---
title: "中阿含經 · 27 梵志陀然經"
description: "中阿含经是佛教重要经典之一，由东晋时期译经师瞿昙僧伽提婆翻译。该经属于原始佛教阿含部经典，收录于汉传佛教大藏经中，与长阿含经、杂阿含经、增一阿含经并称四阿含。内容主要记载佛陀与弟子们的对话，涵盖佛教基本教义如四谛、八正道、十二因缘等核心思想。经文以中篇形式呈现，结构严谨，是研究早期佛教教理的重要文献。作为原始佛教经典，中阿含经在佛教史上具有重要地位，为后世各宗派共同尊奉，对理解佛陀原始教法具有不可替代的价值。"
url: "https://rushiwowen.co/en/r/cma7j3zrz01j8jl0ans933qph"
---

### （二七）中阿含舍梨子相應品梵志陀然經第七初一日誦

> Shāriputra Chapter: Bramin Dāna Sutra 7

我聞如是：

> Thus have I heard:

一時，佛遊王舍城，在竹林加蘭哆園，與大比丘眾俱，共受夏坐。爾時，尊者舍梨子在舍衛國亦受夏坐。

> Once, the Buddha was traveling in Rajagaha, staying at the Bamboo Grove near the Squirrels' Feeding Place, together with a large community of monks, observing the rainy season retreat. At that time, the Venerable Sariputta was also observing the retreat in Savatthi.

是時，有一比丘於王舍城受夏坐訖，過三月已，補治衣竟，攝衣持鉢，從王舍城往舍衛國，住勝林給孤獨園。彼一比丘往詣尊者舍梨子所，稽首禮足，却坐一面。

> At that time, a monk who had completed the summer retreat in the city of Rajagriha, after the three months had passed, finished repairing his robes. He gathered his robes and took his alms bowl, and traveled from Rajagriha to the country of Shravasti, where he stayed at the Jeta Grove, in the Garden of Anathapindika. That monk went to the Venerable Shariputra, paid homage at his feet, and sat down to one side.

尊者舍梨子問曰：「賢者！從何處來，於何夏坐？」

> Venerable Shariputra asked: "Wise one, where have you come from, and in which place did you observe the summer retreat?"

彼一比丘答曰：「尊者舍梨子！我從王舍城來，在王舍城受夏坐。」

> That monk replied, "Venerable Shariputra, I have come from the city of Rajagriha, and I spent the summer retreat there."

復問：「賢者！世尊在王舍城受夏坐，聖體康強，安快無病，起居輕便，氣力如常耶？」

> Then he asked again, "Venerable Sir, when the World-Honored One was spending the rainy season retreat in Rajagaha, was his sacred body healthy and strong, at ease and free from illness, with movements light and vigorous, and his strength as usual?"

答曰：「如是。尊者舍梨子！世尊在王舍城受夏坐，聖體康強，安快無病，起居輕便，氣力如常。」

> The answer was: "Indeed, Venerable Shariputra! The World-Honored One spent the rainy season retreat in Rajagaha. His sacred body was strong and healthy, peaceful and free from illness, agile in movement, and his vitality was as usual."

復問：「賢者！比丘眾、比丘尼眾在王舍城受夏坐，聖體康強，安快無病，起居輕便，氣力如常，欲數見佛，樂聞法耶？」

> He further asked: "Venerable one! The community of monks and nuns who spent the rainy retreat in Rajagaha — are their bodies healthy, peaceful, and free from illness? Are they at ease in their daily activities, with strength as usual? Do they wish to see the Buddha often and delight in hearing the Dharma?"

答曰：「如是。尊者舍梨子！比丘眾、比丘尼眾在王舍城受夏坐，聖體康強，安快無病，起居輕便，氣力如常，欲數見佛，盡樂聞法。」

> He replied, "Indeed, Venerable Shariputra! The monks and nuns are spending the rainy season retreat in Rajagriha. Their bodies are healthy, at ease, free from illness, moving with ease, and their strength is as usual. They wish to see the Buddha often and delight in hearing the Dharma."

復問：「賢者！優婆塞眾、優婆夷眾住王舍城，身體康強，安快無病，起居輕便，氣力如常，欲數見佛，樂聞法耶？」

> He further asked, "Venerable Sir! Do the laymen and laywomen living in Rajagaha enjoy good health, ease, comfort, and freedom from illness? Are they vigorous and active as usual, and do they long to see the Buddha often and delight in hearing the Dharma?"

