàn yǔ ā nán: “shì jiān mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí zì niàn yán: ‘wǒ bù rěn jiàn fú bān ní huán, bìng ā nán,, shě lì fú,, mù gān lián shì xián zhě bèi, wǒ xiān shě shòu xíng qǔ ní huán qù.’ shì wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní, zì yì jué shě yī qiè kǔ, wǒ bù rěn jiàn fú bān ní huán, bìng xián zhě ā nán,, shě lì fú,, mù gān lián shì xián zhě bèi, wǒ bèi yì dāng shě shòu xíng qǔ ní huán qù.” fú shuō rú shì.

[0867a24] wen ru shi:

yi shi, fu zai duo she li guo, xing zai mi hou shui ju luo he jiang tang. shi shi, mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi, xing zai duo she li guo, yu wu bai bi qiu ni ju, jie shi a luo han, jie wei da shen zu, wei zhun na xu,, mo he li,, wei chen mi,, you bo luo huan,, bei ye ju tan mi, shi bei zhang nian bi qiu ni da di zi, xing zai duo she li wang guo bi qiu ni jing she. shi shi mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi, zi yi jue nian yan: "wo bu ren jian fu ban ni huan, bing a nan,, she li fu,, mu qian lian shi xian zhe bei, wo xian she shou ming xing qu ni huan qu." shi shi fu ji yi jue zhi, bian yu a nan: "shi jian mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi zi nian yan: 'wo bu ren jian fu ban ni huan, bing a nan,, she li fu,, mu gan lian shi xian zhe bei, wo xian she shou xing qu ni huan qu.' shi wu bai bi qiu ni, zi yi jue she yi qie ku, wo bu ren jian fu ban ni huan, bing xian zhe a nan,, she li fu,, mu gan lian shi xian zhe bei, wo bei yi dang she shou xing qu ni huan qu." fu shuo ru shi.

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

[0867b09] Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]) said to the Buddha (佛 [fu]), "Therefore, my body cannot control itself, I cannot distinguish directions, and I cannot recognize the Dharma (法 [fa]) I have heard. Why is this? Because I heard that Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) is about to enter Parinirvāṇa (般泥洹 [ban ni huan])."

[0867b09] ā nán bái fú yán: “shì gù wǒ shēn bù néng zì shèng, zhū fāng bù néng fēn bié, suǒ wén fǎ bù néng zì shí. suǒ yǐ zhě hé? wén mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí dāng bān ní huán.”

[0867b09] a nan bai fu yan: "shi gu wo shen bu neng zi sheng, zhu fang bu neng fen bie, suo wen fa bu neng zi shi. suo yi zhe he? wen mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi dang ban ni huan."

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

[0867b12] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) then told the venerable Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]), "So it is, Ānanda (阿難 [a nan])! Do you think that Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) will enter Parinirvāṇa (般泥洹 [ban ni huan]) with the lineage of diligence (精進種 [jing jin zhong]), or the lineage of concentration (定種 [ding zhong]), the lineage of loving-kindness (慈種 [ci zhong]), the lineage of liberation (解種 [jie zhong]), or the lineage of liberation knowledge and insight (度知見種 [du zhi jian zhong]) concerning the Dharma (法 [fa]) which I have personally realized and awakened to, such as the four foundations of mindfulness (四意止 [si yi zhi]), the four right efforts (四意斷 [si yi duan]), the four bases of psychic power (四神足 [si shen zu]), the five faculties (五根 [wu gen]), the five powers (五力 [wu li]), the seven factors of awakening (七覺意 [qi jue yi]), or the eightfold noble path (八慧道行 [ba hui dao xing])? Are you afraid that Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) will take these Dharmas (法 [fa]) with her?"

[0867b12] fú biàn gào xián zhě ā nán: “rú shì ā nán! rǔ zì yì niàn: mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí, chí jīng jìn zhǒng bān ní huán yé, bìng dìng zhǒng,, cí zhǒng,, jiě zhǒng,, dù zhī jiàn zhǒng suǒ fǎ, wǒ zì zhī zhèng jué zhě, ruò sì yì zhǐ,, ruò sì yì duàn,, ruò sì shén zú,, ruò wǔ gēn,, ruò wǔ lì,, qī jué yì,, ruò bā huì dào xíng, rǔ kǒng mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí, chí shì fǎ qù yé?”

[0867b12] fu bian gao xian zhe a nan: "ru shi a nan! ru zi yi nian: mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi, chi jing jin zhong ban ni huan ye, bing ding zhong,, ci zhong,, jie zhong,, du zhi jian zhong suo fa, wo zi zhi zheng jue zhe, ruo si yi zhi,, ruo si yi duan,, ruo si shen zu,, ruo wu gen,, ruo wu li,, qi jue yi,, ruo ba hui dao xing, ru kong mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi, chi shi fa qu ye?"

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

[0867b17] After the Buddha (佛 [fu]) finished speaking, Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]) said, "Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) will certainly not enter Parinirvāṇa (般泥洹 [ban ni huan]) with the lineage of purity (清淨種 [qing jing zhong]), nor with the lineage of concentration (定種 [ding zhong]), nor with the lineage of wisdom (慧種 [hui zhong]), nor with the lineage of liberation (解種 [jie zhong]), nor with the lineage of wisdom-insight and knowledge (慧見知種 [hui jian zhi zhong]). She will certainly not take the lineage of awakening (覺種 [jue zhong]). The Dharmas (法 [fa]) that the Buddha (佛 [fu]) has realized through his own wisdom (佛自慧所覺知法 [fu zi hui suo jue zhi fa]), such as the four foundations of mindfulness (四意止 [si yi zhi]), the four right efforts (四意斷 [si yi duan]), the four bases of psychic power (四神足 [si shen zu]), the five faculties (五根 [wu gen]), the five powers (五力 [wu li]), the seven factors of awakening (七覺意 [qi jue yi]), and the eightfold noble path (八慧道行 [ba hui dao xing]), she will certainly not take these Dharmas (法 [fa]) with her into Parinirvāṇa (般泥洹 [ban ni huan])."

[0867b17] fú shuō shì jìng yǐ, ā nán bái yán: “mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí, zhōng bù néng chí qīng jìng zhǒng bān ní huán qù, yì bù néng chí dìng zhǒng, yì bù néng chí huì zhǒng, yì bù néng chí jiě zhǒng, yì bù néng chí huì jiàn zhī zhǒng, zhōng bù néng chí jué zhǒng. fú zì huì suǒ jué zhī fǎ, ruò sì yì zhǐ,, ruò sì yì duàn,, ruò sì shén zú,, ruò wǔ gēn,, ruò wǔ lì,, ruò qī jué yì, ruò bā huì dào xíng, zhōng bù néng chí shì fǎ bān ní huán.”

[0867b17] fu shuo shi jing yi, a nan bai yan: "mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi, zhong bu neng chi qing jing zhong ban ni huan qu, yi bu neng chi ding zhong, yi bu neng chi hui zhong, yi bu neng chi jie zhong, yi bu neng chi hui jian zhi zhong, zhong bu neng chi jue zhong. fu zi hui suo jue zhi fa, ruo si yi zhi,, ruo si yi duan,, ruo si shen zu,, ruo wu gen,, ruo wu li,, ruo qi jue yi, ruo ba hui dao xing, zhong bu neng chi shi fa ban ni huan."

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

[0867b23] Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]) said, "I remember that Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) had profound kindness (阜恩 [fu en]) towards the Buddha (佛 [fu]). When the Buddha's (佛 [fu]) mother passed away, Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) nurtured and raised the Buddha (佛 [fu])."

