长部第 5 经（Sujato 英译）第 3 阅读页 · With Kūṭadanta · 3/3

The well-off householders of town and country set up gifts to the north of the sacrificial enclosure.The well-off householders of town and country set up gifts to the north of the sacrificial enclosure.And brahmin, in that sacrifice too no cattle were killed, no goats were killed, and no chickens or pigs were killed. There was no slaughter of various kinds of creatures. No trees were felled for the sacrificial post. No grass was reaped to strew over the place of sacrifice.And brahmin, in that sacrifice too no cattle were killed, no goats were killed, and no chickens or pigs were killed. There was no slaughter of various kinds of creatures. No trees were felled for the sacrificial post. No grass was reaped to strew over the place of sacrifice.

No bondservants, servants, or workers did their jobs under threat of punishment and danger, weeping with tearful faces.No bondservants, servants, or workers did their jobs under threat of punishment and danger, weeping with tearful faces.Those who wished to work did so, while those who did not wish to did not.Those who wished to work did so, while those who did not wish to did not.They did the work they wanted to, and did not do what they didn’t want to.They did the work they wanted to, and did not do what they didn’t want to.

The sacrifice was completed with just ghee, oil, butter, curds, honey, and molasses.The sacrifice was completed with just ghee, oil, butter, curds, honey, and molasses.And so there were four consenting factions, eight factors possessed by King Mahāvijita, four factors possessed by the high priest,And so there were four consenting factions, eight factors possessed by King Mahāvijita, four factors possessed by the high priest,and three modes.and three modes.

Brahmin, this is called the sacrifice accomplished with three modes and sixteen accessories.”Brahmin, this is called the sacrifice accomplished with three modes and sixteen accessories.”When he said this, those brahmins made an uproar,When he said this, those brahmins made an uproar,“Hooray for such sacrifice! Hooray for the accomplishment of such sacrifice!”“Hooray for such sacrifice! Hooray for the accomplishment of such sacrifice!”

But the brahmin Kūṭadanta sat in silence.But the brahmin Kūṭadanta sat in silence.So those brahmins said to him,So those brahmins said to him,“How can you not applaud the ascetic Gotama’s fine words?”“How can you not applaud the ascetic Gotama’s fine words?”

“It’s not that I don’t applaud what he said.“It’s not that I don’t applaud what he said.If anyone didn’t applaud such fine words, their head would explode!If anyone didn’t applaud such fine words, their head would explode!But, gentlemen, it occurs to me thatBut, gentlemen, it occurs to me that

the ascetic Gotama does not say:the ascetic Gotama does not say:‘So I have heard’ or ‘It ought to be like this.’‘So I have heard’ or ‘It ought to be like this.’Rather, he just says:Rather, he just says:

‘So it was then, this is how it was then.’‘So it was then, this is how it was then.’It occurs to me thatIt occurs to me thatthe ascetic Gotama at that time must have been King Mahāvijita, the owner of the sacrifice, or else the brahmin high priest who facilitated the sacrifice for him.the ascetic Gotama at that time must have been King Mahāvijita, the owner of the sacrifice, or else the brahmin high priest who facilitated the sacrifice for him.

Does the worthy Gotama recall having performed such a sacrifice, or having facilitated it, and then, when his body broke up, after death, being reborn in a good place, a heavenly realm?”Does the worthy Gotama recall having performed such a sacrifice, or having facilitated it, and then, when his body broke up, after death, being reborn in a good place, a heavenly realm?”“I do recall that, brahmin. For I myself was the brahmin high priest at that time who facilitated the sacrifice.”“I do recall that, brahmin. For I myself was the brahmin high priest at that time who facilitated the sacrifice.”

5. A Regular Gift as a Propitious Sacrifice.5. A Regular Gift as a Propitious Sacrifice.

“But Worthy Gotama, apart from that sacrifice accomplished with three modes and sixteen accessories, is there any other sacrifice that has fewer obligations and undertakings, yet is more fruitful and beneficial?”“But Worthy Gotama, apart from that sacrifice accomplished with three modes and sixteen accessories, is there any other sacrifice that has fewer obligations and undertakings, yet is more fruitful and beneficial?”“There is, brahmin.”“There is, brahmin.”“But what is it?”“But what is it?”

“The regular gifts as propitious sacrifice given specially to ethical renunciates;“The regular gifts as propitious sacrifice given specially to ethical renunciates;this sacrifice, brahmin, has fewer obligations and undertakings, yet is more fruitful and beneficial.”this sacrifice, brahmin, has fewer obligations and undertakings, yet is more fruitful and beneficial.”“What is the cause, Worthy Gotama, what is the reason why those regular gifts as propitious sacrifice have fewer obligations and undertakings, yet are more fruitful and beneficial, compared with the sacrifice accomplished with three modes and sixteen accessories?”“What is the cause, Worthy Gotama, what is the reason why those regular gifts as propitious sacrifice have fewer obligations and undertakings, yet are more fruitful and beneficial, compared with the sacrifice accomplished with three modes and sixteen accessories?”

