Sutta 16: The Sutra on Bhikkhus Stating Their Aspirations

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

[0080c27] Buddha Says the Sutra on Bhikkhus Stating Their Aspirations, Chapter 16 (佛說比丘各言志經第十六 [fu shuo bi qiu ge yan zhi jing di shi liu])

Thus have I heard:

At one time, the Buddha (佛 [fu]) was dwelling in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu]) in Vaishali (越祇 [yue qi]), together with venerable Bhikkhus (尊比丘俱 [zun bi qiu ju])—all saints (聖賢 [sheng xian]), accomplished in various supernormal powers (諸通已達 [zhu tong yi da]), and all aged (皆悉耆年 [jie xi qi nian])—whose names were the venerable Śāriputra (賢者舍利弗 [xian zhe she li fu]), the venerable Mahāmaudgalyāyana (賢者大目連 [xian zhe da mu lian]), the venerable Kāśyapa (賢者迦葉 [xian zhe jia ye]), the venerable Aniruddha (賢者阿那律 [xian zhe a na lu]), the venerable Revata (賢者離越 [xian zhe li yue]), the venerable Pindola Bharadvaja (賢者邠耨文陀弗 [xian zhe bin nou wen tuo fu]), the venerable Subhūti (賢者須菩提 [xian zhe xu pu ti]), the venerable Kātyāyana (賢者迦旃延 [xian zhe jia zhan yan]), the venerable Upāli (賢者優波離 [xian zhe you bo li]), the venerable Viraga (賢者離垢 [xian zhe li gou]), the venerable Yaśas (賢者名聞 [xian zhe ming wen]), the venerable Gavampati (賢者牛呞 [xian zhe niu shi]), the venerable Rāhula (賢者羅云 [xian zhe luo yun]), and the venerable Ānanda (賢者阿難 [xian zhe a nan]). Similar to these, there was a great assembly of Bhikkhus (大比丘眾 [da bi qiu zhong]) numbering five hundred (五百人 [wu bai ren]). At that time, the venerable Mahāmaudgalyāyana (賢者大目揵連 [xian zhe da mu qian lian]) and the great disciples (大弟子 [da di zi]), as dawn was approaching (天欲向明 [tian yu xiang ming]), rose from their seats and went to the abode of the venerable Śāriputra (賢者舍利弗所 [xian zhe she li fu suo]). When Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) saw the great disciples (諸大弟子 [zhu da di zi]) approaching together from afar, having seen this, he went to Revata (離越 [li yue]) and said to him: "Revata (離越 [li yue]), look! A great holy assembly (大聖眾 [da sheng zhong]) is coming, including Maudgalyāyana (目連 [mu lian]) and others." The venerable Revata (賢者離越 [xian zhe li yue]) immediately went to Śāriputra's (舍利弗 [she li fu]) abode, holding a cooling fan (涼扇 [liang shan]) in his hand, and approached Śāriputra (舍利弗所 [she li fu suo]). Why was this? Today, he intended to hear the Dharma (講法 [jiang fa]) from Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) and share the same mind with the great disciples (大弟子 [da di zi]) at that time.

[0080c27] wén rú shì:

yī shí fú yóu yú yuè qí yīn shēng cóng shù, yǔ zūn bǐ qiū jù——yī qiè shèng xián, zhū tōng yǐ dá, jiē xī qí nián——qí míng yuē xián zhě shě lì fú,, xián zhě dà mù lián,, xián zhě jiā yè,, xián zhě ā nà lǜ,, xián zhě lí yuè,, xián zhě bīn nòu wén tuó fú,, xián zhě xū pú tí,, xián zhě jiā zhān yán,, xián zhě yōu bō lí,, xián zhě lí gòu,, xián zhě míng wén,, xián zhě niú shī,, xián zhě luó yún,, xián zhě ā nán, rú shì zhī bǐ, dà bǐ qiū zhòng wǔ bǎi rén. ěr shí xián zhě dà mù qián lián jí dà dì zi, tiān yù xiàng míng, cóng zuò qǐ, wǎng yì xián zhě shě lì fú suǒ. shí shě lì fú yáo jiàn zhū dà dì zi xiāng suí ér lái, shì dǔ cǐ yǐ, zhì lí yuè suǒ, ér wèi zhī yuē: “lí yuè, qiě guān dà shèng zhòng lái, zhū mù lián děng.” xián zhě lí yuè, xún shí wǎng yì shě lì fú suǒ, shǒu zhí liáng shàn, yì shě lì fú suǒ. suǒ yǐ zhě hé? jīn rì qiě dāng yīn shě lì fú dé wén jiǎng fǎ, yǔ dà dì zi yī shí tóng xīn.

[0080c27] wen ru shi:

yi shi fu you yu yue qi yin sheng cong shu, yu zun bi qiu ju--yi qie sheng xian, zhu tong yi da, jie xi qi nian--qi ming yue xian zhe she li fu,, xian zhe da mu lian,, xian zhe jia ye,, xian zhe a na lu,, xian zhe li yue,, xian zhe bin nou wen tuo fu,, xian zhe xu pu ti,, xian zhe jia zhan yan,, xian zhe you bo li,, xian zhe li gou,, xian zhe ming wen,, xian zhe niu shi,, xian zhe luo yun,, xian zhe a nan, ru shi zhi bi, da bi qiu zhong wu bai ren. er shi xian zhe da mu qian lian ji da di zi, tian yu xiang ming, cong zuo qi, wang yi xian zhe she li fu suo. shi she li fu yao jian zhu da di zi xiang sui er lai, shi du ci yi, zhi li yue suo, er wei zhi yue: "li yue, qie guan da sheng zhong lai, zhu mu lian deng." xian zhe li yue, xun shi wang yi she li fu suo, shou zhi liang shan, yi she li fu suo. suo yi zhe he? jin ri qie dang yin she li fu de wen jiang fa, yu da di zi yi shi tong xin.

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

[0081a12] At that time, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]), seeing the great disciples (大弟子 [da di zi]), immediately greeted the venerable Ānanda (賢者阿難 [xian zhe a nan]): "Welcome, Ānanda (阿難 [a nan])! You have humbly condescended to be the Buddha's (佛 [fu]) attendant (侍者 [shi zhe]), to be close to the Bhagavā (世尊 [shi zun]), and to proclaim the holy and clear teaching (聖明教 [sheng ming jiao]). I must ask Ānanda (阿難 [a nan])! The doubts you harbor in your heart. Is the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu]) pleasant? Its majesty is sublime (威神巍巍 [wei shen wei wei]), its flowers and fruits (華實 [hua shi]) are abundant and beautiful (茂盛 [mao sheng]), its fragrance is rich (其香芬馥 [qi xiang fen fu]), and it is soft and pleasing to people (柔軟悅人 [rou ruan yue ren]). How does a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) manifest excellent virtues (雅德 [ya de]) while in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu])?" Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]) replied: "At all times, one practices the complete conduct (具足行 [ju zu xing]), analyzes its principles (分別其議 [fen bie qi yi]), achieves subtlety (成就微妙 [cheng jiu wei miao]), purifies the brahmacariya (淨修梵行 [jing xiu fan xing]), initiates much (多所發起 [duo suo fa qi]), accomplishes much (多所成就 [duo suo cheng jiu]), becomes extensively learned (博聞 [bo wen]), understands the teachings (曉了言教 [xiao le yan jiao]), liberates the mind (心意開解 [xin yi kai jie]), dwells in excellent insight (快見 [kuai jian]), preaches sutras (經典 [jing dian]) to the four assemblies (諸四輩 [zhu si bei]), speaking broadly and concisely (粗舉要言 [cu ju yao yan]), and alleviating the sufferings of wilderness and deep valleys (濟諸曠野深谷之患 [ji zhu kuang ye shen gu zhi huan]). Thus, the Bhikkhu Śāriputra (舍利弗比丘 [she li fu bi qiu]) should be in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu])."