[0867b23] ā nán yán: “wǒ zì niàn mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí yú fú yǒu fù ēn, fú mǔ shòu zhōng shí, mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí rǔ yǎng zhǎng dà fú.”

[0867b23] a nan yan: "wo zi nian mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi yu fu you fu en, fu mu shou zhong shi, mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi ru yang zhang da fu."

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

[0867b26] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) said, "Ānanda (阿難 [a nan])! It is so. Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) had profound kindness (阜恩 [fu en]) towards me. When my mother passed away, she nursed and raised me. Ānanda (阿難 [a nan])! I also have immeasurable kindness (恩無量 [en wu liang]) towards Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]). Why is this? Because Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]), through my connection, took refuge in the Buddha (自歸佛 [zi gui fu]), took refuge in the Dharma (自歸法 [zi gui fa]), took refuge in the Saṅgha (自歸比丘僧 [zi gui bi qiu seng]), and took refuge in the complete practice of the path (自歸習道盡 [zi gui xi dao jin]). She no longer doubts the Buddha (佛 [fu]), no longer doubts the Dharma (法 [fa]), no longer doubts the Saṅgha (比丘僧 [bi qiu seng]), and no longer doubts the complete practice of the path (習道盡 [xi dao jin]). She has already understood all. If a person, Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]), can teach others to take refuge in the Buddha (自歸佛 [zi gui fu]), to take refuge in the Dharma (自歸法 [zi gui fa]), to take refuge in the Saṅgha (比丘僧 [bi qiu seng]), and to take refuge in the complete practice of the path (自歸習道盡 [zi gui xi dao jin]), and if the recipient lives out their life according to the teachings of refuge, providing clothing, food, bedding, and medicine when requested without refusal throughout their life, even so, it is still not enough to repay the kindness of the teacher (師恩 [shi en])." The Buddha (佛 [fu]) said, "Therefore, Ānanda (阿難 [a nan])! I have immeasurable profound kindness (阜恩無量 [fu en wu liang]) towards Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi])."

[0867b26] fú yán: “ā nán! yǒu shì. mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí, yú wǒ yǒu fù ēn, wǒ mǔ shòu zhōng shí rǔ yǎng zhǎng dà wǒ.” fú yán: “ā nán! wǒ yì yú mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí yǒu ēn wú liàng. suǒ yǐ zhě hé? mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí cóng wǒ yīn yuán, zì guī fú, zì guī fǎ, zì guī bǐ qiū sēng, zì guī xí dào jǐn, yì bù fù yí fú, yì bù fù yí fǎ, yì bù fù yí bǐ qiū sēng, yì bù fù yí xí dào jǐn, jiē yǐ le zhī. ruò rén, ā nán! néng jiào rén zì guī fú zhě,, zì guī fǎ zhě,, zì guī bǐ qiū sēng zhě, zì guī xí dào jǐn zhě, shòu zhě jǐn shòu mìng zhě, qiān shì suǒ shòu guī jiào, shī yǔ yī shí wò jù yī yào, suǒ suǒ bù nì, jǐn shòu mìng rú shì, shàng wèi néng wèi bào shī ēn.” fú yán: “shì gù ā nán! wǒ yú mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí, yǒu fù ēn wú liàng.”

[0867b26] fu yan: "a nan! you shi. mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi, yu wo you fu en, wo mu shou zhong shi ru yang zhang da wo." fu yan: "a nan! wo yi yu mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi you en wu liang. suo yi zhe he? mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi cong wo yin yuan, zi gui fu, zi gui fa, zi gui bi qiu seng, zi gui xi dao jin, yi bu fu yi fu, yi bu fu yi fa, yi bu fu yi bi qiu seng, yi bu fu yi xi dao jin, jie yi le zhi. ruo ren, a nan! neng jiao ren zi gui fu zhe,, zi gui fa zhe,, zi gui bi qiu seng zhe, zi gui xi dao jin zhe, shou zhe jin shou ming zhe, qian shi suo shou gui jiao, shi yu yi shi wo ju yi yao, suo suo bu ni, jin shou ming ru shi, shang wei neng wei bao shi en." fu yan: "shi gu a nan! wo yu mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi, you fu en wu liang."

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

[0867c09] At that time, Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]), along with the five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]), all left the country of Vaiśālī (墮舍利國 [duo she li guo]) and went to a great grove of trees. They arrived at the Buddha's (佛 [fu]) abode, prostrated themselves at the Buddha's (佛 [fu]) feet, and stood to one side. These five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) also bowed to the Buddha (佛 [fu]) and stood to one side. Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) then clasped her hands and reported to the Buddha (佛 [fu]), "I cannot bear to see the Buddha (佛 [fu]) enter Parinirvāṇa (般泥洹 [ban ni huan]), nor the venerable bhikṣus (比丘 [bi qiu]) like Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]), Śāriputra (舍利弗羅 [she li fu luo]), and Maudgalyāyana (目乾連 [mu gan lian]). I wish to relinquish my lifespan and attain Nirvāṇa (泥洹 [ni huan]) first." Having reported this, the Buddha (佛 [fu]) received what Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) had said in silence. Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) then touched the Buddha's (佛 [fu]) feet with her hand, saying, "Today I see for the last time the World's Supporter (世間依者 [shi jian yi zhe]), for the last time the World's Enlightener (世間明者 [shi jian ming zhe]), for the last time the World's Unsurpassed One (世間無上者 [shi jian wu shang zhe]). From now on, I will no longer see the Honored One (尊者 [zun zhe]) in the three realms (三界 [san jie])." Having paid homage to the Buddha (佛 [fu]), she sat to one side. These five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) also clasped their hands and reported to the Buddha (佛 [fu]) similarly, "We cannot bear to see the Buddha (佛 [fu]) enter Parinirvāṇa (般泥洹 [ban ni huan]), nor the venerable bhikṣus (比丘 [bi qiu]) like Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]), Śāriputra (舍利弗羅 [she li fu luo]), and Maudgalyāyana (目乾連 [mu gan lian]). We wish to relinquish our lifespans and attain Nirvāṇa (泥洹 [ni huan]) first." The five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) reported this, and the Buddha (佛 [fu]) silently accepted what they had said. The five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) then prostrated their heads at the Buddha's (佛 [fu]) feet, saying, "We see for the last time the World's Supporter (世間依者 [shi jian yi zhe]), for the last time the World's Enlightener (世間明者 [shi jian ming zhe]), for the last time the World's Unsurpassed One (世間無上者 [shi jian wu shang zhe]). From now on, we will no longer see the Honored One (尊者 [zun zhe]) in the three realms (三界 [san jie])." Having spoken thus, each returned to their seats.

[0867c09] shì shí mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí, bìng wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní, biàn jù chū duò shě lì guó dào dà shù jiān, zhì fú suǒ yǐ tóu miàn lǐ fú zú què zhù yī chù, shì wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní yì fù lǐ fú zhù yī chù. mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí biàn chā shǒu bái fú yán: “wǒ bù néng rěn jiàn fú bān ní huán, bìng ā nán,, shě lì fú luó,, mù gān lián shì xián zhě bèi bǐ qiū, wǒ yù xiān shě shòu xíng qǔ ní huán qù.” yǐ bái rú shì, fú shòu mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí suǒ bái mò rán. mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí biàn yǐ shǒu mó fú zú yán: “wǒ jīn rì zuì hòu jiàn shì jiān yī zhě, zuì hòu jiàn shì jiān míng zhě, zuì hòu jiàn shì jiān wú shàng zhě, cóng jīn yǐ hòu bù fù jiàn sān jiè zhōng zūn zhě.” yǐ wèi fú zuò lǐ què zuò yī chù. shì wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní yì fù chā shǒu, bái fú rú shì: “wǒ bèi bù rěn jiàn fú bān ní huán, bìng xián zhě ā nán,, shě lì fú luó,, mù gān lián xián zhě bǐ qiū bèi, wǒ bèi yù shě shòu xíng qǔ ní huán qù.” wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní bái rú shì, fú mò rán shòu wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní suǒ bái. wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní biàn tóu miàn lǐ fú zú yán: “wǒ bèi zuì hòu jiàn shì jiān yī zhě, zuì hòu jiàn shì jiān míng zhě, zuì hòu jiàn shì jiān wú shàng zhě, cóng jīn yǐ hòu bù fù jiàn sān jiè zhōng zūn zhě.” yǐ shuō rú shì gè hái jiù zuò.