答曰：「如是。尊者舍梨子！優婆塞眾、優婆夷眾住王舍城，身體康強，安快無病，起居輕便，氣力如常，欲數見佛，盡樂聞法。」

> The reply was: “Yes, Venerable Shariputra! The lay disciples—both the men and the women—who live in Rajagaha are healthy, at ease, and free from illness. They are agile in their daily activities, their strength is as usual, and they wish to see the Buddha often and delight in hearing the Dharma.”

復問：「賢者！若干異學沙門、梵志在王舍城受夏坐，身體康強，安快無病，起居輕便，氣力如常，欲數見佛，樂聞法耶？」

> The venerable one then asked, "Are there various ascetics and brahmins of other schools residing in Rājagaha for the rainy season retreat, who are in good health, at ease and free from illness, with agile movement and strength as usual, who wish to see the Buddha often and delight in hearing the Dharma?"

答曰：「如是。尊者舍梨子！若干異學沙門、梵志在王舍城受夏坐，身體康強，安快無病，起居輕便，氣力如常，欲數見佛，盡樂聞法。」

> The disciple replied, "Yes, Venerable Shariputra! Several ascetics and Brahmins of other schools spent the summer retreat in Rajagaha. They were healthy, strong, at ease, free from illness, agile in daily life, vigorous as usual, and they wished to visit the Buddha often and delighted to hear the Dharma."

復問：「賢者！在王舍城有一梵志，名曰陀然，是我昔日未出家友，賢者識耶？」

> He further asked: "Venerable sir, in Rajagaha there is a Brahmin named Doyana, who was my friend before I renounced the world. Do you recognize him, Venerable?"

答曰：「識之。」

> "One should recognize it."

復問：「賢者！梵志陀然住王舍城，身體康強，安快無病，起居輕便，氣力如常，欲數見佛，樂聞法耶？」

> Then he asked again, "Good sir! The brahmin Dāna resides in Rājagaha. His body is strong, healthy, and free from illness. His daily activities are easy, and his energy is as usual. Does he wish to see the Buddha often and delight in hearing the Dharma?"

答曰：「尊者舍梨子！梵志陀然住王舍城，身體康強，安快無病，起居輕便，氣力如常，不欲見佛，不樂聞法，所以者何？尊者舍梨子！梵志陀然而不精進，犯於禁戒，彼依傍於王，欺誑梵志、居士，依恃梵志、居士，欺誑於王。」

> The reply was: "Venerable Shariputra, the Brahmin Dāna dwells in Rājagaha. His body is robust, at ease, free from illness, his daily activities are effortless, and his strength is as usual. However, he has no wish to see the Buddha, nor does he delight in hearing the Dharma. Why is that? Venerable Shariputra, the Brahmin Dāna is not diligent and has transgressed the precepts. He relies on the king to deceive Brahmins and lay disciples, and leans on the Brahmins and lay disciples to deceive the king."

尊者舍梨子聞已，於舍衛國受夏坐訖，過三月已，補治衣竟，攝衣持鉢，從舍衛國往詣王舍城，住竹林加蘭哆園。

> Venerable Shariputra, having heard this, completed the summer retreat in Shravasti. After three months had passed, he repaired his robes, took up his robe and bowl, and departed from Shravasti for the city of Rajagriha, where he took up residence in the Bamboo Grove, the Kalandaka Park.

於是，尊者舍梨子過夜平旦，著衣持鉢，入王舍城，次行乞食，乞食已，竟往至梵志陀然家。是時，梵志陀然從其家出，至泉水邊苦治居民。梵志陀然遙見尊者舍梨子來，從坐而起，偏袒著衣，叉手向尊者舍梨子讚曰：「善來，舍梨子！舍梨子久不來此。」於是，梵志陀然敬心扶抱尊者舍梨子，將入家中，為敷好床，請使令坐。尊者舍梨子即坐其床，梵志陀然見尊者舍梨子坐已，執金澡灌，請尊者舍梨子食。

