中部第 82 经（Sujato 英译）第 1 阅读页 · With Raṭṭhapāla · 1/4

Middle Discourses 82Middle Discourses 82With RaṭṭhapālaWith Raṭṭhapāla

So I have heard.So I have heard.At one time the Buddha was wandering in the land of the Kurus together with a large Saṅgha of mendicants when he arrived at a town of the Kurus named Thullakoṭṭhika.At one time the Buddha was wandering in the land of the Kurus together with a large Saṅgha of mendicants when he arrived at a town of the Kurus named Thullakoṭṭhika.The brahmins and householders of Thullakoṭṭhika heard:The brahmins and householders of Thullakoṭṭhika heard:

“It seems the ascetic Gotama—a Sakyan, gone forth from a Sakyan family—has arrived at Thullakoṭṭhika, together with a large Saṅgha of mendicants.“It seems the ascetic Gotama—a Sakyan, gone forth from a Sakyan family—has arrived at Thullakoṭṭhika, together with a large Saṅgha of mendicants.He has this good reputation:He has this good reputation:‘That Blessed One is perfected, a fully awakened Buddha, accomplished in knowledge and conduct, holy, knower of the world, supreme guide for those fit for training, teacher of gods and humans, awakened, blessed.’‘That Blessed One is perfected, a fully awakened Buddha, accomplished in knowledge and conduct, holy, knower of the world, supreme guide for those fit for training, teacher of gods and humans, awakened, blessed.’

He has realized with his own insight this world—with its gods, Māras, and divinities, this population with its ascetics and brahmins, gods and humans—and he makes it known to others.He has realized with his own insight this world—with its gods, Māras, and divinities, this population with its ascetics and brahmins, gods and humans—and he makes it known to others.He teaches Dhamma that’s good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, meaningful and well-phrased. And he reveals a spiritual practice that’s entirely full and pure.He teaches Dhamma that’s good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, meaningful and well-phrased. And he reveals a spiritual practice that’s entirely full and pure.

It’s good to see such perfected ones.”It’s good to see such perfected ones.”Then the brahmins and householders of Thullakoṭṭhika went up to the Buddha. Before sitting down to one side, some bowed, some exchanged greetings and polite conversation, some held up their cupped palms toward the Buddha, some announced their name and clan, while some kept silent.Then the brahmins and householders of Thullakoṭṭhika went up to the Buddha. Before sitting down to one side, some bowed, some exchanged greetings and polite conversation, some held up their cupped palms toward the Buddha, some announced their name and clan, while some kept silent.When they were seated, the Buddha educated, encouraged, fired up, and inspired them with a Dhamma talk.When they were seated, the Buddha educated, encouraged, fired up, and inspired them with a Dhamma talk.

Now at that time a gentleman named Raṭṭhapāla, the son of the leading clan in Thullakoṭṭhika, was sitting in the assembly.Now at that time a gentleman named Raṭṭhapāla, the son of the leading clan in Thullakoṭṭhika, was sitting in the assembly.He thought,He thought,“As I understand the Buddha’s teaching, it’s not easy for someone living at home to lead the spiritual life utterly full and pure, like a polished shell.“As I understand the Buddha’s teaching, it’s not easy for someone living at home to lead the spiritual life utterly full and pure, like a polished shell.

Why don’t I shave off my hair and beard, dress in ocher robes, and go forth from lay life to homelessness?”Why don’t I shave off my hair and beard, dress in ocher robes, and go forth from lay life to homelessness?”Then, having approved and agreed with what the Buddha said, the brahmins and householders of Thullakoṭṭhika got up from their seat, bowed and respectfully circled the Buddha, keeping him on their right, before leaving.Then, having approved and agreed with what the Buddha said, the brahmins and householders of Thullakoṭṭhika got up from their seat, bowed and respectfully circled the Buddha, keeping him on their right, before leaving.Soon after they left, Raṭṭhapāla went up to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and said to him,Soon after they left, Raṭṭhapāla went up to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and said to him,

“Sir, as I understand the Buddha’s teaching, it’s not easy for someone living at home to lead the spiritual life utterly full and pure, like a polished shell.“Sir, as I understand the Buddha’s teaching, it’s not easy for someone living at home to lead the spiritual life utterly full and pure, like a polished shell.I wish to shave off my hair and beard, dress in ocher robes, and go forth from the lay life to homelessness.I wish to shave off my hair and beard, dress in ocher robes, and go forth from the lay life to homelessness.Sir, may I receive the going forth, the ordination in the Buddha’s presence?Sir, may I receive the going forth, the ordination in the Buddha’s presence?