[0867c09] shi shi mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi, bing wu bai bi qiu ni, bian ju chu duo she li guo dao da shu jian, zhi fu suo yi tou mian li fu zu que zhu yi chu, shi wu bai bi qiu ni yi fu li fu zhu yi chu. mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi bian cha shou bai fu yan: "wo bu neng ren jian fu ban ni huan, bing a nan,, she li fu luo,, mu gan lian shi xian zhe bei bi qiu, wo yu xian she shou xing qu ni huan qu." yi bai ru shi, fu shou mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi suo bai mo ran. mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi bian yi shou mo fu zu yan: "wo jin ri zui hou jian shi jian yi zhe, zui hou jian shi jian ming zhe, zui hou jian shi jian wu shang zhe, cong jin yi hou bu fu jian san jie zhong zun zhe." yi wei fu zuo li que zuo yi chu. shi wu bai bi qiu ni yi fu cha shou, bai fu ru shi: "wo bei bu ren jian fu ban ni huan, bing xian zhe a nan,, she li fu luo,, mu gan lian xian zhe bi qiu bei, wo bei yu she shou xing qu ni huan qu." wu bai bi qiu ni bai ru shi, fu mo ran shou wu bai bi qiu ni suo bai. wu bai bi qiu ni bian tou mian li fu zu yan: "wo bei zui hou jian shi jian yi zhe, zui hou jian shi jian ming zhe, zui hou jian shi jian wu shang zhe, cong jin yi hou bu fu jian san jie zhong zun zhe." yi shuo ru shi ge hai jiu zuo.

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

[0867c27] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) then expounded various categories of Dharma (若干品法 [ruo gan pin fa]) for Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) and the five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]). After concluding, they all joyfully rose from their seats, paid homage to the Buddha (佛 [fu]), circumambulated the Buddha (佛 [fu]) three times, prostrated their heads on the ground, and returned to the country of Vaiśālī (墮舍利國 [duo she li guo]), entering the bhikṣuṇī monastery (比丘尼精舍 [bi qiu ni jing she]) in the royal park. They then laid out five hundred seats in one area. Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) and the five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) each took their seats. At that time, Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) manifested her divine powers (神足 [shen zu]), disappearing from her seat. She emerged from the east, in the sky (虛空中 [xu kong zhong]), ascended to a grove of trees, then ascended to seven groves of trees, manifesting the four divine powers (四神足 [si shen zu]). She walked in the sky (虛空中 [xu kong zhong]); after walking, she stood; after standing, she sat; after sitting, she lay down. After lying down, her body emitted five-colored flames (五色火 [wu se huo]). The upper part of her body emitted five-colored flames (五色火 [wu se huo]) while the lower part emitted water, and then the lower part emitted five-colored flames (五色火 [wu se huo]) while the upper part emitted water. Thus, she disappeared from the east and emerged in the west, disappeared from the south and emerged in the north. She then descended from the seven groves of trees to the ground, manifesting divine powers (神足 [shen zu]) of transformation as before. At that time, she ceased her divine powers (神足 [shen zu]) and attained Nirvāṇa (泥洹 [ni huan]). At that time, the five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) also disappeared from their seats, emerged from the east, in the sky (虛空中 [xu kong zhong]), ascended to a grove of trees, then ascended to seven groves of trees, manifesting the four kinds of divine powers (四品神足 [si pin shen zu]). They walked in the sky (虛空中 [xu kong zhong]); after walking, they stood; after standing, they sat; after sitting, they lay down. After lying down, their bodies emitted five-colored flames (五色火 [wu se huo]). The upper part of their bodies emitted five-colored flames (五色火 [wu se huo]) while the lower part emitted water, and then the lower part emitted five-colored flames (五色火 [wu se huo]) while the upper part emitted water. Thus, they disappeared from the east and emerged in the west, disappeared from the south and emerged in the north. They then descended from the seven groves of trees to the ground, manifesting divine powers (神足 [shen zu]) of transformation as before. At that time, they ceased their divine powers (神足 [shen zu]) and attained Nirvāṇa (泥洹 [ni huan]).

[0867c27] fú wèi mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí bìng wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní, shuō ruò gàn pǐn fǎ yǐ qì, jiē huān xǐ qǐ zuò, jiē wèi fú zuò lǐ rào fú sān zā, tóu miàn zhe de hái dào duò shě lì guó, rù wáng yuán bǐ qiū ní jīng shě, biàn cóng yī chù bù wǔ bǎi zuò, mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí, bìng wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní gè jiù zuò. shì shí mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí, biàn zì xiàn shén zú cóng zuò zhōng méi shēn qù, cóng dōng fāng chū, zài xū kōng zhōng, shàng yī shù jiān shàng zhì qī shù jiān, zì xiàn sì shén zú, yú xū kōng shàng jīng xíng； yǐ jīng xíng biàn zhù, yǐ zhù biàn zuò, yǐ zuò biàn wò, yǐ wò biàn zì shēn chū wǔ sè huǒ, shàng shēn chū wǔ sè huǒ, xià shēn chū shuǐ, xià shēn chū wǔ sè huǒ, shàng shēn chū shuǐ； rú shì cóng dōng fāng méi chū xī fāng, cóng nán fāng méi chū běi fāng, biàn cóng qī shù jiān xià zhì de biàn huà xiàn shén zú rú yú shàng, shí biàn miè shén zú qǔ ní huán qù. shì shí wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní biàn jiē yú zuò zhōng méi shēn, cóng dōng fāng chū, zài xū kōng zhōng, shàng yī shù jiān shàng zhì qī shù jiān, zì xiàn sì pǐn shén zú, yú xū kōng zhōng jīng xíng； yǐ jīng xíng biàn zhù, yǐ zhù biàn zuò, yǐ zuò biàn wò, yǐ wò biàn zì shēn chū wǔ sè huǒ, shàng shēn chū wǔ sè huǒ, xià shēn chū shuǐ, xià shēn chū wǔ sè huǒ, shàng shēn chū shuǐ； rú shì cóng dōng fāng méi chū xī fāng, cóng nán fāng méi chū běi fāng, biàn cóng qī shù jiān xià zhì de, biàn huà xiàn shén zú rú yú shàng, shí biàn miè shén zú qǔ ní huán qù.