[0081a12] shí shě lì fú jiàn dà dì zi, xún yǐ láo hè xián zhě ā nán: “shàn lái, ā nán! néng zì wǎng qū, wèi fú shì zhě, qīn jìn shì zūn, xuān shèng míng jiào. dāng wèn ā nán! xīn suǒ huái yí. yīn shēng cóng shù, wèi qí lè hū? wēi shén wēi wēi, huá shí mào shèng, qí xiāng fēn fù, róu ruǎn yuè rén. yún hé bǐ qiū zài yú yīn shēng cóng shù zhī jiān, ér xiàn yǎ dé?” ā nán dá yuē: “cháng yǐ shí jié, xiū jù zú xíng, fēn bié qí yì, chéng jiù wēi miào, jìng xiū fàn xíng, duō suǒ fā qǐ, duō suǒ chéng jiù, zhì yú bó wén, xiǎo le yán jiào, xīn yì kāi jiě, chù yú kuài jiàn, wèi zhū sì bèi, jiǎng shuō jīng diǎn, cū jǔ yào yán, jì zhū kuàng yě shēn gǔ zhī huàn. rú shì! shě lì fú bǐ qiū, yīng zài yīn shēng cóng shù zhī jiān.”

[0081a12] shi she li fu jian da di zi, xun yi lao he xian zhe a nan: "shan lai, a nan! neng zi wang qu, wei fu shi zhe, qin jin shi zun, xuan sheng ming jiao. dang wen a nan! xin suo huai yi. yin sheng cong shu, wei qi le hu? wei shen wei wei, hua shi mao sheng, qi xiang fen fu, rou ruan yue ren. yun he bi qiu zai yu yin sheng cong shu zhi jian, er xian ya de?" a nan da yue: "chang yi shi jie, xiu ju zu xing, fen bie qi yi, cheng jiu wei miao, jing xiu fan xing, duo suo fa qi, duo suo cheng jiu, zhi yu bo wen, xiao le yan jiao, xin yi kai jie, chu yu kuai jian, wei zhu si bei, jiang shuo jing dian, cu ju yao yan, ji zhu kuang ye shen gu zhi huan. ru shi! she li fu bi qiu, ying zai yin sheng cong shu zhi jian."

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

[0081a22] Then Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) again asked Revata (離越 [li yue]): "What is your opinion? The eloquence and wisdom spoken by the venerable Ānanda (賢者阿難 [xian zhe a nan]) are like a lion's roar (師子吼 [shi zi hou]). Now I ask Revata (離越 [li yue]), do you, venerable one, find this Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu]) pleasant? Its majesty is sublime (威神巍巍 [wei shen wei wei]), its flowers and fruits (華實 [hua shi]) are abundant and beautiful (茂盛 [mao sheng]), its fragrance is rich (其香芬馥 [qi xiang fen fu]), and it is soft and pleasing to people (柔軟悅人 [rou ruan yue ren]). How does a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) manifest excellent virtues (雅德 [ya de]) while in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu])?" Revata (離越 [li yue]) replied: "Indeed, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu])! If a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) dwells in solitude (閑居燕坐 [xian ju yan zuo]), delights in seclusion (樂于獨處 [le yu du chu]), removes the thought of home (除去家想 [chu qu jia xiang]), and is without desire (無愛欲 [wu ai yu]); is among people but not heedless (不放逸 [bu fang yi]), does not enjoy frivolous play (不樂輕戲 [bu le qing xi]), is calm and serene (憺怕定然 [dan pa ding ran]), his mind (心 [xin]) is not disturbed (不亂 [bu luan]), and he is intent on the practice of emptiness (志在空行 [zhi zai kong xing])—such a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) should be in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu]), and thus manifests excellent virtues (雅德 [ya de])."

[0081a22] shí shě lì fú fù wèn lí yuè: “qīng yì yún hé? xián zhě ā nán suǒ shuō biàn huì, yóu shī zi hǒu. jīn wèn lí yuè, rén zhě dǔ cǐ, yīn shēng cóng shù wèi kuài lè bù? wēi shén wēi wēi, huá shí mào shèng, qí xiāng fēn fù, róu ruǎn yuè rén. yún hé bǐ qiū, zài yú yīn shēng cóng shù zhī jiān, ér xiàn yǎ dé?” lí yuè dá yuē: “wéi shě lì fú! jiǎ shǐ bǐ qiū, xián jū yàn zuò, lè yú dú chù, chú qù jiā xiǎng, ér wú ài yù. zài yú zhòng rén, ér bù fàng yì, bù lè qīng xì, dàn pà dìng rán, qí xīn bù luàn, zhì zài kōng xíng. rú shì bǐ qiū, yīng zài yīn shēng cóng shù zhī jiān, zé xiàn yǎ dé.”

[0081a22] shi she li fu fu wen li yue: "qing yi yun he? xian zhe a nan suo shuo bian hui, you shi zi hou. jin wen li yue, ren zhe du ci, yin sheng cong shu wei kuai le bu? wei shen wei wei, hua shi mao sheng, qi xiang fen fu, rou ruan yue ren. yun he bi qiu, zai yu yin sheng cong shu zhi jian, er xian ya de?" li yue da yue: "wei she li fu! jia shi bi qiu, xian ju yan zuo, le yu du chu, chu qu jia xiang, er wu ai yu. zai yu zhong ren, er bu fang yi, bu le qing xi, dan pa ding ran, qi xin bu luan, zhi zai kong xing. ru shi bi qiu, ying zai yin sheng cong shu zhi jian, ze xian ya de."

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

[0081b03] Again, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) asked the venerable Aniruddha (賢者阿那律 [xian zhe a na lu]): "What is your opinion? Is it pleasant to be in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu])? Its majesty is sublime (威神巍巍 [wei shen wei wei]), its flowers and fruits (華實 [hua shi]) are abundant and beautiful (茂盛 [mao sheng]), its fragrance is rich (其香芬馥 [qi xiang fen fu]), and it is soft and pleasing to people (柔軟悅人 [rou ruan yue ren]). How does a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) manifest excellent virtues (雅德 [ya de]) while in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu])?" Aniruddha (阿那律 [a na lu]) replied: "Indeed, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu])! If a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) has the divine eye (天眼徹視 [tian yan che shi]) that penetrates all things, and his Dharma-eye (道眼 [dao yan]) is pure (清淨 [qing jing]), seeing devas (天人 [tian ren]) and humans (人 [ren]), and all the Buddha-lands (佛之國土 [fu zhi guo tu]) in the three-thousand great-thousand world system (三千大千 [san qian da qian]), seeing everywhere without obstruction (普見無礙 [pu jian wu ai])—for example, if a person with eyesight (有眼之人 [you yan zhi ren]) ascends a high tower (高樓閣 [gao lou ge]), and from above looks down (從上視下 [cong shang shi xia]), seeing all the people (人民 [ren min]) coming and going, entering and exiting, advancing and retreating, dwelling in their houses (居止屋舍 [ju zhi wu she])—thus, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu])! A Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) with the divine eye (天眼 [tian yan]) sees the three realms (三界 [san jie]) without any hindrance (無一罣礙 [wu yi gua ai]), and while in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu]), he manifests extraordinary elegance (奇雅 [qi ya])."