> Then, the Venerable Shariputra, after the night had passed and morning came, put on his robes, took his bowl, and entered the city of Rajagaha to beg for alms. After receiving alms, he went to the home of the Brahmin Dhanam. At that time, the Brahmin Dhanam had come out of his house and was at the water's edge, harshly governing the residents. The Brahmin Dhanam saw the Venerable Shariputra approaching from a distance, rose from his seat, bared one shoulder, and with palms together praised him, saying: "Welcome, Shariputra! Shariputra, it has been long since you last came here." Then, the Brahmin Dhanam, with respect, supported the Venerable Shariputra and led him into his home, where he prepared a fine seat and invited him to sit. The Venerable Shariputra sat on that seat, and the Brahmin Dhanam, seeing the Venerable Shariputra seated, took a golden water pitcher and invited the Venerable Shariputra to eat.

尊者舍梨子曰：「止！止！陀然！但心喜足。」

> Venerable Shariputra said, "Stop, stop, Dhyana! Just let your mind be at ease and content."

梵志陀然復再三請食，尊者舍梨子亦再三語曰：「止！止！陀然，但心喜足。」

> The Brahmin Dhyāna invited him again and again to eat, and the Venerable Śāriputra also repeatedly said, "Enough, enough, Dhyāna. Just let your heart be content."

是時，梵志陀然問曰：「舍梨子！何故入如是家而不肯食？」

> At that time, the Brahmin Dhyāna asked, "Shariputra, why do you enter such a household yet decline to eat?"

答曰：「陀然！汝不精進，犯於禁戒，依傍於王，欺誑梵志、居士，依傍梵志、居士，欺誑於王。」

> He replied, "Dharana, you have not been diligent. You have broken the precepts, relying on the king to deceive the brahmins and householders, and relying on the brahmins and householders to deceive the king."

梵志陀然答曰：「舍梨子！當知我今在家，以家業為事，我應自安隱，供養父母，瞻視妻子，供給奴婢，當輸王租，祠祀諸天，祭餟先祖及布施沙門、梵志，為後生天而得長壽，得樂果報故。舍梨子！是一切事不可得疑，一向從法。」

> Vasistha Dhyāna replied, "Sariputra, you should know that I am now a householder, managing family affairs. I must ensure my own well-being, support my parents, look after my wife and children, provide for servants, pay taxes to the king, make offerings to the heavens, honor my ancestors, and give alms to monks and brahmins. All this I do to be reborn in heaven, to attain long life, and to receive the rewards of happiness. Sariputra, in all these matters there can be no doubt—they are wholly in accordance with the Dharma."

於是，尊者舍梨子告曰：「陀然！我今問汝，隨所解答。梵志陀然！於意云何？若使有人為父母故而行作惡，因行惡故，身壞命終趣至惡處，生地獄中。生地獄已，獄卒執捉，極苦治時，彼向獄卒而作是語：『獄卒！當知，莫苦治我。所以者何？我為父母故而行作惡。』云何？陀然！彼人可得從地獄卒脫此苦耶？」

> Then the Venerable Shariputra said, "Dhyana, now I ask you a question. Answer it as you see fit. Brahmin Dhyana, what do you think? If a person commits evil deeds for the sake of their parents, and because of those evil deeds, at the end of life, they fall into a state of suffering and are reborn in hell. Once reborn in hell, when the wardens seize them and subject them to severe torment, that person says to the wardens, 'Wardens, know this—do not torment me harshly. Why? Because I committed evil deeds for the sake of my parents.' What do you think, Dhyana? Can that person be freed from such suffering by the hell wardens?"

答曰：「不也。」

> "Not so," they replied.

復問：「陀然！於意云何？若復有人為妻子故而行作惡，因行惡故，身壞命終趣至惡處生地獄中。生地獄已，獄卒執捉，極苦治時，彼向獄卒而作是語：『獄卒！當知，莫苦治我。所以者何？我為妻子故而行作惡。』云何？陀然！彼人可得從地獄卒脫此苦耶？」

> Then he asked again, "Dharana, what do you think? If someone commits evil deeds for the sake of his wife and children, and because of those evil deeds, when his body breaks up and his life ends, he is reborn in the evil realms, in hell. Once born in hell, the hell guards seize him and subject him to severe torment. At that time, he might say to the guards, 'Guards, you should know, do not torment me so harshly. Why? Because I committed evil deeds for the sake of my wife and children.' What do you think, Dharana — can such a person escape that suffering from the hell guards?"