[0867c27] fu wei mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi bing wu bai bi qiu ni, shuo ruo gan pin fa yi qi, jie huan xi qi zuo, jie wei fu zuo li rao fu san za, tou mian zhe de hai dao duo she li guo, ru wang yuan bi qiu ni jing she, bian cong yi chu bu wu bai zuo, mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi, bing wu bai bi qiu ni ge jiu zuo. shi shi mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi, bian zi xian shen zu cong zuo zhong mei shen qu, cong dong fang chu, zai xu kong zhong, shang yi shu jian shang zhi qi shu jian, zi xian si shen zu, yu xu kong shang jing xing; yi jing xing bian zhu, yi zhu bian zuo, yi zuo bian wo, yi wo bian zi shen chu wu se huo, shang shen chu wu se huo, xia shen chu shui, xia shen chu wu se huo, shang shen chu shui; ru shi cong dong fang mei chu xi fang, cong nan fang mei chu bei fang, bian cong qi shu jian xia zhi de bian hua xian shen zu ru yu shang, shi bian mie shen zu qu ni huan qu. shi shi wu bai bi qiu ni bian jie yu zuo zhong mei shen, cong dong fang chu, zai xu kong zhong, shang yi shu jian shang zhi qi shu jian, zi xian si pin shen zu, yu xu kong zhong jing xing; yi jing xing bian zhu, yi zhu bian zuo, yi zuo bian wo, yi wo bian zi shen chu wu se huo, shang shen chu wu se huo, xia shen chu shui, xia shen chu wu se huo, shang shen chu shui; ru shi cong dong fang mei chu xi fang, cong nan fang mei chu bei fang, bian cong qi shu jian xia zhi de, bian hua xian shen zu ru yu shang, shi bian mie shen zu qu ni huan qu.

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

[0868a19] At that time, the Buddha (佛 [fu]) told the venerable Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]), "Go tomorrow morning and enter the country of Vaiśālī (惟舍利國 [wei she li guo]). Go to the house of Yathā (耶陀迦羅越 [ye tuo jia luo yue]), the householder. When you arrive, tell Yathā (耶陀迦羅越 [ye tuo jia luo yue]), the householder, that the Buddha's (佛 [fu]) mother has entered Parinirvāṇa (般泥洹 [ban ni huan]), along with five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]). The Buddha (佛 [fu]) advises the householder to prepare five hundred biers (輿床 [yu chuang]), five hundred jars of sesame oil (瓶麻油 [ping ma you]), five hundred portions of incense (分香 [fen xiang]), five hundred bundles of firewood (分薪 [fen xin]), various kinds of fragrant flowers (種花香 [zhong hua xiang]), and various kinds of music (種伎樂 [zhong ji le]), and bring them to the bhikṣuṇī monastery (比丘尼精舍 [bi qiu ni jing she]) in the royal park. Why is this? Because the Buddha's (佛 [fu]) mother has entered Parinirvāṇa (般泥洹 [ban ni huan]), along with five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]), all of whom are Arhats (阿羅漢 [a luo han]) and possess great divine powers (大神足 [da shen zu]), having completed their merits (功德已滿 [gong de yi man]). They should be properly buried." The Buddha (佛 [fu]) told Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]), "Inform the householder that the Buddha (佛 [fu]) advises this."

[0868a19] shì shí, fú gào xián zhě ā nán: “rǔ xíng míng rì píng dàn rù wéi shě lì guó dào yé tuó jiā luó yuè shě, yǐ dào biàn gào yé tuó jiā luó yuè, fú mǔ bān ní huán, bìng wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní, fú quàn lìng jiā luó yuè zuò wǔ bǎi yú chuáng,, wǔ bǎi píng má yóu,, wǔ bǎi fēn xiāng,, wǔ bǎi fēn xīn, ruò gàn zhǒng huā xiāng,, ruò gàn zhǒng jì lè, chí dào wáng yuán bǐ qiū ní jīng shě. suǒ yǐ zhě hé? fú mǔ bān ní huán bìng wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní, jiē shì ā luó hàn jiē dà shén zú, gōng dé yǐ mǎn, dāng hǎo zàng zhī.” fú yǔ ā nán: “gào jiā luó yuè, fú quàn rú shì.”

[0868a19] shi shi, fu gao xian zhe a nan: "ru xing ming ri ping dan ru wei she li guo dao ye tuo jia luo yue she, yi dao bian gao ye tuo jia luo yue, fu mu ban ni huan, bing wu bai bi qiu ni, fu quan ling jia luo yue zuo wu bai yu chuang,, wu bai ping ma you,, wu bai fen xiang,, wu bai fen xin, ruo gan zhong hua xiang,, ruo gan zhong ji le, chi dao wang yuan bi qiu ni jing she. suo yi zhe he? fu mu ban ni huan bing wu bai bi qiu ni, jie shi a luo han jie da shen zu, gong de yi man, dang hao zang zhi." fu yu a nan: "gao jia luo yue, fu quan ru shi."

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

[0868a26] Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]) heard the Buddha's (佛 [fu]) words, replied, "Yes," immediately rose, prostrated himself at the Buddha's (佛 [fu]) feet, and then at dawn entered the country of Vaiśālī (惟舍利國 [wei she li guo]). He went to Yathā (耶陀迦羅越 [ye tuo jia luo yue]) and, upon arriving, told the gatekeeper, "Tell the householder that Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]) is outside." The gatekeeper heard Ānanda's (阿難 [a nan]) words and immediately went in to report. At that time, Yathā (耶陀迦羅越 [ye tuo jia luo yue]) was on a high building, enjoying himself with female musicians. When he heard the gatekeeper's report, he was immediately terrified, and his hair stood on end. He immediately descended the stairs and went out to meet Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]). He prostrated himself with his head at the venerable Ānanda's (阿難 [a nan]) feet as a salutation and said to the venerable Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]), "This is neither ordinary nor a small matter. Why is this? Why has the venerable one entered the country so early?" Yathā (耶陀迦羅越 [ye tuo jia luo yue]) said, "What is your intention?" Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]) immediately replied, "The Buddha (佛 [fu]) sent me to advise the householder to prepare five hundred biers (輿床 [yu chuang]), five hundred jars of sesame oil (麻油瓶 [ma you ping]), five hundred portions of incense (分香 [fen xiang]), five hundred bundles of firewood (分薪 [fen xin]), various kinds of beautiful fragrant flowers (種好香花 [zhong hao xiang hua]), and various kinds of music (種伎樂 [zhong ji le]), and bring them to the bhikṣuṇī monastery (比丘尼精舍 [bi qiu ni jing she]) in the royal park. Why is this? Because the Buddha's (佛 [fu]) mother has entered Parinirvāṇa (般泥洹 [ban ni huan]), along with five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]), all of whom are Arhats (阿羅漢 [a luo han]) and possess great divine powers (大神足 [da shen zu]), having completed their merits (功德已滿 [gong de yi man]). They should be properly buried. The Buddha (佛 [fu]) advises the householder thus."

[0868a26] ā nán wén fú yán, wéi rán jí qǐ chí tóu miàn lǐ fú zú, jí yǐ píng dàn rù wéi shě lì guó, zhì yé tuó jiā luó yuè suǒ, zhì yǐ gào shǒu mén zhě: “lìng rù bái jiā luó yuè, ā nán zài wài.” shǒu mén zhě wén ā nán yán, jí rù bái rú shì. shí yé tuó jiā luó yuè zài gāo lóu shàng, yǔ jì nǚ gòng xiāng yú lè, wén mén zhě yán rú shì, jí kǒng bù yī máo jiē shù, jí xià lóu chū yǔ ā nán xiāng jiàn, jí chí tóu miàn zhe xián zhě ā nán zú xià wèi lǐ, bái xián zhě ā nán: “shì fēi héng yì fēi xiǎo shì. suǒ yǐ zhě hé? xián zhě lái rù guó yī hé zǎo yé?” yé tuó jiā luó yuè yán: “yǐ yì hé?” ā nán jí bào yán: “fú shǐ wǒ lái, yù quàn lìng jiā luó yuè, zuò wǔ bǎi yú chuáng,, wǔ bǎi má yóu píng,, wǔ bǎi fēn xiāng,, wǔ bǎi fēn xīn, ruò gàn zhǒng hǎo xiāng huā,, ruò gàn zhǒng jì lè, chí dào wáng yuán bǐ qiū ní jīng shě. suǒ yǐ zhě hé? fú mǔ bān ní huán bìng wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní, jiē shì ā luó hàn jiē dà shén zú, gōng dé yǐ mǎn, dāng hǎo zàng zhī. fú quàn jiā luó yuè rú shì.”