May the Buddha please give me the going forth!”May the Buddha please give me the going forth!”“But, Raṭṭhapāla, do you have your parents’ permission?”“But, Raṭṭhapāla, do you have your parents’ permission?”“No, sir.”“No, sir.”

“Raṭṭhapāla, Buddhas don’t give the going forth to the child of parents who haven’t given their permission.”“Raṭṭhapāla, Buddhas don’t give the going forth to the child of parents who haven’t given their permission.”“I’ll make sure, sir, to get my parents’ permission.”“I’ll make sure, sir, to get my parents’ permission.”Then Raṭṭhapāla rose from his seat, bowed, and respectfully circled the Buddha. Then he went to his parents and said,Then Raṭṭhapāla rose from his seat, bowed, and respectfully circled the Buddha. Then he went to his parents and said,

“Mum and dad, as I understand the Buddha’s teachings, it’s not easy for someone living at home to lead the spiritual life utterly full and pure, like a polished shell.“Mum and dad, as I understand the Buddha’s teachings, it’s not easy for someone living at home to lead the spiritual life utterly full and pure, like a polished shell.I wish to shave off my hair and beard, dress in ocher robes, and go forth from the lay life to homelessness.I wish to shave off my hair and beard, dress in ocher robes, and go forth from the lay life to homelessness.Please give me permission to go forth.”Please give me permission to go forth.”

When he said this, Raṭṭhapāla’s parents said to him,When he said this, Raṭṭhapāla’s parents said to him,“But, dear Raṭṭhapāla, you’re our only child. You’re dear to us and we love you. You’re pampered and raised in comfort.“But, dear Raṭṭhapāla, you’re our only child. You’re dear to us and we love you. You’re pampered and raised in comfort.You know nothing of suffering.You know nothing of suffering.

Even when you die we will lose you against our wishes.Even when you die we will lose you against our wishes.So how can we allow you to go forth while you’re still alive?”So how can we allow you to go forth while you’re still alive?”For a second time …For a second time …

For a third time, Raṭṭhapāla asked his parents for permission, but got the same reply.For a third time, Raṭṭhapāla asked his parents for permission, but got the same reply.Then Raṭṭhapāla thought,Then Raṭṭhapāla thought,“My parents don’t allow me to go forth.” He laid down right there on the bare ground, saying,“My parents don’t allow me to go forth.” He laid down right there on the bare ground, saying,

“I’ll either die right here or go forth.”“I’ll either die right here or go forth.”And he refused to eat, up to the seventh meal.And he refused to eat, up to the seventh meal.Then Raṭṭhapāla’s parents said to him,Then Raṭṭhapāla’s parents said to him,

“Dear Raṭṭhapāla, you’re our only child. You’re dear to us and we love you. You’re pampered and raised in comfort.“Dear Raṭṭhapāla, you’re our only child. You’re dear to us and we love you. You’re pampered and raised in comfort.You know nothing of suffering.You know nothing of suffering.When you die we will lose you against our wishes.When you die we will lose you against our wishes.

So how can we allow you to go forth from lay life to homelessness while you’re still living?So how can we allow you to go forth from lay life to homelessness while you’re still living?Get up, Raṭṭhapāla! Eat, drink, and amuse yourself.Get up, Raṭṭhapāla! Eat, drink, and amuse yourself.While enjoying sensual pleasures, delight in making merit.While enjoying sensual pleasures, delight in making merit.

We don’t allow you to go forth.We don’t allow you to go forth.When you die we will lose you against our wishes.When you die we will lose you against our wishes.So how can we allow you to go forth while you’re still alive?”So how can we allow you to go forth while you’re still alive?”

When they said this, Raṭṭhapāla kept silent.When they said this, Raṭṭhapāla kept silent.For a second time,For a second time,and a third time, Raṭṭhapāla’s parents made the same request.and a third time, Raṭṭhapāla’s parents made the same request.