答曰：「不也。」

> The reply was: "No."

復問：「陀然！於意云何？若復有人為奴婢故，而行作惡，因行惡故，身壞命終趣至惡處，生地獄中。生地獄已，獄卒執捉，極苦治時，彼向獄卒而作是語：『獄卒！當知，莫苦治我。所以者何？我為奴婢故而行作惡。』云何？陀然，彼人可得從地獄卒脫此苦耶？」

> He further asked: "Dharana, what do you think? If someone commits evil deeds for the sake of slaves, and because of those evil deeds, when their body breaks and life ends, they go to a wretched state and are reborn in hell. Once reborn in hell, when the hell-guardians seize them and torment them with extreme suffering, that person then says to the guards: 'Guards, know this: do not torment me so harshly. Why? Because I committed those evil deeds for the sake of slaves.' What do you think, Dharana — can that person be freed from this suffering by the hell-guardians?"

答曰：「不也。」

> He replied, "No."

復問：「陀然！於意云何？若復有人為王、為天、為先祖，為沙門、梵志故，而行作惡，因行惡故，身壞命終趣至惡處，生地獄中。生地獄已，獄卒執捉，極苦治時，彼向獄卒而作是語：『獄卒！當知，莫苦治我。所以者何？我為王、為天、為先祖，為沙門、梵志故，而行作惡。』云何？陀然，彼人可得從地獄卒脫此苦耶？」

> Then he asked again: "Dharana, what do you think? If someone commits evil deeds for the sake of kings, gods, ancestors, ascetics, or brahmins, and because of those evil deeds, when their body breaks up and life ends, they fall into a state of misery and are reborn in hell. Once reborn in hell, the wardens seize them and subject them to extreme torment. At that time, that person might say to the wardens: 'Wardens, know this—do not torment me so harshly. Why? Because I committed evil deeds for the sake of kings, gods, ancestors, ascetics, or brahmins.' What do you think, Dharana? Could that person escape that suffering from the hell wardens?"

答曰：「不也。」

> The reply was: "No."

「陀然！族姓子可得如法、如業、如功德得錢財，尊重奉敬孝養父母，行福德業，不作惡業。陀然！若族姓子如法、如業、如功德得錢財，尊重奉敬孝養父母，行福德業，不作惡業者，彼便為父母之所愛念，而作是言：『令汝強健，壽考無窮。所以者何？我由汝故，安隱快樂。』陀然！若有人極為父母所愛念者，其德日進，終無衰退。

> Tuoran! A son or daughter of a good family may earn wealth in accordance with the Dharma, with their deeds, and with their merit. They respectfully honor, serve, and support their parents, performing virtuous deeds and refraining from unwholesome actions. Tuoran! When such a person earns wealth in accordance with the Dharma, with their deeds, and with their merit, and respectfully honors, serves, and supports their parents, performing virtuous deeds and refraining from unwholesome actions—then that person becomes dear and cherished by their parents, who will say: "May you be strong and healthy, and live a long life without end. Why? Because through you, we enjoy peace and happiness." Tuoran! When someone is deeply loved and cherished by their parents, their virtues grow day by day, and never decline.

「陀然！族姓子可得如法、如業、如功德得錢財，愛念妻子，供給瞻視，行福德業，不作惡業。陀然！若族姓子如法、如業、如功德得錢財，愛念妻子，供給瞻視，行福德業，不作惡業者，彼便為妻子之所尊重，而作是言：『願尊強健，壽考無窮。所以者何？我由尊故，安隱快樂。』陀然！若有人極為妻子所尊重者，其德日進，終無衰退。

> Dharana! A householder may obtain wealth righteously, in accordance with deeds and merit. He cherishes his wife and children, provides for and looks after them, performs acts of merit, and does no evil. Dharana! If a householder obtains wealth righteously, cherishes his wife and children, provides for and looks after them, performs acts of merit, and does no evil, then he will be respected by his wife and children, who will say: 'May our lord be strong and healthy, and live a long life without end. Why? Because through our lord, we have peace and happiness.' Dharana! If a person is greatly respected by his wife and children, his virtue will grow day by day and never decline.