[0081b03] yòu shě lì fú, fù wèn xián zhě ā nà lǜ: “qīng yì yún hé? zài yīn shēng cóng shù, wèi kuài lè bù? wēi shén wēi wēi, huá shí mào shèng, qí xiāng fēn fù, róu ruǎn yuè rén. yún hé bǐ qiū, zài yú yīn shēng cóng shù, ér xiàn yǎ dé?” ā nà lǜ dá yuē: “wéi shě lì fú! jiǎ shǐ bǐ qiū, tiān yǎn chè shì, dào yǎn qīng jìng, dǔ yú tiān rén, sān qiān dà qiān fú zhī guó tǔ, pǔ jiàn wú ài. pì rú jiǎ yù, yǒu yǎn zhī rén, shàng gāo lóu gé, cóng shàng shì xià, xī jiàn suǒ yǒu rén mín xíng lái chū rù jìn tuì, jū zhǐ wū shě. rú shì, shě lì fú! bǐ qiū tiān yǎn dǔ jiàn sān jiè, wú yī guà ài, zài yú yīn shēng cóng shù zhī jiān, zé xiàn qí yǎ.”

[0081b03] you she li fu, fu wen xian zhe a na lu: "qing yi yun he? zai yin sheng cong shu, wei kuai le bu? wei shen wei wei, hua shi mao sheng, qi xiang fen fu, rou ruan yue ren. yun he bi qiu, zai yu yin sheng cong shu, er xian ya de?" a na lu da yue: "wei she li fu! jia shi bi qiu, tian yan che shi, dao yan qing jing, du yu tian ren, san qian da qian fu zhi guo tu, pu jian wu ai. pi ru jia yu, you yan zhi ren, shang gao lou ge, cong shang shi xia, xi jian suo you ren min xing lai chu ru jin tui, ju zhi wu she. ru shi, she li fu! bi qiu tian yan du jian san jie, wu yi gua ai, zai yu yin sheng cong shu zhi jian, ze xian qi ya."

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

[0081b12] Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) asked Mahākāśyapa (大迦葉 [da jia ye]): "What is your opinion? Is it pleasant to be in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu])? Its majesty is sublime (威神巍巍 [wei shen wei wei]), its flowers and fruits (華實 [hua shi]) are abundant and beautiful (茂盛 [mao sheng]), its fragrance is rich (其香芬馥 [qi xiang fen fu]), and it is soft and pleasing to people (柔軟悅人 [rou ruan yue ren]). How does a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) manifest excellent virtues (雅德 [ya de]) while in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu])?" Kāśyapa (迦葉 [jia ye]) replied: "Indeed, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu])! If a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) dwells in solitude (自處閑居 [zi chu xian ju]) and encourages others to dwell in solitude (勸人閑居 [quan ren xian ju]); practices holiness himself (自修賢聖 [zi xiu xian sheng]) and encourages others to be holy (勸人賢聖 [quan ren xian sheng]); wears coarse robes himself (自服弊衣 [zi fu bi yi]) and encourages others to wear coarse robes (勸人弊衣 [quan ren bi yi]); knows contentment himself (自知止足 [zi zhi zhi zu]) and encourages others to be content (勸人止足 [quan ren zhi zu]); has few desires himself (自身少求 [zi shen shao qiu]) and encourages others to have few desires (勸人少求 [quan ren shao qiu]); is tranquil himself (自身寂然 [zi shen ji ran]) and encourages others to be tranquil (勸人寂然 [quan ren ji ran]); is diligent himself (自身精進 [zi shen jing jin]) and encourages others to be diligent (勸人精進 [quan ren jing jin]); controls his own mind (自身制心 [zi shen zhi xin]) and encourages others to control their minds (勸人制心 [quan ren zhi xin]); keeps his mind settled himself (自身定意 [zi shen ding yi]) and encourages others to keep their minds settled (勸人定意 [quan ren ding yi]); practices earnestly himself (自身專修 [zi shen zhuan xiu]) and encourages others to practice earnestly (勸人專修 [quan ren zhuan xiu]); possesses complete precepts (戒具 [jie ju]), samādhi (三昧 [san mei]), wisdom (智慧 [zhi hui]), liberation (解脫 [jie tuo]), and knowledge and vision of liberation (度知見慧 [du zhi jian hui]), and encourages others to do the same (勸人亦然 [quan ren yi ran]); teaches and inspires others himself (自身教化 [zi shen jiao hua]，勸發眾人 [quan fa zhong ren]) to listen to and embrace the Dharma's (法義 [fa yi]) meaning, enlightening them by explaining the sutras (開化說經 [kai hua shuo jing]), and is never weary of the Dharma (於法無厭 [yu fa wu yan]), and encourages others to be the same (勸人亦然 [quan ren yi ran])—thus, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu])! A Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) while in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu]), manifests extraordinary elegance (奇雅 [qi ya])."

[0081b12] shě lì fú wèn dà jiā yè yuē: “qīng yì yún hé? zài yīn shēng cóng shù, wèi kuài lè bù? wēi shén wēi wēi, huá shí mào shèng, qí xiāng fēn fù, róu ruǎn yuè rén. yún hé bǐ qiū, zài yú yīn shēng cóng shù, ér xiàn yǎ dé?” jiā yè dá yuē: “wéi shě lì fú! jiǎ shǐ bǐ qiū, zì chù xián jū, quàn rén xián jū； zì xiū xián shèng, quàn rén xián shèng； zì fú bì yī, quàn rén bì yī； zì zhī zhǐ zú, quàn rén zhǐ zú； zì shēn shǎo qiú, quàn rén shǎo qiú； zì shēn jì rán, quàn rén jì rán； zì shēn jīng jìn, quàn rén jīng jìn； zì shēn zhì xīn, quàn rén zhì xīn； zì shēn dìng yì, quàn rén dìng yì； zì shēn zhuān xiū, quàn rén zhuān xiū； zì shēn jiè jù,, sān mèi,, zhì huì,, jiě tuō,, dù zhī jiàn huì, quàn rén yì rán； zì shēn jiào huà, quàn fā zhòng rén, tīng cǎi fǎ yì, kāi huà shuō jīng, yú fǎ wú yàn, quàn rén yì rán. rú shì, shě lì fú! bǐ qiū zài yú yīn shēng cóng shù zhī jiān, zé xiàn qí yǎ.”

[0081b12] she li fu wen da jia ye yue: "qing yi yun he? zai yin sheng cong shu, wei kuai le bu? wei shen wei wei, hua shi mao sheng, qi xiang fen fu, rou ruan yue ren. yun he bi qiu, zai yu yin sheng cong shu, er xian ya de?" jia ye da yue: "wei she li fu! jia shi bi qiu, zi chu xian ju, quan ren xian ju; zi xiu xian sheng, quan ren xian sheng; zi fu bi yi, quan ren bi yi; zi zhi zhi zu, quan ren zhi zu; zi shen shao qiu, quan ren shao qiu; zi shen ji ran, quan ren ji ran; zi shen jing jin, quan ren jing jin; zi shen zhi xin, quan ren zhi xin; zi shen ding yi, quan ren ding yi; zi shen zhuan xiu, quan ren zhuan xiu; zi shen jie ju,, san mei,, zhi hui,, jie tuo,, du zhi jian hui, quan ren yi ran; zi shen jiao hua, quan fa zhong ren, ting cai fa yi, kai hua shuo jing, yu fa wu yan, quan ren yi ran. ru shi, she li fu! bi qiu zai yu yin sheng cong shu zhi jian, ze xian qi ya."