[0868a26] a nan wen fu yan, wei ran ji qi chi tou mian li fu zu, ji yi ping dan ru wei she li guo, zhi ye tuo jia luo yue suo, zhi yi gao shou men zhe: "ling ru bai jia luo yue, a nan zai wai." shou men zhe wen a nan yan, ji ru bai ru shi. shi ye tuo jia luo yue zai gao lou shang, yu ji nu gong xiang yu le, wen men zhe yan ru shi, ji kong bu yi mao jie shu, ji xia lou chu yu a nan xiang jian, ji chi tou mian zhe xian zhe a nan zu xia wei li, bai xian zhe a nan: "shi fei heng yi fei xiao shi. suo yi zhe he? xian zhe lai ru guo yi he zao ye?" ye tuo jia luo yue yan: "yi yi he?" a nan ji bao yan: "fu shi wo lai, yu quan ling jia luo yue, zuo wu bai yu chuang,, wu bai ma you ping,, wu bai fen xiang,, wu bai fen xin, ruo gan zhong hao xiang hua,, ruo gan zhong ji le, chi dao wang yuan bi qiu ni jing she. suo yi zhe he? fu mu ban ni huan bing wu bai bi qiu ni, jie shi a luo han jie da shen zu, gong de yi man, dang hao zang zhi. fu quan jia luo yue ru shi."

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

[0868b11] When the householder heard Ānanda's (阿難 [a nan]) words, he immediately fainted and fell to the ground, saying, "Venerable Ānanda (阿難 [a nan])! What fault did we, humans, have with the bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni])? What resentment did the bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) hold against us, humans? What did we do to displease the bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) that they entered Parinirvāṇa (般泥洹 [ban ni huan]) without informing us? Venerable Ānanda (阿難 [a nan])! From now on, the living quarters will be empty, all the seats will be empty, the walking paths will be empty, and all the four main roads and alleys will be empty. The country of Vaiśālī (惟舍利國 [wei she li guo]) is already empty. Venerable Ānanda (阿難 [a nan])! From now on, we will no longer see bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) walking or entering the country of Vaiśālī (惟舍利國 [wei she li guo]). How great is this sorrow!"

[0868b11] jiā luó yuè wén ā nán yán rú shì, jí hūn pǐ de yán: “xián zhě ā nán! wǒ rén yǒu hé děng guò yú bǐ qiū ní? bǐ qiū ní yǒu hé hèn wǒ rén? suǒ bān ní huán bù gào wǒ rén? xián zhě ā nán! cóng jīn yǐ hòu, xíng shì dāng kōng, zhū zuò yì dāng kōng, jīng xíng chù yì dāng kōng, sì jiǎo dào tóu lǐ xiàng jiē dāng kōng, wéi shě lì guó yǐ wèi kōng. xián zhě ā nán! cóng jīn yǐ hòu, bù fù jiàn bǐ qiū ní xíng fēn yuè rù wéi shě lì guó, shì tòng hé shén! ”

[0868b11] jia luo yue wen a nan yan ru shi, ji hun pi de yan: "xian zhe a nan! wo ren you he deng guo yu bi qiu ni? bi qiu ni you he hen wo ren? suo ban ni huan bu gao wo ren? xian zhe a nan! cong jin yi hou, xing shi dang kong, zhu zuo yi dang kong, jing xing chu yi dang kong, si jiao dao tou li xiang jie dang kong, wei she li guo yi wei kong. xian zhe a nan! cong jin yi hou, bu fu jian bi qiu ni xing fen yue ru wei she li guo, shi tong he shen! "

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

[0868b18] After Yathā (耶陀迦羅越 [ye tuo jia luo yue]) finished speaking, Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]) immediately told the householder, "The Buddha (佛 [fu]) himself said before that all those who are dearly loved (一切恩愛 [yi qie en ai]) must eventually separate and scatter, each going to a different place, each following a different path. What is born, what is reached, what is conceived, each has its own course, each has its own cause and condition. They will eventually perish and separate. To wish for no separation is ultimately impossible. A wise person (慧人 [hui ren]) should only protect the Dharma (法 [fa]) and practice it." At that time, the venerable Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]), to guide the householder, cited various sutras (若干經 [ruo gan jing]) to explain his meaning and to encourage his intention. After explaining, delighting, and encouraging him, Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]) went to the country of Vaiśālī (惟舍利國 [wei she li guo]).

[0868b18] yé tuó jiā luó yuè yán yǐ jìng, ā nán jí gào jiā luó yuè yán: “fú běn zì shuō yán, yī qiè ēn ài jiē dāng bié lí xiāo sàn, gè zì yì chù gè zì yì xíng, suǒ shēng suǒ zhì suǒ xiǎng, gè zì yǒu xíng, gè zì yǒu yīn yuán, huì dāng miè jǐn huì dāng bié lí, yù lìng bù bié lí zhě zhōng bù kě dé, huì rén dàn dāng hù fǎ xíng.” shì shí xián zhě ā nán, wèi jiā luó yuè yǐn ruò gàn jīng, yào chí jiě jiā luó yuè yì, yù quàn jiā luó yuè yì, yǐ jiě yǐ xǐ yǐ quàn, biàn dào wéi shě lì guó.

[0868b18] ye tuo jia luo yue yan yi jing, a nan ji gao jia luo yue yan: "fu ben zi shuo yan, yi qie en ai jie dang bie li xiao san, ge zi yi chu ge zi yi xing, suo sheng suo zhi suo xiang, ge zi you xing, ge zi you yin yuan, hui dang mie jin hui dang bie li, yu ling bu bie li zhe zhong bu ke de, hui ren dan dang hu fa xing." shi shi xian zhe a nan, wei jia luo yue yin ruo gan jing, yao chi jie jia luo yue yi, yu quan jia luo yue yi, yi jie yi xi yi quan, bian dao wei she li guo.