「陀然！族姓子可得如法、如業、如功德得錢財，愍傷奴婢，給恤瞻視，行福德業，不作惡業。陀然！若族姓子如法、如業、如功德得錢財，愍傷奴婢，給恤瞻視，行福德業，不作惡業者，彼便為奴婢之所尊重，而作是言：『願令大家強健，壽考無窮。所以者何？由大家故，我得安隱。』陀然！若有人極為奴婢所尊重者，其德日進，終無衰退。

> Dharana! A householder may obtain wealth in accordance with the Dharma, with his deeds, and with merit. He should care for his servants and laborers with compassion, providing for them and looking after them, performing deeds of merit and avoiding unwholesome actions. Dharana! If a householder obtains wealth in accordance with the Dharma, with his deeds, and with merit, and cares for his servants and laborers with compassion, providing for them and looking after them, performing deeds of merit and avoiding unwholesome actions—then he will be respected by his servants and laborers, who will say: 'May our master be strong and healthy, and live a long life without end. Why? Because of our master, we are able to live in peace and security.' Dharana! If someone is deeply respected by his servants and laborers, his virtue will grow day by day and never decline.

「陀然！族姓子可得如法、如業、如功德得錢財，尊重供養沙門、梵志，行福德業，不作惡業。陀然！若族姓子如法、如業、如功德得錢財，尊重供養沙門、梵志，行福德業，不作惡業者，彼便極為沙門、梵志之所愛念，而作是言：『令施主強健，壽考無窮。所以者何？我由施主故，得安隱快樂。』陀然！若有人極為沙門、梵志所愛念者，其德日進，終無衰退。」

> "Tuo Ran! A person of good family may, by proper means, in accordance with their actions and merits, acquire wealth. They may then respectfully offer support to ascetics and Brahmins, performing deeds of merit and refraining from unwholesome actions. Tuo Ran! When a person of good family, by proper means, in accordance with their actions and merits, acquires wealth, and respectfully offers support to ascetics and Brahmins, performing deeds of merit and refraining from unwholesome actions—such a person becomes deeply cherished and esteemed by those ascetics and Brahmins, who would say: 'May this benefactor enjoy strength and long life without end. Why? Because through this benefactor, we have gained peace and happiness.' Tuo Ran! When someone is deeply cherished by ascetics and Brahmins, their virtues grow daily and never decline."

於是，梵志陀然即從坐起，偏袒著衣，叉手向尊者舍梨子白曰：「舍梨子！我有愛婦，名曰端正，我惑彼故，而為放逸，大作罪業。舍梨子！我從今日始，捨端正婦，自歸尊者舍梨子。」

> Then the Brahmin Dharana rose from his seat, adjusted his robe to bare one shoulder, and with palms pressed together, said to the Venerable Shariputra: "Shariputra, I have a beloved wife named Duanzheng. It is because of my attachment to her that I have lived recklessly and committed many wrongdoings. From this day forward, I will renounce my attachment to Duanzheng and take refuge in you, Venerable Shariputra."

尊者舍梨子答曰：「陀然！汝莫歸我，我所歸佛汝應自歸。」

> Venerable Shariputra replied, "Dharana, do not take refuge in me. What I take refuge in is the Buddha—you should take refuge in him yourself."

梵志陀然白曰：「尊者舍梨子！我從今日自歸於佛、法及比丘眾，唯願尊者舍梨子受我為佛優婆塞，終身自歸，乃至命盡。」

> Vasitthaka said to the Venerable Shariputra, "From this day forward, I take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha of monks. I humbly ask, Venerable Shariputra, that you accept me as a lay disciple of the Buddha, taking refuge for life, until the end of my days."

於是，尊者舍梨子為梵志陀然說法，勸發渴仰，成就歡喜，無量方便為彼說法，勸發渴仰，成就歡喜已，從坐起去，遊王舍城，住經數日，攝衣持鉢，從王舍城出，往詣南山，住南山村北尸攝惒林中。

> Then the Venerable Shariputra taught the Brahmin Dāna, inspiring him with longing for the Dharma and filling him with joy. After teaching him in countless skillful ways and guiding him to that state of eager aspiration and delight, he rose from his seat and departed. He wandered through Rājagaha, staying there for several days. Then, taking up his robes and bowl, he left Rājagaha and journeyed to the southern mountain, where he stayed in the Sīsa Grove, north of the village at the foot of the mountain.