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

[0081b25] Again, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) asked Mahāmaudgalyāyana (大目揵連 [da mu qian lian]): "What is your opinion? Is it pleasant to be in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu])? Its majesty is sublime (威神巍巍 [wei shen wei wei]), its flowers and fruits (華實 [hua shi]) are abundant and beautiful (茂盛 [mao sheng]), its fragrance is rich (其香芬馥 [qi xiang fen fu]), and it is soft and pleasing to people (柔軟悅人 [rou ruan yue ren]). How does a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) manifest excellent virtues (雅德 [ya de]) while in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu])?" Maudgalyāyana (目連 [mu lian]) replied: "Indeed, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu])! If a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) obtains great supernormal power (大神足 [da shen zu]), boundless holy majesty (威聖無量 [wei sheng wu liang]), universally revered and free (普尊自由 [pu zun zi you]), his thoughts are unhindered regarding his supernormal power (所念自在 [suo nian zi zai]). He can transform and manifest countless forms (變化示現無央數形 [bian hua shi xian wu yang shu xing]), can change one body into innumerable (能變一身至不可計 [neng bian yi shen zhi bu ke ji]) and then reunite them into one (則還合一 [ze hai he yi]); he can pass through walls (牆壁 [qiang bi]), mountains (山藪 [shan sou]), and valleys (谿谷 [xi gu]) without obstruction (通過無礙 [tong guo wu ai]), coming out where there is no crack (出無間 [chu wu jian]) and entering where there is no hole (入無孔 [ru wu kong]); he can enter the earth and re-emerge (入地復出 [ru de fu chu]), like entering water (入水 [ru shui]); he can walk on water (履水 [lu shui]) without sinking, as if walking on dry land (若行陸地 [ruo xing lu de]); he can sit cross-legged (結加趺坐 [jie jia fu zuo]) in the sky (虛空 [xu kong]), like a flying bird (飛鳥 [fei niao]); his body emits blazing light (身出光 [shen chu guang][火 [huo]*僉 [qian]]), like a great fire cluster (大火聚 [da huo ju]); water (水 [shui]) emerges from his body (身中出水 [shen zhong chu shui]), like a flowing spring (流泉 [liu quan]), yet his body is not wet (其身不濡 [qi shen bu ru]); he can reach the sun and moon (日月 [ri yue]) of this world, whose majesty and light shine throughout the world (威神光光 [wei shen guang guang]，照於天下 [zhao yu tian xia]), raise his hand from the ground (從地舉手 [cong de ju shou]) and touch the sun and moon (捫摸日月 [men mo ri yue]), transform his body to be immense (化大其身 [hua da qi shen]), reaching up to the Brahmā heaven (梵天 [fan tian]). Thus, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu])! A Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) while in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu]), manifests extraordinary elegance (奇雅 [qi ya])."

[0081b25] yòu shě lì fú wèn dà mù qián lián: “qīng yì yún hé? zài yīn shēng cóng shù, wèi kuài lè bù? wēi shén wēi wēi, huá shí mào shèng, qí xiāng fēn fù, róu ruǎn yuè rén. yún hé bǐ qiū, zài yú yīn shēng cóng shù, ér xiàn yǎ dé?” mù lián dá yuē: “wéi shě lì fú, jiǎ shǐ bǐ qiū, dé dà shén zú, wēi shèng wú liàng, pǔ zūn zì yóu, yú qí shén zú, suǒ niàn zì zài. yú biàn huà shì xiàn wú yāng shù xíng, néng biàn yī shēn zhì bù kě jì, zé hái hé yī； yú cǐ qiáng bì shān sǒu xī gǔ, tōng guò wú ài, chū wú jiān,, rù wú kǒng； rù de fù chū, pì rú rù shuǐ； lǚ shuǐ bù nì, ruò xíng lù de； chù yú xū kōng, jié jiā fū zuò, ruò rú fēi niǎo； shēn chū guāng [huǒ*qiān], rú dà huǒ jù； shēn zhōng chū shuǐ, yóu rú liú quán, qí shēn bù rú； jīn cǐ rì yuè, wēi shén guāng guāng, zhào yú tiān xià, cóng de jǔ shǒu, mén mō rì yuè, huà dà qí shēn, zhì yú fàn tiān. rú shì, shě lì fú! bǐ qiū zài yú yīn shēng cóng shù zhī jiān, zé xiàn qí yǎ.”

[0081b25] you she li fu wen da mu qian lian: "qing yi yun he? zai yin sheng cong shu, wei kuai le bu? wei shen wei wei, hua shi mao sheng, qi xiang fen fu, rou ruan yue ren. yun he bi qiu, zai yu yin sheng cong shu, er xian ya de?" mu lian da yue: "wei she li fu, jia shi bi qiu, de da shen zu, wei sheng wu liang, pu zun zi you, yu qi shen zu, suo nian zi zai. yu bian hua shi xian wu yang shu xing, neng bian yi shen zhi bu ke ji, ze hai he yi; yu ci qiang bi shan sou xi gu, tong guo wu ai, chu wu jian,, ru wu kong; ru de fu chu, pi ru ru shui; lu shui bu ni, ruo xing lu de; chu yu xu kong, jie jia fu zuo, ruo ru fei niao; shen chu guang [huo*qian], ru da huo ju; shen zhong chu shui, you ru liu quan, qi shen bu ru; jin ci ri yue, wei shen guang guang, zhao yu tian xia, cong de ju shou, men mo ri yue, hua da qi shen, zhi yu fan tian. ru shi, she li fu! bi qiu zai yu yin sheng cong shu zhi jian, ze xian qi ya."

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

[0081c10] At that time, Maudgalyāyana (目連 [mu lian]) asked Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]): "What is your opinion? Is it pleasant to be in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu])? Its majesty is sublime (威神巍巍 [wei shen wei wei]), its flowers and fruits (華實 [hua shi]) are abundant and beautiful (茂盛 [mao sheng]), its fragrance is rich (其香芬馥 [qi xiang fen fu]), and it is soft and pleasing to people (柔軟悅人 [rou ruan yue ren]). How does a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) manifest excellent virtues (雅德 [ya de]) while in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu])?" Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) replied: "If a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) controls his mind (制心 [zhi xin]) freely (自在 [zi zai]), not following the dictates of his body (不隨身教 [bu sui shen jiao]). Within his own chamber (室 [shi]), he enters right concentration (三昧正受 [san mei zheng shou]) in an instant (發意之頃 [fa yi zhi qing]). In the morning (明旦 [ming dan]), at noon (日中 [ri zhong]), in the evening (日冥 [ri ming]), he enters concentration (定意 [ding yi]) with single-pointedness of mind (一心 [yi xin]). At midnight (夜半 [ye ban]) or in the latter part of the night (後夜 [hou ye]), he acts freely as he wishes (自由所行 [zi you suo xing]), always attaining freedom (自在 [zi zai]) and being without hindrance (無所罣礙 [wu suo gua ai]). For example, a wealthy elder (長者 [zhang zhe]) or the son of a respected family (尊者子 [zun zhe zi]), after washing and bathing in pure water (淨水洗沐 [jing shui xi mu]) and putting on new and good clothes (著新好衣 [zhe xin hao yi]), has everything complete and lacks nothing (所有具足 [suo you ju zu]，無所少乏 [wu suo shao fa]). According to his wishes (隨其所欲 [sui qi suo yu]), whatever clothing (何衣 [he yi]), jeweled garlands (眾寶瓔珞 [zhong bao ying luo]), incense (香 [xiang]), flowers (花 [hua]), or music (伎樂 [ji le]) he desires, in the morning (明晨 [ming chen]), at noon (日中 [ri zhong]), or in the evening (向夜 [xiang ye]), wherever he wishes to stay, whatever clothing and ornaments (衣裳服飾 [yi shang fu shi]), beds (臥具 [wo ju]), or couches (床榻 [chuang ta]) he desires, he obtains them all freely (悉得自在 [xi de zi zai]). Thus, Maudgalyāyana (目連 [mu lian])! Controlling the mind (制心 [zhi xin]) and not following deluded thoughts (不隨亂意 [bu sui luan yi]), in the morning (明旦 [ming dan]), at noon (日中 [ri zhong]), in the evening (闇冥 [an ming]), at midnight (人定 [ren ding]), or in the latter part of the night (夜半後夜 [ye ban hou ye]), whatever meditation (禪定 [chan ding]) or samādhi (三昧 [san mei]) he desires, whatever he contemplates, he obtains all of it freely (皆得自在 [jie de zi zai]). A Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu]) thus manifests extraordinary elegance (奇雅 [qi ya])."