“Because neither perfected ones nor those who are on the path to perfection will attend such a sacrifice.“Because neither perfected ones nor those who are on the path to perfection will attend such a sacrifice.Why is that?Why is that?Because beatings and throttlings are seen there.Because beatings and throttlings are seen there.

But the regular gifts as propitious sacrifice given specially to ethical renunciates;But the regular gifts as propitious sacrifice given specially to ethical renunciates;perfected ones and those who are on the path to perfection will attend such a sacrifice.perfected ones and those who are on the path to perfection will attend such a sacrifice.Why is that?Why is that?

Because no beatings and throttlings are seen there.Because no beatings and throttlings are seen there.This is the cause, brahmin, this is the reason why those regular gifts as propitious sacrifice have fewer obligations and undertakings, yet are more fruitful and beneficial, compared with the sacrifice accomplished with three modes and sixteen accessories.”This is the cause, brahmin, this is the reason why those regular gifts as propitious sacrifice have fewer obligations and undertakings, yet are more fruitful and beneficial, compared with the sacrifice accomplished with three modes and sixteen accessories.”“But Worthy Gotama, apart from that sacrifice accomplished with three modes and sixteen accessories and those regular gifts as propitious sacrifice, is there any other sacrifice that has fewer obligations and undertakings, yet is more fruitful and beneficial?”“But Worthy Gotama, apart from that sacrifice accomplished with three modes and sixteen accessories and those regular gifts as propitious sacrifice, is there any other sacrifice that has fewer obligations and undertakings, yet is more fruitful and beneficial?”

“There is, brahmin.”“There is, brahmin.”“But what is it?”“But what is it?”“When someone gives a dwelling specially for the Saṅgha of the four quarters.”“When someone gives a dwelling specially for the Saṅgha of the four quarters.”

“But is there any other sacrifice that has fewer obligations and undertakings, yet is more fruitful and beneficial?”“But is there any other sacrifice that has fewer obligations and undertakings, yet is more fruitful and beneficial?”“When someone with confident heart goes for refuge to the Buddha, the teaching, and the Saṅgha.”“When someone with confident heart goes for refuge to the Buddha, the teaching, and the Saṅgha.”“But is there any other sacrifice that has fewer obligations and undertakings, yet is more fruitful and beneficial?”“But is there any other sacrifice that has fewer obligations and undertakings, yet is more fruitful and beneficial?”

“When someone with a confident heart undertakes the training rules“When someone with a confident heart undertakes the training rulesto refrain from killing living creatures, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants of beer, wine, and liquor.”to refrain from killing living creatures, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants of beer, wine, and liquor.”“But is there any other sacrifice that has fewer obligations and undertakings, yet is more fruitful and beneficial?”“But is there any other sacrifice that has fewer obligations and undertakings, yet is more fruitful and beneficial?”

“There is, brahmin.“There is, brahmin.It’s when a Realized One arises in the world, perfected, a fully awakened Buddha …It’s when a Realized One arises in the world, perfected, a fully awakened Buddha …That’s how a mendicant is accomplished in ethics. …That’s how a mendicant is accomplished in ethics. …

They enter and remain in the first absorption …They enter and remain in the first absorption …This sacrifice has fewer obligations and undertakings than the former, yet is more fruitful and beneficial. …This sacrifice has fewer obligations and undertakings than the former, yet is more fruitful and beneficial. …They enter and remain in the second absorption …They enter and remain in the second absorption …

third absorption …third absorption …fourth absorption.fourth absorption.This sacrifice has fewer obligations and undertakings than the former, yet is more fruitful and beneficial. …This sacrifice has fewer obligations and undertakings than the former, yet is more fruitful and beneficial. …

They project and extend the mind toward knowledge and vision …They project and extend the mind toward knowledge and vision …This sacrifice has fewer obligations and undertakings than the former, yet is more fruitful and beneficial.This sacrifice has fewer obligations and undertakings than the former, yet is more fruitful and beneficial.They understand: ‘… there is nothing further for this place.’They understand: ‘… there is nothing further for this place.’

This sacrifice has fewer obligations and undertakings than the former, yet is more fruitful and beneficial.This sacrifice has fewer obligations and undertakings than the former, yet is more fruitful and beneficial.And, brahmin, there is no other accomplishment of sacrifice which is better and finer than this.”And, brahmin, there is no other accomplishment of sacrifice which is better and finer than this.”