彼時，有一比丘遊王舍城，住經數日，攝衣持鉢，從王舍城出，亦至南山，住南山村北尸攝惒林中。

> At that time, a monk was traveling through Rajagaha and stayed there for several days. Then, taking his robe and bowl, he left Rajagaha and journeyed to the Southern Mountain, where he stayed in the Shīshèhé grove north of the Southern Mountain village.

於是，彼一比丘往詣尊者舍梨子所，稽首禮足，却坐一面。

> Then that monk went to the Venerable Shariputra, bowed with his head at the elder's feet, and sat down to one side.

尊者舍梨子問曰：「賢者！從何處來？何處遊行？」

> Venerable Shariputra asked, "Venerable one, where have you come from, and where have you been traveling?"

比丘答曰：「尊者舍梨子！我從王舍城來，遊行王舍城。」

> The monk replied, "Venerable Shariputra, I have come from Rajagaha, having journeyed through Rajagaha."

復問：「賢者！知王舍城有一梵志，名曰陀然，是我昔日未出家友耶？」

> He further asked, "Venerable one, do you know a Brahmin in Rajagriha named Dohana, who was my friend before I left home?"

答曰：「知也。」

> He replied, "Yes, I know."

復問：「賢者！梵志陀然住王舍城，身體康強，安快無病，起居輕便，氣力如常，欲數見佛，樂聞法耶？」

> Then he asked again, "Good sir! The brahmin Dāna resides in Rājagaha. His body is strong, healthy, and free from illness. His daily activities are easy, and his energy is as usual. Does he wish to see the Buddha often and delight in hearing the Dharma?"

答曰：「尊者舍梨子！梵志陀然欲數見佛，欲數聞法，但不安快，氣力轉衰。所以者何？尊者舍梨子！梵志陀然今者疾病，極困危篤，或能因此而至命終。」

> The disciple replied, "Venerable Shariputra, the brahmin Dāna wants to see the Buddha often and hear the Dharma often, but he is not at ease, and his strength is failing. Why is that? Venerable Shariputra, the brahmin Dāna is now gravely ill, extremely weak and in a critical condition—he may die from this."

尊者舍梨子聞是語已，即攝衣持鉢，從南山出，至王舍城，住竹林加蘭哆園。於是，尊者舍梨子過夜平旦，著衣持鉢，往詣梵志陀然家。梵志陀然遙見尊者舍梨子來，見已便欲從床而起，尊者舍梨子見梵志陀然欲從床起，便止彼曰：「梵志陀然！汝臥勿起，更有餘床，我自別坐。」

> Venerable Shariputra, hearing these words, gathered his robes and took his alms bowl, and departed from the southern mountain, arriving at Rajagriha, where he stayed at the Bamboo Grove, in the Kalanda Garden. Then, when the night had passed and it was morning, Venerable Shariputra, dressed in his robes and carrying his alms bowl, went to the home of the Brahmin Dāna. From a distance, the Brahmin Dāna saw Venerable Shariputra approaching, and upon seeing him, wished to rise from his bed. Venerable Shariputra, observing that the Brahmin Dāna intended to get up, stopped him, saying, "Brahmin Dāna, you may remain lying down; there is another seat, and I will sit separately."

於是，尊者舍梨子即坐其床，坐已，問曰：「陀然！所患今者何似，飲食多少，疾苦轉損，不至增耶？」

> Then the Venerable Sariputta, seated on his bed, asked, "Dhyana, how is your illness now? How is your appetite, and is your suffering lessening rather than increasing?"

陀然答曰：「所患至困，飲食不進，疾苦但增而不覺損。尊者舍梨子！猶如力士以利刀刺頭，但生極苦，我今頭痛亦復如是。尊者舍梨子！猶如力士以緊索繩而纏絡頭，但生極苦，我今頭痛亦復如是。尊者舍梨子！猶屠牛兒而以利刀破於牛腹，但生極苦，我今腹痛亦復如是。尊者舍梨子！猶兩力士捉一羸人在火上炙，但生極苦，我今身痛，舉體生苦，但增不減，亦復如是。」

> Doyan replied, "My illness is severe—I can no longer eat or drink, and my pain only grows without any relief. Venerable Shariputra! Just as a strong man might be stabbed in the head with a sharp blade, causing unbearable agony, so too is the pain in my head. Venerable Shariputra! Just as a strong man might have his head bound tightly with a rope, causing unbearable agony, so too is the pain in my head. Venerable Shariputra! Just as a butcher might slice open a cow's belly with a sharp knife, causing unbearable agony, so too is the pain in my abdomen. Venerable Shariputra! Just as two strong men might hold a weak person over a fire to roast him, causing unbearable agony, so too is the pain throughout my entire body—it only intensifies and never subsides."