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

[0868b25] Brahmins (披羅門 [pi luo men]) and householders (迦羅越 [jia luo yue]) of Vaiśālī (惟舍利國 [wei she li guo]) were gathered for a different reason in the lecture hall (講堂 [jiang tang]). When the venerable Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]) arrived and sat down, he told the Brahmins (披羅門 [pi luo men]) and householders (迦羅越 [jia luo yue]) of Vaiśālī (惟舍利國 [wei she li guo]), "You all should prepare five hundred biers (輿床 [yu chuang]), five hundred jars of sesame oil (麻油瓶 [ma you ping]), five hundred portions of incense (分香 [fen xiang]), five hundred bundles of firewood (分薪 [fen xin]), various kinds of beautiful fragrant flowers (好香華 [hao xiang hua]), and various kinds of music (妓樂 [ji le]), and bring them to the bhikṣuṇī monastery (比丘尼精舍 [bi qiu ni jing she]) in the royal park. Why is this? Because the Buddha's (佛 [fu]) mother has entered Parinirvāṇa (般泥洹 [ban ni huan]), along with five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]), all of whom are Arhats (阿羅漢 [a luo han]) and possess great divine powers (大神足 [da shen zu]), having completed their merits (功德已滿 [gong de yi man]). They should be properly buried. The Buddha (佛 [fu]) advises all Brahmins (披羅門 [pi luo men]) and householders (迦羅越 [jia luo yue]) thus." The Brahmins (披羅門 [pi luo men]) and householders (迦羅越 [jia luo yue]) of Vaiśālī (惟舍利國 [wei she li guo]) immediately fell to the ground and said to the venerable Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]), "What fault did we, humans, have with the bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni])? What resentment did the bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) hold against us, humans? What did we do to displease the bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) that they entered Parinirvāṇa (般泥洹 [ban ni huan]) without informing us? Venerable Ānanda (阿難 [a nan])! From now on, the living quarters will all be empty, all the seats will all be empty, and all the four main roads and alleys will all be empty. The country of Vaiśālī (惟舍利國 [wei she li guo]) is considered empty. From now on, we will never again see bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) entering or walking in the country of Vaiśālī (惟舍利國 [wei she li guo])."

[0868b25] pī luó mén jiā luó yuè yì yīn yuán, zài jiǎng táng jù huì, biàn xián zhě ā nán, yǐ dào jiù zuò yǐ zuò, biàn gào wéi shě lì guó pī luó mén jiā luó yuè: “qīng bèi zuò wǔ bǎi yú chuáng,, wǔ bǎi má yóu píng,, wǔ bǎi fēn xiāng,, wǔ bǎi fēn xīn, ruò gàn zhǒng hǎo xiāng huá,, ruò gàn zhǒng jì lè, chí dào wáng yuán bǐ qiū ní jīng shě. suǒ yǐ zhě hé? fú mǔ bān ní huán bìng wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní, jiē shì ā luó hàn jiē dà shén zú, gōng dé yǐ mǎn, dāng hǎo zàng zhī. fú quàn zhòng pī luó mén jiā luó yuè rú shì.” wéi shě lì guó pī luó mén jiā luó yuè, jí biàn pǐ de gào xián zhě ā nán: “wǒ rén yǒu hé děng guò yú bǐ qiū ní? bǐ qiū ní yǒu hé hèn wǒ rén bèi? chí hé děng shī bǐ qiū ní yì, bān ní huán bù gào wǒ rén? xián zhě ā nán! cóng jīn yǐ hòu, xíng shì jiē dāng kōng, zhū zuò jiē dāng kōng, sì jiǎo dào tóu lǐ xiàng jiē dāng kōng, wéi shě lì guó yǐ wèi kōng. cóng jīn yǐ hòu, zhōng bù fù jiàn bǐ qiū ní rù wéi shě lì guó xíng fēn yuè.”

[0868b25] pi luo men jia luo yue yi yin yuan, zai jiang tang ju hui, bian xian zhe a nan, yi dao jiu zuo yi zuo, bian gao wei she li guo pi luo men jia luo yue: "qing bei zuo wu bai yu chuang,, wu bai ma you ping,, wu bai fen xiang,, wu bai fen xin, ruo gan zhong hao xiang hua,, ruo gan zhong ji le, chi dao wang yuan bi qiu ni jing she. suo yi zhe he? fu mu ban ni huan bing wu bai bi qiu ni, jie shi a luo han jie da shen zu, gong de yi man, dang hao zang zhi. fu quan zhong pi luo men jia luo yue ru shi." wei she li guo pi luo men jia luo yue, ji bian pi de gao xian zhe a nan: "wo ren you he deng guo yu bi qiu ni? bi qiu ni you he hen wo ren bei? chi he deng shi bi qiu ni yi, ban ni huan bu gao wo ren? xian zhe a nan! cong jin yi hou, xing shi jie dang kong, zhu zuo jie dang kong, si jiao dao tou li xiang jie dang kong, wei she li guo yi wei kong. cong jin yi hou, zhong bu fu jian bi qiu ni ru wei she li guo xing fen yue."

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

[0868c09] At that time, the venerable Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]) told the Brahmins (披羅門 [pi luo men]) and householders (迦羅越 [jia luo yue]) of Vaiśālī (惟舍利國 [wei she li guo]), "The Buddha (佛 [fu]) said before that all those who are dearly loved (一切恩愛 [yi qie en ai]) must eventually separate and scatter, each going to a different place, each following a different path. What is born, what is reached, what is conceived, each has its own course, each has its own cause and condition. They will eventually separate. To wish for no separation is ultimately impossible. A wise person (慧人 [hui ren]) should only protect the Dharma (法 [fa]) and practice it." At that time, the venerable Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]), to guide the Brahmins (披羅門 [pi luo men]) and householders (迦羅越 [jia luo yue]) of Vaiśālī (惟舍利國 [wei she li guo]), cited various sutras to explain his meaning, to delight their intentions, and to encourage their intentions. After explaining, delighting, and encouraging them, the venerable Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]) rose from his seat and went to the Buddha's (佛 [fu]) abode.

[0868c09] shì shí, xián zhě ā nán gào wéi shě lì guó pī luó mén jiā luó yuè: “fú xiān zì shuō, yī qiè ēn ài jiē dāng bié lí xiāo sàn, gè zì yì chù gè zì yì xíng, suǒ shēng suǒ zhì suǒ xiǎng, gè zì yǒu xíng, gè zì yǒu yīn yuán, huì dāng bié lí, yù lìng bù bié lí zhōng bù kě dé, huì rén dàn dāng hù fǎ xíng.” shì shí, xián zhě ā nán, wèi wéi shě lì guó pī luó mén jiā luó yuè, yǐn ruò gàn jīng yào chí jiě pī luó mén jiā luó yuè yì, xǐ pī luó mén jiā luó yuè yì, quàn pī luó mén jiā luó yuè yì, yǐ jiě yǐ xǐ yǐ quàn, xián zhě ā nán, biàn qǐ zuò dào fú suǒ.

[0868c09] shi shi, xian zhe a nan gao wei she li guo pi luo men jia luo yue: "fu xian zi shuo, yi qie en ai jie dang bie li xiao san, ge zi yi chu ge zi yi xing, suo sheng suo zhi suo xiang, ge zi you xing, ge zi you yin yuan, hui dang bie li, yu ling bu bie li zhong bu ke de, hui ren dan dang hu fa xing." shi shi, xian zhe a nan, wei wei she li guo pi luo men jia luo yue, yin ruo gan jing yao chi jie pi luo men jia luo yue yi, xi pi luo men jia luo yue yi, quan pi luo men jia luo yue yi, yi jie yi xi yi quan, xian zhe a nan, bian qi zuo dao fu suo.