[0081c10] ěr shí mù lián wèn shě lì fú yuē: “qīng yì yún hé? zài yīn shēng cóng shù, wèi kuài lè bù hū? wēi shén wēi wēi, huá shí mào shèng, qí xiāng fēn fù, róu ruǎn yuè rén. yún hé bǐ qiū, zài yīn shēng cóng shù, ér xiàn yǎ dé?” shě lì fú dá yuē: “jiǎ shǐ bǐ qiū, zhì xīn zì zài, bù suí shēn jiào. zì yú qí shì, sān mèi zhèng shòu, fā yì zhī qǐng. míng dàn,, rì zhōng,, rì míng, dìng yì yī xīn, rén dìng yè bàn hòu yè, zì yóu suǒ xíng, cháng dé zì zài, wú suǒ guà ài. pì rú zhǎng zhě, ruò zūn zhě zi, jìng shuǐ xǐ mù, zhe xīn hǎo yī, suǒ yǒu jù zú, wú suǒ shǎo fá. suí qí suǒ yù, yù dé hé yī,, zhòng bǎo yīng luò,, xiāng huā jì lè, míng chén,, rì zhōng,, xiàng yè, suǒ yù zhǐ chù, yī shang fú shì, wò qǐ chuáng tà, xī dé zì zài. rú shì, mù lián! zhì xīn bù suí luàn yì, míng dàn,, rì zhōng,, àn míng,, rén dìng, yè bàn hòu yè, suí qí suǒ yù, chán dìng sān mèi, suí qí suǒ guān, jiē dé zì zài. bǐ qiū yīn shēng cóng shù, zé xiàn qí yǎ.”

[0081c10] er shi mu lian wen she li fu yue: "qing yi yun he? zai yin sheng cong shu, wei kuai le bu hu? wei shen wei wei, hua shi mao sheng, qi xiang fen fu, rou ruan yue ren. yun he bi qiu, zai yin sheng cong shu, er xian ya de?" she li fu da yue: "jia shi bi qiu, zhi xin zi zai, bu sui shen jiao. zi yu qi shi, san mei zheng shou, fa yi zhi qing. ming dan,, ri zhong,, ri ming, ding yi yi xin, ren ding ye ban hou ye, zi you suo xing, chang de zi zai, wu suo gua ai. pi ru zhang zhe, ruo zun zhe zi, jing shui xi mu, zhe xin hao yi, suo you ju zu, wu suo shao fa. sui qi suo yu, yu de he yi,, zhong bao ying luo,, xiang hua ji le, ming chen,, ri zhong,, xiang ye, suo yu zhi chu, yi shang fu shi, wo qi chuang ta, xi de zi zai. ru shi, mu lian! zhi xin bu sui luan yi, ming dan,, ri zhong,, an ming,, ren ding, ye ban hou ye, sui qi suo yu, chan ding san mei, sui qi suo guan, jie de zi zai. bi qiu yin sheng cong shu, ze xian qi ya."

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

[0081c25] At that time, the venerable Śāriputra (賢者舍利弗 [xian zhe she li fu]) said to Maudgalyāyana (目揵連 [mu qian lian]): "The venerable one (賢者 [xian zhe]) has already spoken. We, his peers (吾等之類 [wu deng zhi lei]), why don't we each state our aspirations (各言志 [ge yan zhi]), each proclaim our thoughts (各宣其意 [ge xuan qi yi]) according to our eloquence (隨其辯才 [sui qi bian cai])? Perhaps we can all go together to the great Buddha (佛大聖 [fu da sheng]) and report this matter. As the Buddha (佛 [fu]) has said, we shall practice (吾當奉行 [wu dang feng xing])." Maudgalyāyana (目連 [mu lian]) replied: "Yes, I obey your command (唯命是從 [wei ming shi cong])!"

[0081c25] ěr shí xián zhě shě lì fú wèi mù qián lián: “xián zhě yǐ shuō, wú děng zhī lèi, hé gè yán zhì, suí qí biàn cái, gè xuān qí yì, níng kě jù wǎng yì fú dà shèng qǐ shuō cǐ shì, rú fú suǒ shuō, wú dāng fèng xíng.” mù lián dá yuē: “wéi mìng shì cóng! ”

[0081c25] er shi xian zhe she li fu wei mu qian lian: "xian zhe yi shuo, wu deng zhi lei, he ge yan zhi, sui qi bian cai, ge xuan qi yi, ning ke ju wang yi fu da sheng qi shuo ci shi, ru fu suo shuo, wu dang feng xing." mu lian da yue: "wei ming shi cong! "

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

[0081c28] Thereupon, Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) stepped forward and addressed the Bhagavā (世尊 [shi zun]): "We, his peers, have each expounded what we know. Now we report it. Is it logical?" Thereupon, the Bhagavā (世尊 [shi zun]) praised Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu]) and the venerable Ānanda (賢者阿難 [xian zhe a nan]): "Excellent, excellent! What Ānanda (阿難 [a nan]) has spoken. Why is this? A Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) who is extensively learned (博聞 [bo wen]) retains what he hears without forgetting (持不忘 [chi bu wang]). If there is a Dharma (說法 [shuo fa]) taught, it is good in the beginning (初善 [chu shan]), good in the middle (中善 [zhong shan]), and good at the end (竟善 [jing shan]), its meaning is discriminately analyzed (分別其義 [fen bie qi yi]), subtle and complete (微妙具足 [wei miao ju zu]), purifying brahmacariya (淨修梵行 [jing xiu fan xing]), and he can distinguish this. Such an image of the Dharma (像法 [xiang fa]), widely heard and understood (博聞普達 [bo wen pu da]), seen freely (覩之自在 [du zhi zi zai]), his mind pure (其心清淨 [qi xin qing jing]), having subdued the faculties (降伏諸根 [jiang fu zhu gen]), all are able to comprehend (皆能曉了 [jie neng xiao le]), thus for the four assemblies (四輩 [si bei]), he broadly and concisely (粗略舉要 [cu lue ju yao]) expounds the sutras (經典 [jing dian]), enabling each to attain what is appropriate (各令得所 [ge ling de suo]). Excellent, excellent! Revata (離越 [li yue])! What you have spoken. Why is this? If a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) dwells in solitude (閑居 [xian ju]), his conduct is tranquil (其行寂然 [qi xing ji ran]), his mind is pure (其心清淨 [qi xin qing jing]), discriminating emptiness (分別空無 [fen bie kong wu]). Excellent, excellent! Aniruddha (阿那律 [a na lu])! What you have spoken. Why is this? Your divine eye (天眼 [tian yan]) now sees the three-thousand great-thousand Buddha-lands (三千大千佛國 [san qian da qian fu guo]), like observing what is below from a high tower (高樓上察見在下 [gao lou shang cha jian zai xia]). Excellent, excellent! Kātyāyana (迦旃延 [jia zhan yan])! What you have spoken. Why is this? You see the Four Noble Truths (四諦 [si di]) without further doubt (無復狐疑 [wu fu hu yi]). Excellent, excellent! Subhūti (須菩提 [xu pu ti])! You can explain the Dharma of emptiness (空法 [kong fa]), taking emptiness as the root (以空為本 [yi kong wei ben]). Excellent, excellent! Gavampati (牛呞 [niu shi])! What you have spoken. Why is this? Fearing the suffering of saṃsāra (生死苦 [sheng si ku]), you delight in nirvāṇa (泥洹 [ni huan]). Excellent! Pindola (邠耨 [bin nou])! You analyze the meaning of the sutras (經義 [jing yi]) and expound the Buddha's scriptures (佛典 [fu dian]). Excellent, excellent! Upāli (優波離 [you bo li])! You distinguish between merit and demerit (罪福 [zui fu]) and uphold the disciplinary rules (法律 [fa lu]). Excellent, excellent! Viraga (離垢 [li gou])! You abandon the three poisons (三毒罪 [san du zui]) and attain the three doors to liberation (三脫門 [san tuo men]). Excellent, excellent! Yaśas (名聞 [ming wen])! You cultivate pure virtue (善德 [shan de]) and also enlighten all beings (化眾人 [hua zhong ren]). Excellent, excellent! Rāhula (羅云 [luo yun])! You guard the precepts (禁戒 [jin jie]) without any transgression (無所違犯 [wu suo wei fan]). Excellent, excellent! Mahākāśyapa (大迦葉 [da jia ye])! You delight in dwelling in solitude (樂在閑居 [le zai xian ju]) and encourage others to dwell in solitude (勸他閑居 [quan ta xian ju]), cultivating your own body (常自修身 [chang zi xiu shen]) with twelve practices (十二事 [shi er shi]), and also encouraging others (亦勸他人 [yi quan ta ren]). Excellent, excellent! Maudgalyāyana (目揵連 [mu qian lian])! You have attained immeasurable great supernormal power (大神足 [da shen zu]), great and supreme freedom (大尊自在 [da zun zi zai]), dividing one into ten thousand (分一為萬 [fen yi wei wan]) and reuniting ten thousand into one (萬還合一 [wan hai he yi]), able to touch the sun and moon (捫摸日月 [men mo ri yue]), and reaching the Brahmā heaven (梵天 [fan tian]) with your body. Excellent, excellent! Śāriputra (舍利弗 [she li fu])! In the morning (明旦 [ming dan]), at noon (日中 [ri zhong]), at sunset (日入 [ri ru]), at midnight (人定 [ren ding]), or in the latter part of the night (夜半後夜 [ye ban hou ye]), you always attain freedom in dhyāna (禪定 [chan ding]) and samādhi (三昧 [san mei]). Just like the son of an elder (長者子 [zhang zhe zi]), bathed and dressed (沐浴著衣 [mu yu zhe yi]), adorned with precious garlands (寶瓔珞 [bao ying luo]), at the three times of day and night (晝夜三時 [zhou ye san shi]), freely wearing whatever he desires (恣意所服 [zi yi suo fu])."