And for a third time, Raṭṭhapāla kept silent. Raṭṭhapāla’s parents then went to see his friends. They told them of the situation and asked for their help.And for a third time, Raṭṭhapāla kept silent. Raṭṭhapāla’s parents then went to see his friends. They told them of the situation and asked for their help.Then Raṭṭhapāla’s friends went to him and said,Then Raṭṭhapāla’s friends went to him and said,“Our dear Raṭṭhapāla, you are your parents’ only child. You’re dear to them and they love you. You’re pampered and raised in comfort.“Our dear Raṭṭhapāla, you are your parents’ only child. You’re dear to them and they love you. You’re pampered and raised in comfort.

You know nothing of suffering.You know nothing of suffering.When you die your parents will lose you against their wishes.When you die your parents will lose you against their wishes.So how can they allow you to go forth while you’re still alive?So how can they allow you to go forth while you’re still alive?

Get up, Raṭṭhapāla! Eat, drink, and amuse yourself.Get up, Raṭṭhapāla! Eat, drink, and amuse yourself.While enjoying sensual pleasures, delight in making merit.While enjoying sensual pleasures, delight in making merit.Your parents will not allow you to go forth.Your parents will not allow you to go forth.

Even when you die your parents will lose you against their wishes.Even when you die your parents will lose you against their wishes.So how can they allow you to go forth while you’re still alive?”So how can they allow you to go forth while you’re still alive?”When they said this, Raṭṭhapāla kept silent.When they said this, Raṭṭhapāla kept silent.

For a second time …For a second time …For a third time, Raṭṭhapāla’s friends made the same request.For a third time, Raṭṭhapāla’s friends made the same request.And for a third time, Raṭṭhapāla kept silent.And for a third time, Raṭṭhapāla kept silent.

Then Raṭṭhapāla’s friends went to his parents and said,Then Raṭṭhapāla’s friends went to his parents and said,“Mum and dad, Raṭṭhapāla is lying there on the bare ground saying:“Mum and dad, Raṭṭhapāla is lying there on the bare ground saying:‘I’ll either die right here or go forth.’‘I’ll either die right here or go forth.’

If you don’t allow him to go forth, he’ll die there.If you don’t allow him to go forth, he’ll die there.But if you do allow him to go forth, you’ll see him again afterwards.But if you do allow him to go forth, you’ll see him again afterwards.And if he doesn’t enjoy the renunciate life, where else will he have to go? He’ll come right back here.And if he doesn’t enjoy the renunciate life, where else will he have to go? He’ll come right back here.

Please give Raṭṭhapāla permission to go forth.”Please give Raṭṭhapāla permission to go forth.”“Then, dears, we give Raṭṭhapāla permission to go forth.“Then, dears, we give Raṭṭhapāla permission to go forth.But once gone forth he must visit his parents.”But once gone forth he must visit his parents.”

Then Raṭṭhapāla’s friends went to him and said,Then Raṭṭhapāla’s friends went to him and said,“Get up, Raṭṭhapāla! Your parents have given you permission to go forth from lay life to homelessness.“Get up, Raṭṭhapāla! Your parents have given you permission to go forth from lay life to homelessness.But once gone forth you must visit your parents.”But once gone forth you must visit your parents.”

Raṭṭhapāla got up and regained his strength. He went to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and said to him,Raṭṭhapāla got up and regained his strength. He went to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and said to him,“Sir, I have my parents’ permission to go forth from the lay life to homelessness.“Sir, I have my parents’ permission to go forth from the lay life to homelessness.May the Buddha please give me the going forth.”May the Buddha please give me the going forth.”

And Raṭṭhapāla received the going forth, the ordination in the Buddha’s presence.And Raṭṭhapāla received the going forth, the ordination in the Buddha’s presence.Not long after Venerable Raṭṭhapāla’s ordination, a fortnight later, the Buddha—having stayed in Thullakoṭṭhika as long as he pleased—set out for Sāvatthī.Not long after Venerable Raṭṭhapāla’s ordination, a fortnight later, the Buddha—having stayed in Thullakoṭṭhika as long as he pleased—set out for Sāvatthī.Traveling stage by stage, he arrived at Sāvatthī,Traveling stage by stage, he arrived at Sāvatthī,