6. Kūṭadanta Declares Himself a Lay Follower6. Kūṭadanta Declares Himself a Lay Follower

When he had spoken, Kūṭadanta said to the Buddha,When he had spoken, Kūṭadanta said to the Buddha,“Excellent, worthy Gotama! Excellent!“Excellent, worthy Gotama! Excellent!As if he were righting the overturned, or revealing the hidden, or pointing out the path to the lost, or lighting a lamp in the dark so people with clear eyes can see what’s there, worthy Gotama has made the Teaching clear in many ways.As if he were righting the overturned, or revealing the hidden, or pointing out the path to the lost, or lighting a lamp in the dark so people with clear eyes can see what’s there, worthy Gotama has made the Teaching clear in many ways.

I go for refuge to the worthy Gotama, to the teaching, and to the mendicant Saṅgha.I go for refuge to the worthy Gotama, to the teaching, and to the mendicant Saṅgha.From this day forth, may the worthy Gotama remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge for life.From this day forth, may the worthy Gotama remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge for life.And these bulls, bullocks, heifers, goats, and rams—seven hundred of each—I release them, I grant them life! Let them eat green grass and drink cool water, and may a cool breeze blow upon them!”And these bulls, bullocks, heifers, goats, and rams—seven hundred of each—I release them, I grant them life! Let them eat green grass and drink cool water, and may a cool breeze blow upon them!”

7. The Realization of the Fruit of Stream-Entry7. The Realization of the Fruit of Stream-Entry

Then the Buddha taught Kūṭadanta step by step, withThen the Buddha taught Kūṭadanta step by step, witha talk on giving, ethical conduct, and heaven. He revealed the drawbacks of sensual pleasures, so sordid and corrupt, and the benefit of renunciation.a talk on giving, ethical conduct, and heaven. He revealed the drawbacks of sensual pleasures, so sordid and corrupt, and the benefit of renunciation.And when he knew that Kūṭadanta’s mind was ready, pliable, rid of hindrances, elated, and confident he revealed the special teaching of the Buddhas:And when he knew that Kūṭadanta’s mind was ready, pliable, rid of hindrances, elated, and confident he revealed the special teaching of the Buddhas:

suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path.suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path.Just as a clean cloth rid of stains would properly absorb dye,Just as a clean cloth rid of stains would properly absorb dye,in that very seat the stainless, immaculate vision of the Dhamma arose in the brahmin Kūṭadanta:in that very seat the stainless, immaculate vision of the Dhamma arose in the brahmin Kūṭadanta:

“Everything that is liable to arise is liable to cease.”“Everything that is liable to arise is liable to cease.”Then Kūṭadanta saw, attained, understood, and fathomed the Dhamma. He went beyond doubt, got rid of indecision, and became self-assured and independent of others regarding the Teacher’s instructions. He said to the Buddha,Then Kūṭadanta saw, attained, understood, and fathomed the Dhamma. He went beyond doubt, got rid of indecision, and became self-assured and independent of others regarding the Teacher’s instructions. He said to the Buddha,“Would the worthy Gotama together with the mendicant Saṅgha please accept tomorrow’s meal from me?”“Would the worthy Gotama together with the mendicant Saṅgha please accept tomorrow’s meal from me?”

The Buddha consented with silence.The Buddha consented with silence.Then, knowing that the Buddha had consented, Kūṭadanta rose from his seat, bowed, and respectfully circled the Buddha, keeping him on his right, before leaving.Then, knowing that the Buddha had consented, Kūṭadanta rose from his seat, bowed, and respectfully circled the Buddha, keeping him on his right, before leaving.And when the night had passed Kūṭadanta had delicious fresh and cooked foods prepared in his own sacrificial enclosure. Then he had the Buddha informed of the time, saying,And when the night had passed Kūṭadanta had delicious fresh and cooked foods prepared in his own sacrificial enclosure. Then he had the Buddha informed of the time, saying,

“It’s time, worthy Gotama, the meal is ready.”“It’s time, worthy Gotama, the meal is ready.”Then the Buddha robed up in the morning and, taking his bowl and robe, went to the sacrificial enclosure of Kūṭadanta together with the mendicant Saṅgha, where he sat down on the seat spread out.Then the Buddha robed up in the morning and, taking his bowl and robe, went to the sacrificial enclosure of Kūṭadanta together with the mendicant Saṅgha, where he sat down on the seat spread out.Then Kūṭadanta served and satisfied the mendicant Saṅgha headed by the Buddha with his own hands with delicious fresh and cooked foods.Then Kūṭadanta served and satisfied the mendicant Saṅgha headed by the Buddha with his own hands with delicious fresh and cooked foods.

When the Buddha had eaten and washed his hand and bowl, Kūṭadanta took a low seat and sat to one side.When the Buddha had eaten and washed his hand and bowl, Kūṭadanta took a low seat and sat to one side.Then the Buddha educated, encouraged, fired up, and inspired him with a Dhamma talk, after which he rose from his seat and left.Then the Buddha educated, encouraged, fired up, and inspired him with a Dhamma talk, after which he rose from his seat and left.