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

[0868c17] At that time, Yathā (耶陀迦羅越 [ye tuo jia luo yue]), along with five hundred Brahmins (披羅門 [pi luo men]) and householders (迦羅越 [jia luo yue]), brought five hundred biers (輿床 [yu chuang]), five hundred jars of sesame oil (麻油瓶 [ma you ping]), five hundred bundles of firewood (分薪 [fen xin]), five hundred portions of incense (分香 [fen xiang]), various kinds of beautiful fragrant flowers (好香華 [hao xiang hua]), and music (妓樂 [ji le]) to the bhikṣuṇī monastery (比丘尼精舍 [bi qiu ni jing she]) in the royal park. When they arrived, the gate of the bhikṣuṇī monastery (比丘尼精舍 [bi qiu ni jing she]) in the royal park was closed. Yathā (耶陀迦羅越 [ye tuo jia luo yue]) then told one person, "Come, climb on someone's shoulders, cross the wall, enter the garden, and open the gate." This person obeyed the householder's (迦羅越 [jia luo yue]) words, climbed on someone's shoulders, crossed the wall, and immediately opened the gate. Yathā (耶游陀迦羅越 [ye you tuo jia luo yue]) and the five hundred Brahmins (披羅門 [pi luo men]) all entered the bhikṣuṇī monastery (比丘尼精舍 [bi qiu ni jing she]) in the royal park. At that time, the five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) had six female novices (沙彌利 [sha mi li]). These six female novices (沙彌利 [sha mi li]) told Yathā (耶游陀迦羅越 [ye you tuo jia luo yue]), "Venerable householder (迦羅越 [jia luo yue])! Do not disturb these five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]). Why is this? They are all seated in deep concentration (已得定意坐者 [yi de ding yi zuo zhe])." At that time, the householder (迦羅越 [jia luo yue]) told the six female novices (沙彌利 [sha mi li]), "These five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) are not in deep concentration; they have relinquished their lifespans and attained Nirvāṇa (泥洹 [ni huan])." At that time, the six female novices (沙彌利 [sha mi li]) heard these words and immediately fainted and fell to the ground, saying, "Who will teach and admonish us now? Who will advise and counsel us? Whose robes and bowls shall we follow?"

[0868c17] shì shí yé tuó jiā luó yuè, bìng wǔ bǎi pī luó mén jiā luó yuè, chí wǔ bǎi yú chuáng,, wǔ bǎi má yóu píng,, wǔ bǎi fēn xīn,, wǔ bǎi fēn xiāng, ruò gàn zhǒng hǎo xiāng huá jì lè, dào wáng yuán bǐ qiū ní jīng shě, yǐ dào shì shí wáng yuán bǐ qiū ní jīng shě mén bì, yé tuó jiā luó yuè biàn gào yī rén yán: “lái, rǔ shàng yī rén jiān shàng, dù yuán qiáng rù yuán kāi mén.” shì rén shòu jiā luó yuè yán, shàng yī rén jiān shàng dù yuán qiáng jí kāi mén. yé yóu tuó jiā luó yuè jí wǔ bǎi pī luó mén, jù rù wáng yuán bǐ qiū ní jīng shě. shì shí wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní gòng yǒu liù shā mí lì, shì liù shā mí lì gào yé yóu tuó jiā luó yuè yán: “xián zhě jiā luó yuè! mò dé ráo shì wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní yě. suǒ yǐ zhě hé? jiē shì yǐ dé dìng yì zuò zhě.” shì shí, jiā luó yuè gào liù shā mí lì yán: “shì wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní, bù wèi dìng yì shēng, yǐ shě shòu mìng xíng qǔ ní huán.” shì shí, liù shā mí lì wén shì yǔ jí hūn pǐ de yán: “shuí dāng fù jiào jiè wǒ rén zhě yé? shuí dāng fù jiàn shù wǒ rén, dāng chí yī bō suí shuí hòu yé?”

[0868c17] shi shi ye tuo jia luo yue, bing wu bai pi luo men jia luo yue, chi wu bai yu chuang,, wu bai ma you ping,, wu bai fen xin,, wu bai fen xiang, ruo gan zhong hao xiang hua ji le, dao wang yuan bi qiu ni jing she, yi dao shi shi wang yuan bi qiu ni jing she men bi, ye tuo jia luo yue bian gao yi ren yan: "lai, ru shang yi ren jian shang, du yuan qiang ru yuan kai men." shi ren shou jia luo yue yan, shang yi ren jian shang du yuan qiang ji kai men. ye you tuo jia luo yue ji wu bai pi luo men, ju ru wang yuan bi qiu ni jing she. shi shi wu bai bi qiu ni gong you liu sha mi li, shi liu sha mi li gao ye you tuo jia luo yue yan: "xian zhe jia luo yue! mo de rao shi wu bai bi qiu ni ye. suo yi zhe he? jie shi yi de ding yi zuo zhe." shi shi, jia luo yue gao liu sha mi li yan: "shi wu bai bi qiu ni, bu wei ding yi sheng, yi she shou ming xing qu ni huan." shi shi, liu sha mi li wen shi yu ji hun pi de yan: "shui dang fu jiao jie wo ren zhe ye? shui dang fu jian shu wo ren, dang chi yi bo sui shui hou ye?"

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

[0869a03] At that time, the householder (迦羅越 [jia luo yue]) told the venerable six female novices (沙彌利 [sha mi li]), "The Buddha (佛 [fu]) himself said before that all those who are dearly loved (一切恩愛 [yi qie en ai]) must eventually separate. Venerable female novices (沙彌利 [sha mi li]), do not grieve, but only diligently strive and increase your effort." At that time, the householder (迦羅越 [jia luo yue]) took Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī's (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) relics (舍利 [she li]), and with various kinds of fragrant flowers (香花 [xiang hua]) and music (妓樂 [ji le]), respectfully collected the relics (舍利 [she li]) and placed them on a golden couch. The relics (舍利 [she li]) of the five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) were also treated in the same manner. Then Yathā (耶游陀迦羅越 [ye you tuo jia luo yue]) and the five hundred Brahmins (披羅門 [pi luo men]) and householders (迦羅越 [jia luo yue]) together brought the relics (舍利 [she li]) of Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) and the five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) to the Buddha's (佛 [fu]) abode.

[0869a03] shì shí, jiā luó yuè gào xián zhě liù shā mí lì yán: “fú xiān zì shuō, yī qiè ēn ài jiē dāng bié lí. xián zhě shā mí lì mò chóu yōu, dàn dāng qín xíng zēng jīng jìn.” shì shí, jiā luó yuè qǔ mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí shě lì, chí ruò gàn zhǒng xiāng huā jì lè, gōng jìng jiǎn qǔ shě lì zhe jīn chuáng shàng, bìng wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní shě lì yì rú shì, biàn yé yóu tuó jiā luó yuè, bìng wǔ bǎi pī luó mén jiā luó yuè, jù qǔ mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí, bìng wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní shě lì dào fú suǒ.

[0869a03] shi shi, jia luo yue gao xian zhe liu sha mi li yan: "fu xian zi shuo, yi qie en ai jie dang bie li. xian zhe sha mi li mo chou you, dan dang qin xing zeng jing jin." shi shi, jia luo yue qu mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi she li, chi ruo gan zhong xiang hua ji le, gong jing jian qu she li zhe jin chuang shang, bing wu bai bi qiu ni she li yi ru shi, bian ye you tuo jia luo yue, bing wu bai pi luo men jia luo yue, ju qu mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi, bing wu bai bi qiu ni she li dao fu suo.

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

[0869a10] At that time, the Buddha (佛 [fu]) told the venerable Śāriputra (舍利弗羅 [she li fu luo]), "Come! Face directly east, clasp your hands, kneel down on your right knee, and say thus: 'May those in the east who have unwavering faith (直信者 [zhi xin zhe]), unwavering conduct (直業者 [zhi ye zhe]), and whose merits (功德 [gong de]) from the three divine powers (三神 [san shen]) and six supernormal knowledges (六智 [liu zhi]) are complete, all come to this place. Why is this? Because the Buddha's (佛 [fu]) mother has entered Parinirvāṇa (般泥洹 [ban ni huan]), along with five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]) who have also entered Parinirvāṇa (般泥洹 [ban ni huan]). All are Arhats (阿羅漢 [a luo han]) and possess great divine powers (大神足 [da shen zu]), having completed their merits (功德已滿 [gong de yi man]). We should all properly bury them.' The same applies to the south, the west, the north, and again to the east." The venerable Śāriputra (舍利弗羅 [she li fu luo]) obeyed the command and immediately faced east, south, west, and north, inviting all the Arhats (阿羅漢 [a luo han]). Immediately, three hundred and fifty Arhats (阿羅漢 [a luo han]) came from the east, and similarly from the south, west, and north, totaling a thousand Arhats (阿羅漢 [a luo han]) before the Buddha (佛 [fu]). The Buddha (佛 [fu]) then, along with the thousand bhikṣu-saṅgha (比丘僧 [bi qiu seng]), went to the place of Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī's (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) relics (舍利 [she li]). The Buddha (佛 [fu]) then sat down, and all the thousand bhikṣus (比丘 [bi qiu]) took their seats.