尊者舍梨子告曰：「陀然！我今問汝，隨所解答。梵志陀然！於意云何？地獄、畜生，何者為勝？」

> Venerable Shariputra said, "Dhana, I will ask you a question now, and you may answer as you see fit. Brahmin Dhana, what do you think—between the hells and the animal realm, which is better?"

陀然答曰：「畜生勝也。」

> Tojan replied, "Animals are better."

復問：「陀然！畜生、餓鬼，何者為勝？」

> Further asked: "Dharana, among animals and hungry ghosts, which is superior?"

陀然答曰：「餓鬼勝也。」

> Dharana replied, "The hungry ghosts are superior."

復問：「陀然！餓鬼比人，何者為勝？」

> Then again he asked: "Dhana, between hungry ghosts and humans, which is superior?"

陀然答曰：「人為勝也。」

> "Humans are superior," replied Tuo Ran.

復問：「陀然！人、四王天，何者為勝？」

> Then he asked again: "Dharana, between humans and the Four Heavenly Kings, which is superior?"

陀然答曰：「四王天勝。」

> "Tathāgata answered: 'The Four Heavenly Kings' realm is superior.'"

復問：「陀然！四王天、三十三天，何者為勝？」

> Then he asked again: "Dharana, among the Four Heavenly Kings and the Thirty-Three Heavens, which is superior?"

陀然答曰：「三十三天勝。」

> Tora replied, "The Heaven of the Thirty-Three is superior."

復問：「陀然！三十三天、㷿摩天，何者為勝？」

> Then he asked, "Dharana, among the Heaven of the Thirty-Three and the Heaven of Brahma, which is superior?"

陀然答曰：「㷿摩天勝。」

> "Then Tora answered, saying: 'The Brahma Heaven is superior.'"

復問：「陀然！㷿摩天、兜率陀天，何者為勝？」

> He further asked, "Dharani, among the Radiant Heaven and the Joyful Heaven, which is superior?"

陀然答曰：「兜率陀天勝。」

> Toraṅ answered: "The Tuṣita Heaven is superior."

復問：「陀然！兜率陀天、化樂天，何者為勝？」

> Then he asked again: "Dranya, between the Heaven of Contentment and the Heaven of Creating Bliss, which is superior?"

陀然答曰：「化樂天勝。」

> Tora replied, "The Realm of Delightful Creations is superior."

復問：「陀然！化樂天、他化樂天、何者為勝？」

> Further asked: "Dharana! Among the Realm of Enjoying Creations and the Realm of Enjoying Others' Creations, which is superior?"

陀然答曰：「他化樂天勝。」

> Tathāgata replied, "The beings in the Heaven of Delight in Others' Creations are superior."

復問：「陀然！他化樂天、梵天，何者為勝？」

> He further asked: "Dharana! Among the Heaven of Delight in Others' Creations and the Brahma Heaven, which is superior?"

陀然答曰：「梵天最勝，梵天最勝。」

> Daran replied, "Brahma is the most supreme, Brahma is the most supreme."

尊者舍梨子告曰：「陀然！世尊知見，如來、無所著、等正覺說四梵室，謂族姓男、族姓女修習多修習，斷欲、捨欲念，身壞命終，生梵天中。云何為四？陀然！多聞聖弟子心與慈俱，遍滿一方成就遊，如是二三四方、四維上下，普周一切，心與慈俱，無結無怨，無恚無諍，極廣甚大，無量善修，遍滿一切世間成就遊，如是悲、喜心與捨俱，無結無怨，無恚無諍，極廣甚大，無量善修，遍滿一切世間成就遊。是謂，陀然！世尊知見，如來、無所著、等正覺說四梵室，謂族姓男、族姓女修習多修習，斷欲、捨欲念，身壞命終，生梵天中。」