[0081c28] yú shì shě lì fú qián bái shì zūn: “wǒ děng zhī lèi, gè yǎn suǒ zhī, jīn gù qǐ bái, dé qí lǐ bù?” yú shì shì zūn zàn shě lì fú,, xián zhě ā nán: “shàn zāi, shàn zāi! ā nán suǒ shuō. suǒ yǐ zhě hé? bǐ qiū bó wén zé chí bù wàng, ruò yǒu shuō fǎ, chū shàn,, zhōng shàn,, jìng shàn, fēn bié qí yì, wēi miào jù zú, jìng xiū fàn xíng, néng fēn bié cǐ. rú shì xiàng fǎ, bó wén pǔ dá, dǔ zhī zì zài, qí xīn qīng jìng, jiàng fú zhū gēn, jiē néng xiǎo le, zé wèi sì bèi. cū lüè jǔ yào, yǎn shuō jīng diǎn, gè lìng dé suǒ. shàn zāi, shàn zāi! lí yuè! ruò zhī suǒ shuō. suǒ yǐ zhě hé? jiǎ shǐ bǐ qiū, zài yú xián jū, qí xíng jì rán, qí xīn qīng jìng, fēn bié kōng wú. shàn zāi, shàn zāi! ā nà lǜ! ěr zhī suǒ shuō. suǒ yǐ zhě hé? jīn qīng tiān yǎn dǔ jiàn sān qiān dà qiān fú guó, rú yú gāo lóu shàng chá jiàn zài xià. shàn zāi, shàn zāi! jiā zhān yán! ěr zhī suǒ shuō. suǒ yǐ zhě hé? rǔ jiàn sì dì, wú fù hú yí. shàn zāi, shàn zāi! xū pú tí! néng jiě shuō kōng fǎ, yǐ kōng wèi běn. shàn zāi, shàn zāi! niú shī! ěr zhī suǒ shuō. suǒ yǐ zhě hé? wèi shēng sǐ kǔ, lè yú ní huán. shàn zāi! bīn nòu! fēn bié jīng yì, yǎn shuō fú diǎn. shàn zāi, shàn zāi! yōu bō lí! fēn bié zuì fú, fèng xiū fǎ lǜ. shàn zāi, shàn zāi! lí gòu! qù sān dú zuì, dé sān tuō mén. shàn zāi, shàn zāi! míng wén! qīng xiū shàn dé, bìng huà zhòng rén. shàn zāi, shàn zāi! luó yún! shǒu hù jìn jiè, wú suǒ wéi fàn. shàn zāi, shàn zāi! dà jiā yè! lè zài xián jū, quàn tā xián jū, yǐ shí èr shì, cháng zì xiū shēn, yì quàn tā rén. shàn zāi, shàn zāi! mù qián lián! dé dà shén zú wú liàng, dà zūn zì zài, fēn yī wèi wàn, wàn hái hé yī, néng mén mō rì yuè, shēn zhì fàn tiān. shàn zāi, shàn zāi! shě lì fú! míng dàn,, rì zhōng,, rì rù,, rén dìng, yè bàn hòu yè, chán dìng sān mèi, cháng dé zì zài. rú zhǎng zhě zi, mù yù zhe yī, yǐ bǎo yīng luò, zhòu yè sān shí, zì yì suǒ fú.”

[0081c28] yu shi she li fu qian bai shi zun: "wo deng zhi lei, ge yan suo zhi, jin gu qi bai, de qi li bu?" yu shi shi zun zan she li fu,, xian zhe a nan: "shan zai, shan zai! a nan suo shuo. suo yi zhe he? bi qiu bo wen ze chi bu wang, ruo you shuo fa, chu shan,, zhong shan,, jing shan, fen bie qi yi, wei miao ju zu, jing xiu fan xing, neng fen bie ci. ru shi xiang fa, bo wen pu da, du zhi zi zai, qi xin qing jing, jiang fu zhu gen, jie neng xiao le, ze wei si bei. cu lue ju yao, yan shuo jing dian, ge ling de suo. shan zai, shan zai! li yue! ruo zhi suo shuo. suo yi zhe he? jia shi bi qiu, zai yu xian ju, qi xing ji ran, qi xin qing jing, fen bie kong wu. shan zai, shan zai! a na lu! er zhi suo shuo. suo yi zhe he? jin qing tian yan du jian san qian da qian fu guo, ru yu gao lou shang cha jian zai xia. shan zai, shan zai! jia zhan yan! er zhi suo shuo. suo yi zhe he? ru jian si di, wu fu hu yi. shan zai, shan zai! xu pu ti! neng jie shuo kong fa, yi kong wei ben. shan zai, shan zai! niu shi! er zhi suo shuo. suo yi zhe he? wei sheng si ku, le yu ni huan. shan zai! bin nou! fen bie jing yi, yan shuo fu dian. shan zai, shan zai! you bo li! fen bie zui fu, feng xiu fa lu. shan zai, shan zai! li gou! qu san du zui, de san tuo men. shan zai, shan zai! ming wen! qing xiu shan de, bing hua zhong ren. shan zai, shan zai! luo yun! shou hu jin jie, wu suo wei fan. shan zai, shan zai! da jia ye! le zai xian ju, quan ta xian ju, yi shi er shi, chang zi xiu shen, yi quan ta ren. shan zai, shan zai! mu qian lian! de da shen zu wu liang, da zun zi zai, fen yi wei wan, wan hai he yi, neng men mo ri yue, shen zhi fan tian. shan zai, shan zai! she li fu! ming dan,, ri zhong,, ri ru,, ren ding, ye ban hou ye, chan ding san mei, chang de zi zai. ru zhang zhe zi, mu yu zhe yi, yi bao ying luo, zhou ye san shi, zi yi suo fu."