[0869a10] shì shí, fú gào xián zhě shě lì fú luó: “rǔ lái! zhèng dōng xiàng chā shǒu, xià yòu xī zhe de, shuō rú shì: ‘yǒu zài dōng fāng zhí xìn zhě zhí yè zhě, sān shén liù zhì dà shén zú gōng dé yǐ mǎn zhě, jiē lái dào shì jiān. suǒ yǐ zhě hé? fú mǔ bān ní huán bìng wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní yǐ bān ní huán, jiē shì ā luó hàn jiē dà shén zú, gōng dé yǐ mǎn, dāng gòng hǎo zàng zhī.’ nán fāng yì ěr xī fāng yì ěr, běi fāng yì ěr, dōng fāng yì ěr.” xián zhě shě lì fú luó shòu yǔ, jí dōng xiàng,, nán xiàng,, xī xiàng,, běi xiàng qǐng zhū ā luó hàn. jí shí dōng fāng yǒu sān bǎi wǔ shí ā luó hàn lái, nán fāng yì ěr, xī fāng yì ěr, běi fāng yì ěr, hé qiān ā luó hàn zài fú qián. fú biàn yǔ qiān bǐ qiū sēng jù, dào mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí shě lì suǒ, fú biàn zuò, qiān bǐ qiū jiē jiù zuò.

[0869a10] shi shi, fu gao xian zhe she li fu luo: "ru lai! zheng dong xiang cha shou, xia you xi zhe de, shuo ru shi: 'you zai dong fang zhi xin zhe zhi ye zhe, san shen liu zhi da shen zu gong de yi man zhe, jie lai dao shi jian. suo yi zhe he? fu mu ban ni huan bing wu bai bi qiu ni yi ban ni huan, jie shi a luo han jie da shen zu, gong de yi man, dang gong hao zang zhi.' nan fang yi er xi fang yi er, bei fang yi er, dong fang yi er." xian zhe she li fu luo shou yu, ji dong xiang,, nan xiang,, xi xiang,, bei xiang qing zhu a luo han. ji shi dong fang you san bai wu shi a luo han lai, nan fang yi er, xi fang yi er, bei fang yi er, he qian a luo han zai fu qian. fu bian yu qian bi qiu seng ju, dao mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi she li suo, fu bian zuo, qian bi qiu jie jiu zuo.

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

[0869a21] At that time, the Buddha (佛 [fu]) then told the venerable Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]), "Rise, take Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī's (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) relics (舍利 [she li]), place them in a bowl, and bring them into my hands." Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]) said, "Yes." He then rose from his seat, took Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī's (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) relics (舍利 [she li]), placed them in a bowl, and handed them to the Buddha (佛 [fu]). The Buddha (佛 [fu]) immediately received them with both hands. After receiving Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī's (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) relics (舍利 [she li]), the Buddha (佛 [fu]) then told the assembly of bhikṣus (眾比丘僧 [zhong bi qiu seng]), "This is the collection of relics (舍利 [she li]) of a female being. Originally, this body was vile, urgent, harsh, violent, light-minded, prone to jealousy. Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) has now relinquished the body of a female being. That which a male being should attain, Mahāprajāpatī (摩訶卑耶和題 [mo he bei ye he ti]) has already attained."

[0869a21] shì shí, fú biàn gào xián zhě ā nán: “rǔ qǐ, qǔ mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí shě lì, yǐ bō shèng zhī, chí lái zhe wǒ shǒu zhōng.” ā nán yán: “wéi rán.” biàn qǐ zuò qǔ mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí shě lì, zhe bō zhōng chí shòu fú, fú jí yǐ liǎng shǒu shòu zhī. mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí shě lì yǐ shòu, fú biàn gào zhòng bǐ qiū sēng: “shì mǔ rén jù shě lì yě, běn shì è shēn jí bì zú bào qīng xīn shù zhuǎn jí dù, mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí, yǐ shě mǔ rén jù shēn, nán zi suǒ yīng dé zhě mó hē bēi yé hé tí wèi yǐ dé yě.”

[0869a21] shi shi, fu bian gao xian zhe a nan: "ru qi, qu mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi she li, yi bo sheng zhi, chi lai zhe wo shou zhong." a nan yan: "wei ran." bian qi zuo qu mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi she li, zhe bo zhong chi shou fu, fu ji yi liang shou shou zhi. mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi she li yi shou, fu bian gao zhong bi qiu seng: "shi mu ren ju she li ye, ben shi e shen ji bi zu bao qing xin shu zhuan ji du, mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi, yi she mu ren ju shen, nan zi suo ying de zhe mo he bei ye he ti wei yi de ye."

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

[0869b02] At that time, the Buddha (佛 [fu]) instructed Yathā (耶游陀迦羅越 [ye you tuo jia luo yue]) and the assembly of bhikṣu-saṅgha (眾比丘僧 [zhong bi qiu seng]) to jointly erect a stupa (塔 [ta]) for Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) and the five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]). After the stupa (塔 [ta]) was erected, the people of Vaiśālī (惟舍利國 [wei she li guo]) and all the devas (天人 [tian ren]) and humans (人民 [ren min]) all together honored the stupa (塔 [ta]) of Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī (摩訶卑耶和題俱曇彌 [mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi]) and the five hundred bhikṣuṇīs (比丘尼 [bi qiu ni]).

[0869b02] shì shí fú lìng yé yóu tuó jiā luó yuè zhòng bǐ qiū sēng, gòng wèi mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí bìng wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní qǐ tǎ, yǐ qǐ tǎ jí wéi shě lì guó rén mín jí zhū tiān rén, jiē gòng shì mó hē bēi yé hé tí jù tán mí bìng wǔ bǎi bǐ qiū ní tǎ.

[0869b02] shi shi fu ling ye you tuo jia luo yue zhong bi qiu seng, gong wei mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi bing wu bai bi qiu ni qi ta, yi qi ta ji wei she li guo ren min ji zhu tian ren, jie gong shi mo he bei ye he ti ju tan mi bing wu bai bi qiu ni ta.

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

[0869b05] When the Buddha (佛 [fu]) spoke thus, all the bhikṣus (諸比丘 [zhu bi qiu]) rejoiced, rose, paid homage to the Buddha (佛 [fu]), and departed.

The Sutra of the Great Prajāpatī's Parinirvāṇa (佛說大愛道般泥洹經 [fu shuo da ai dao ban ni huan jing])

[0869b05] fú shuō rú shì, zhū bǐ qiū jiē huān xǐ, qǐ qián wèi fú zuò lǐ ér qù.

fú shuō dà ài dào bān ní huán jīng

[0869b05] fu shuo ru shi, zhu bi qiu jie huan xi, qi qian wei fu zuo li er qu.

fu shuo da ai dao ban ni huan jing