> Venerable Shariputra said to him, "Dhana, the World-Honored One, with his wisdom and insight, the Thus-Gone One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, spoke of the four divine abodes. When people of good family—whether men or women—cultivate and repeatedly cultivate these, they abandon desire and let go of thoughts of craving. When their bodies break up and life ends, they are reborn in the Brahma heaven. What are the four? Dhana, a noble disciple who has heard much dwells with a mind filled with loving-kindness, suffusing one direction, abiding in that state. Likewise in the second, third, and fourth directions—above, below, and across—pervading everywhere. The mind joined with loving-kindness is free from clinging, free from resentment, free from ill will, and free from conflict. It is vast, great, immeasurable, well-cultivated, and fills the entire world. In the same way, the mind joined with compassion, with sympathetic joy, and with equanimity is free from clinging, free from resentment, free from ill will, and free from conflict. It is vast, great, immeasurable, well-cultivated, and fills the entire world. These, Dhana, are the four divine abodes spoken of by the World-Honored One with his wisdom and insight, the Thus-Gone One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One. When people of good family—whether men or women—cultivate and repeatedly cultivate these, they abandon desire and let go of thoughts of craving. When their bodies break up and life ends, they are reborn in the Brahma heaven."

於是，尊者舍梨子教化陀然，為說梵天法已，從坐起去。尊者舍梨子從王舍城出，未至竹林加蘭哆園，於其中間，梵志陀然修習四梵室，斷欲、捨欲念，身壞命終，生梵天中。

> Then the Venerable Shariputra, having taught and guided Dranya, spoke to him about the way to the Brahma Heaven, and then rose from his seat and departed. As the Venerable Shariputra left Rajagriha and was still on his way to the Bamboo Grove, before reaching Karanda Grove, the Brahmin Dranya, having diligently practiced the four divine abodes, abandoned sensual desires and let go of all craving for them. When his body broke up and his life came to an end, he was reborn in the Brahma Heaven.

是時，世尊無量大眾前後圍繞而為說法，世尊遙見尊者舍梨子來，告諸比丘：「舍梨子比丘聰慧、速慧、捷慧、利慧、廣慧、深慧、出要慧、明達慧、辯才慧，舍梨子比丘成就實慧。此舍梨子比丘教化梵志陀然，為說梵天法來，若復上化者，速知法如法。」

> At that time, the World-Honored One was surrounded by a vast assembly, teach ing the Dharma. The World-Honored One saw the Venerable Shariputra from afar and said to the monks: "Shariputra is wise, quick-witted, agile, sharp, broad, profound, skilled in liberation, clear-sighted, and eloquent. Shariputra has truly realized wisdom. This Shariputra has been teaching the Brahmin Dāna, explaining the Dharma of the Brahma Heaven. If he were to go even further, he would quickly understand the Dharma and what accords with it."

於是，尊者舍梨子往詣佛所，稽首禮足，却坐一面，世尊告曰：「舍梨子！汝何以不教梵志陀然過梵天法，若上化者，速知法如法。」

> Then the Venerable Shariputra went to the Blessed One, paid homage with his head at the Buddha's feet, and sat down to one side. The Blessed One said: "Shariputra! Why did you not teach the Brahmin Todana the method for going beyond the Brahma realm? If you had guided him toward higher development, he would have quickly come to understand the Dharma as it truly is."

尊者舍梨子白曰：「世尊！彼諸梵志長夜愛著梵天，樂於梵天，究竟梵天，是尊梵天，實有梵天，為我梵天。是故，世尊！我如是應。」

> Venerable Shariputra said: "World-Honored One! Those brahmins have long been attached to Brahma, delighting in Brahma, ultimately finding fulfillment in Brahma. They regard Brahma as supreme, truly existing, and as their own. Therefore, World-Honored One, this is how I respond accordingly."

佛說如是。尊者舍梨子及無量百千眾，聞佛所說，歡喜奉行。

> The Buddha spoke thus. The Venerable Shariputra and countless hundreds and thousands of beings, having heard the Buddha's words, rejoiced and practiced accordingly.

梵志陀然經第七竟三千三百三十一字

> The Discourse on Brahmin Dharana, Chapter Seven Ends. <note>3,331 characters</note>