where he stayed in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.where he stayed in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.Then Venerable Raṭṭhapāla, living alone, withdrawn, diligent, keen, and resolute, soon realized the supreme culmination of the spiritual path in this very life. He lived having achieved with his own insight the goal for which gentlemen rightly go forth from the lay life to homelessness.Then Venerable Raṭṭhapāla, living alone, withdrawn, diligent, keen, and resolute, soon realized the supreme culmination of the spiritual path in this very life. He lived having achieved with his own insight the goal for which gentlemen rightly go forth from the lay life to homelessness.He understood: “Rebirth is ended; the spiritual journey has been completed; what had to be done has been done; there is nothing further for this place.”He understood: “Rebirth is ended; the spiritual journey has been completed; what had to be done has been done; there is nothing further for this place.”

And Venerable Raṭṭhapāla became one of the perfected.And Venerable Raṭṭhapāla became one of the perfected.Then he went up to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and said to him,Then he went up to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and said to him,“Sir, I would like to visit my parents, if the Buddha allows it.”“Sir, I would like to visit my parents, if the Buddha allows it.”

Then the Buddha focused on encompassing Raṭṭhapāla’s mind.Then the Buddha focused on encompassing Raṭṭhapāla’s mind.When he knew thatWhen he knew thatit was impossible for Raṭṭhapāla to resign the training and return to a lesser life, he said,it was impossible for Raṭṭhapāla to resign the training and return to a lesser life, he said,

“Please, Raṭṭhapāla, go at your convenience.”“Please, Raṭṭhapāla, go at your convenience.”And then Raṭṭhapāla rose from his seat, bowed, and respectfully circled the Buddha, keeping him on his right. Then he set his lodgings in order and, taking his bowl and robe, set out for Thullakoṭṭhika.And then Raṭṭhapāla rose from his seat, bowed, and respectfully circled the Buddha, keeping him on his right. Then he set his lodgings in order and, taking his bowl and robe, set out for Thullakoṭṭhika.Traveling stage by stage, he arrived at Thullakoṭṭhika,Traveling stage by stage, he arrived at Thullakoṭṭhika,

where he stayed in King Koravya’s deer range.where he stayed in King Koravya’s deer range.Then Raṭṭhapāla robed up in the morning and, taking his bowl and robe, entered Thullakoṭṭhika for alms.Then Raṭṭhapāla robed up in the morning and, taking his bowl and robe, entered Thullakoṭṭhika for alms.Wandering indiscriminately for almsfood, he approached his own father’s house.Wandering indiscriminately for almsfood, he approached his own father’s house.

Now at that time Raṭṭhapāla’s father was having his hair dressed in the hall of the middle gate.Now at that time Raṭṭhapāla’s father was having his hair dressed in the hall of the middle gate.He saw Raṭṭhapāla coming off in the distanceHe saw Raṭṭhapāla coming off in the distanceand said,and said,

“Our dear and beloved only son was made to go forth by these shavelings, these fake ascetics!”“Our dear and beloved only son was made to go forth by these shavelings, these fake ascetics!”And at his own father’s home Raṭṭhapāla received neither alms nor a polite refusal,And at his own father’s home Raṭṭhapāla received neither alms nor a polite refusal,but only abuse.but only abuse.

Now at that time a family bondservant wanted to throw away the previous night’s porridge.Now at that time a family bondservant wanted to throw away the previous night’s porridge.So Raṭṭhapāla said to her,So Raṭṭhapāla said to her,“If that’s to be thrown away, sister, pour it here in my bowl.”“If that’s to be thrown away, sister, pour it here in my bowl.”

As she was pouring the porridge into his bowl, she recognized the features of his hands, feet, and voice.As she was pouring the porridge into his bowl, she recognized the features of his hands, feet, and voice.She then went to his mother and said,She then went to his mother and said,“Please, madam, you should know this.“Please, madam, you should know this.

Master Raṭṭhapāla has arrived.”Master Raṭṭhapāla has arrived.”“If you speak the truth, wench, I’ll make you a free woman!”“If you speak the truth, wench, I’ll make you a free woman!”Then Raṭṭhapāla’s mother went to his father and said,Then Raṭṭhapāla’s mother went to his father and said,

“Please householder, you should know this.“Please householder, you should know this.It seems our son Raṭṭhapāla has arrived.”It seems our son Raṭṭhapāla has arrived.”