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

[0082a28] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) told the Bhikkhus (諸比丘 [zhu bi qiu]): "You have each spoken what you know, and all of it is excellent and conforms to the Dharma (順法 [shun fa]), without any deviation or error (無所違錯 [wu suo wei cuo]). Listen further to my words. How does a Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) manifest excellent virtues (雅德 [ya de]) while in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu])? Is it pleasant there? Its majesty is sublime (威神巍巍 [wei shen wei wei]), its flowers and fruits (華實 [hua shi]) are abundant and beautiful (茂盛 [mao sheng]), its fragrance is rich (其香芬馥 [qi xiang fen fu]), and it is soft and pleasing to people (柔軟悅人 [rou ruan yue ren]). In the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲樹 [yin sheng shu]), how does one manifest excellent virtues (雅德 [ya de])? Thereupon, the Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]), in the morning, taking his robes (衣 [yi]) and bowl (鉢 [bo]), enters a village (聚落 [ju luo]), or, if in another country (異國 [yi guo]), dwells beneath a tree (樹下 [shu xia]). In the morning, putting on his robes (著衣 [zhe yi]) and holding his bowl (持鉢 [chi bo]), he enters that country's capital (國邑 [guo yi]) or a village (聚落 [ju luo]), guarding his sense faculties (護諸根門 [hu zhu gen men]). After finishing his alms round (分衛始竟 [fen wei shi jing]) and having eaten (飯食畢訖 [fan shi bi qi]), he puts away his robes (衣 [yi]) and bowl (鉢 [bo]), washes his hands (手 [shou]) and feet (足 [zu]), sits alone in solitude (獨坐燕處 [du zuo yan chu]), assumes the lotus posture (結加趺坐 [jie jia fu zuo]), straightens his body (正身直形 [zheng shen zhi xing]), keeps his mind focused forward (安心在前 [an xin zai qian]), and then contemplates the world (觀於世 [guan yu shi]), seeing that everything is impermanent (一切無常 [yi qie wu chang]). He thinks to himself: 'Unless my defilements (漏 [lou]) are exhausted and my mind is liberated (漏盡意解 [lou jin yi jie]), I will not rise from this seat (乃從坐起 [nai cong zuo qi]).' Just as he says, if the defilements (諸漏 [zhu lou]) are not exhausted, he does not rise from his seat. A Bhikkhu (比丘 [bi qiu]) thus manifests extraordinary elegance (奇雅 [qi ya]) in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (音聲叢樹 [yin sheng cong shu])."

[0082a28] fú gào zhū bǐ qiū: “rǔ děng gè shuō suǒ zhī, jiē kuài shùn fǎ, wú suǒ wéi cuò. fù tīng wú yán. yún hé bǐ qiū? zài yīn shēng cóng shù, wèi kuài lè hū? wēi shén wēi wēi, huá shí mào shèng, qí xiāng fēn fù, róu ruǎn yuè rén. zài yīn shēng shù, ér xiàn yǎ dé. yú shì bǐ qiū, míng dàn cóng qí yī bō, rù yú jù luò, ruò zài yì guó, chù zài shù xià. yú shì míng dàn, zhe yī chí bō, rù bǐ guó yì, ruò yú jù luò, hù zhū gēn mén, fēn wèi shǐ jìng, fàn shí bì qì, cáng qù yī bō, xǐ qí shǒu zú, dú zuò yàn chù, jié jiā fū zuò, zhèng shēn zhí xíng, ān xīn zài qián, zé guān yú shì, yī qiè wú cháng. xīn zì niàn yán: ‘jiǎ shǐ wú shēn, lòu jǐn yì jiě, nǎi cóng zuò qǐ.’ zhé rú suǒ yán, zhū lòu bù jǐn, bù cóng zuò qǐ. bǐ qiū rú shì, zài yīn shēng cóng shù, zé xiàn qí yǎ.”

[0082a28] fu gao zhu bi qiu: "ru deng ge shuo suo zhi, jie kuai shun fa, wu suo wei cuo. fu ting wu yan. yun he bi qiu? zai yin sheng cong shu, wei kuai le hu? wei shen wei wei, hua shi mao sheng, qi xiang fen fu, rou ruan yue ren. zai yin sheng shu, er xian ya de. yu shi bi qiu, ming dan cong qi yi bo, ru yu ju luo, ruo zai yi guo, chu zai shu xia. yu shi ming dan, zhe yi chi bo, ru bi guo yi, ruo yu ju luo, hu zhu gen men, fen wei shi jing, fan shi bi qi, cang qu yi bo, xi qi shou zu, du zuo yan chu, jie jia fu zuo, zheng shen zhi xing, an xin zai qian, ze guan yu shi, yi qie wu chang. xin zi nian yan: 'jia shi wu shen, lou jin yi jie, nai cong zuo qi.' zhe ru suo yan, zhu lou bu jin, bu cong zuo qi. bi qiu ru shi, zai yin sheng cong shu, ze xian qi ya."

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

[0082b10] At that time, the Bhagavā (世尊 [shi zun]) spoke in verse (偈 [ji]) saying:

"He is extensively learned, upholding the Dharma (持法 [chi fa]), most subtle (微妙最 [wei miao zui]),
Distinguishing the sutras (經典 [jing dian]) and understanding the Dharma's (法義 [fa yi]) meaning,
He preaches to countless beings (為無央數而講說 [wei wu yang shu er jiang shuo]),
Having the aspiration for solitude (志閑居 [zhi xian ju]) and delighting in seclusion (樂獨處 [le du chu]).
He observes his own body (觀身 [guan shen]), and outwardly exhorts others (外勸化 [wai quan hua]),
Controlling himself, he delights in meditation (樂禪 [le chan]) and practices personally (身自行 [shen zi xing]),
Following the extensively learned teaching of the Bhagavā (世尊博聞教 [shi zun bo wen jiao]),
He dwells in solitude (燕處 [yan chu]) or beneath a tree (樹下 [shu xia]).
His eyes (目 [mu]) are pure (清淨 [qing jing]) and unattached (無所著 [wu suo zhe]),
He eliminates the four hundred and four bodily ailments (身病四百四 [shen bing si bai si]),
He sees various kinds of beings (眾生若干種 [zhong sheng ruo gan zhong]),
Dwelling between the trees (樹間 [shu jian]), his virtue (德 [de]) is like this.
Like a lion (師子 [shi zi]) dwelling in the mountains (山居 [shan ju]),
Dwelling alone in solitude (獨處閑居 [du chu xian ju]), relying on tranquility (猗寂靜 [yi ji jing]),
Contentment and liberation (止足解脫 [zhi zu jie tuo]), teaching according to their kind (隨類教 [sui lei jiao]),
Dwelling in solitude (燕處 [yan chu]), his virtue (德 [de]) is like this.
Whether in heaven (天上 [tian shang]) or the Brahmā palaces (梵宮 [fan gong]),
Or among gandharvas (揵沓惒 [qian da he]) or humans (人間 [ren jian]),
He can reach all of them without hindrance (普能至彼無所礙 [pu neng zhi bi wu suo ai]),
Dwelling in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (燕樹 [yan shu]), his virtue (德 [de]) is like this.
With pure and wondrous wisdom (淨妙智慧 [jing miao zhi hui]), he universally enlightens people (普解人 [pu jie ren]),
His mind (心 [xin]) is free (自在 [zi zai]), his faculties (諸根 [zhu gen]) are settled (定 [ding]),
He knows contentment in everything (一切知足 [yi qie zhi zu]), casting away all evils (諸惡 [zhu e]),
Dwelling in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (燕樹 [yan shu]), his virtue (德 [de]) is like this.
Such superior persons (上人 [shang ren]) preach subtly (說微妙 [shuo wei miao]),
Each expounds the Dharma (講法 [jiang fa]) according to what they know (隨所知 [sui suo zhi]),
What they preach is excellent (演善哉 [yan shan zai]) and conforms to the supreme meaning (順上義 [shun shang yi]),
They go to the Bhagavā (世尊 [shi zun]) and narrate what they have spoken.
The Heaven of Heavens (天中天 [tian zhong tian]) is without obstruction (無廢礙 [wu fei ai]),
His voice is like Brahmā's (音聲如梵 [yin sheng ru fan]), the tranquil and revered one (寂志尊 [ji zhi zun]),
His various supernatural powers (諸神通 [zhu shen tong]) are universally equal (普平等 [pu ping deng]),
The revered teacher (尊師 [zun shi]) opens the gate of wisdom (慧門 [hui men]) at the appropriate time.
At that time, the Bhagavā (世尊 [shi zun]) said, 'Eliminate the clouds (除雲 [chu yun]),'
'Therefore, I preach this teaching. Listen to my words,
As Bhikkhus (比丘 [bi qiu]) should act,
Dwelling in solitude (燕處 [yan chu]) among the trees (樹間 [shu jian]), with extraordinary aspirations (志奇雅 [zhi qi ya]).
They seek the subtle and the plentiful (貪諸微妙多少求 [tan zhu wei miao duo shao qiu]),
The supreme ones distinguish their mental conduct (分別其心行 [fen bie qi xin xing]),
Wearing robes (著衣 [zhe yi]) and holding bowls (持鉢 [chi bo]), with proper deportment (威儀則 [wei yi ze]),
Their conduct is like birds (鳥 [niao]) flying in the sky (虛空 [xu kong]).
Whoever can practice such wonders (修如此妙 [xiu ru ci miao]),
The saints (聖 [sheng]) do not bear jealousy (興嫉 [xing ji]) or harbor harm (懷害 [huai hai]),
They attain tranquility (寂然 [ji ran]) and remove defilements (塵垢 [chen gou]),
Dwelling in the Veḷuvaṇarāma (燕樹 [yan shu]), their virtue (德 [de]) is like this."

[0082b10] yú shí shì zūn ér shuō jì yuē:

“bó wén chí fǎ wēi miào zuì,　　fēn bié jīng diǎn jiě fǎ yì,
　wèi wú yāng shù ér jiǎng shuō,　　yǒu zhì xián jū lè dú chù.
　nèi zì guān shēn wài quàn huà,　　zhí yù lè chán shēn zì xíng,
　zūn xiū shì zūn bó wén jiào,　　yǒu zài yàn chù ruò shù xià.
　qí mù qīng jìng wú suǒ zhe,　　juān chú shēn bìng sì bǎi sì,
　dǔ jiàn zhòng shēng ruò gàn zhǒng,　　yàn chù shù jiān dé rú sī.
　pì rú shī zi yóu shān jū,　　dú chù xián jū yī jì jìng,
　zhǐ zú jiě tuō suí lèi jiào,　　chù zài yàn chù dé rú sī.
　ruò zài tiān shàng jí fàn gōng,　　ruò qián dá hé jí rén jiān,
　pǔ néng zhì bǐ wú suǒ ài,　　chù zài yàn shù dé rú sī.
　jìng miào zhì huì pǔ jiě rén,　　xīn dé zì zài zhū gēn dìng,
　yī qiè zhī zú qì zhū è,　　chù zài yàn shù dé rú sī.
　rú shì shàng rén shuō wēi miào,　　gè gè jiǎng fǎ suí suǒ zhī,
　suǒ yǎn shàn zāi shùn shàng yì,　　wǎng yì shì zūn xù suǒ shuō.
　qí tiān zhōng tiān wú fèi ài,　　yīn shēng rú fàn jì zhì zūn,
　qí zhū shén tōng pǔ píng děng,　　zūn shī yīng shí kāi huì mén.
　bǐ shí shì zūn yuē chú yún,　　yīn cǐ xìng jiào tīng wú yán,
　rú zhū bǐ qiū suǒ yīng xíng,　　yàn chù shù jiān zhì qí yǎ.
　tān zhū wēi miào duō shǎo qiú,　　zuì shèng fēn bié qí xīn xíng,
　zhe yī chí bō wēi yí zé,　　qí xíng rú niǎo yóu xū kōng.
　qí yǒu néng xiū rú cǐ miào,　　shèng bù xìng jí wú huái hài,
　dé zhì jì rán qù chén gòu,　　chù zài yàn shù dé rú sī.”

[0082b10] yu shi shi zun er shuo ji yue:

"bo wen chi fa wei miao zui, fen bie jing dian jie fa yi,
wei wu yang shu er jiang shuo, you zhi xian ju le du chu.
nei zi guan shen wai quan hua, zhi yu le chan shen zi xing,
zun xiu shi zun bo wen jiao, you zai yan chu ruo shu xia.
qi mu qing jing wu suo zhe, juan chu shen bing si bai si,
du jian zhong sheng ruo gan zhong, yan chu shu jian de ru si.
pi ru shi zi you shan ju, du chu xian ju yi ji jing,
zhi zu jie tuo sui lei jiao, chu zai yan chu de ru si.
ruo zai tian shang ji fan gong, ruo qian da he ji ren jian,
pu neng zhi bi wu suo ai, chu zai yan shu de ru si.
jing miao zhi hui pu jie ren, xin de zi zai zhu gen ding,
yi qie zhi zu qi zhu e, chu zai yan shu de ru si.
ru shi shang ren shuo wei miao, ge ge jiang fa sui suo zhi,
suo yan shan zai shun shang yi, wang yi shi zun xu suo shuo.
qi tian zhong tian wu fei ai, yin sheng ru fan ji zhi zun,
qi zhu shen tong pu ping deng, zun shi ying shi kai hui men.
bi shi shi zun yue chu yun, yin ci xing jiao ting wu yan,
ru zhu bi qiu suo ying xing, yan chu shu jian zhi qi ya.
tan zhu wei miao duo shao qiu, zui sheng fen bie qi xin xing,
zhe yi chi bo wei yi ze, qi xing ru niao you xu kong.
qi you neng xiu ru ci miao, sheng bu xing ji wu huai hai,
de zhi ji ran qu chen gou, chu zai yan shu de ru si."

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

[0082c05] When the Buddha (佛 [fu]) said this, all the great disciples (諸大弟子 [zhu da di zi]), devas (天 [tian]), nāgas (龍 [long]), ghosts (鬼 [gui]), spirits (神 [shen]), and asuras (阿須倫 [a xu lun]) heard the sutra (經 [jing]) with joy (莫不歡喜 [mo bu huan xi]).

[0082c05] fú shuō rú shì, zhū dà dì zi,, tiān lóng guǐ shén,, ā xū lún, wén jīng mò bù huān xǐ.

fú shuō jiā zhān yán wú cháng jīng dì shí qī

[0082c05] fu shuo ru shi, zhu da di zi,, tian long gui shen,, a xu lun, wen jing mo bu huan xi.

fu shuo jia zhan yan wu chang jing di shi qi