佛說鹿母經
西晉三藏法師竺法護譯
Translated by the Tripitaka Master Dharmarakṣa of the Western Jin Dynasty
佛言：「昔者，有鹿數百為群，隨逐水草，侵近人邑，國王出獵，遂各分迸。有一母鹿懷妊獨逝，被逐飢疲，失侶悵怏。時，生二子，捨行求食，煢悸失錯，誤墮獵者弶中，悲鳴欲出，不能得脫。獵師聞聲，便往視之，見鹿心喜，適前欲殺。鹿乃叩頭，求哀自陳：『向生二子，尚小無知，始自蒙蒙，未曉東西。乞假須臾，暫還視子，將示水草，使得生活，并與二子，盡哀死別。長短命矣！願垂恕恩，愍及有識。若蒙哀遣得見子者，誠非鹿獸所能報謝；天祐有德，福注罔極。見遣之期，不違信誓，旋則就死，獸意無恨。』
The Buddha said: "Long ago, there was a herd of several hundred deer who roamed together, following water and grass, and came close to a human settlement. The king went out hunting, and the herd scattered in all directions. Among them was a pregnant doe who fled alone. Chased and exhausted, separated from her companions, she felt lost and sorrowful. Soon she gave birth to two fawns, and leaving them to search for food, she grew anxious and confused, and accidentally fell into a hunter's trap. She cried out mournfully, trying to escape, but could not break free.
The hunter heard her cries and went to look. Seeing the deer, he was delighted and stepped forward, intending to kill her. The doe then bowed her head and pleaded pitifully: 'I have just given birth to two fawns, still young and unaware, just beginning to open their eyes, not yet knowing east from west. I beg you for a little time—let me return briefly to see my children, show them where to find water and grass so they may survive, and bid them a final, sorrowful farewell. Life is short! I beg for your compassion and mercy, extending pity to a living being. If you grant me this kindness and allow me to see my young, truly this is a debt no beast could ever repay; may heaven bless the virtuous, pouring boundless blessings upon you. I promise not to break my word—once I have returned to them, I will come back to face death, and this creature will die without regret.'"
「是時，獵者聞鹿所言，且驚且怪，衣毛為竪，其奇能言，識出人情，即問鹿曰：『汝為鬼魅，山林樹神？得無變惑，假借其形。以實告我，令明其故。』鹿即答曰：『吾以先世貪殘之罪，稟受鹿身。至心念子，故發口能言，非為鬼魅，唯見識憐，生放死還，甘心所全。』
At that moment, the hunter heard the deer speak and was both startled and amazed. His hair stood on end, astonished that it could talk and express human-like understanding. He immediately asked the deer, "Are you a ghost, a spirit of the mountains and forests, or a tree deity? Have you taken this form to deceive me? Tell me the truth, so I may understand the reason."
The deer replied, "Due to my past life of greed and cruelty, I was reborn as a deer. My deep concern for my child moved me to speak. I am no ghost or spirit—I only ask for your compassion. If you spare my life and let me return, I will accept my fate willingly."
「獵者聞之，信加其言，心懷貪欲，意不肯聽，即告鹿曰：『世人一切，尚無志誠，況汝鹿畜？憐子惜身，尚全求生，從死得去，豈有還期？王命急切，恐必知之，罪吾失鹿，更受重責。雖心不忍，事不獲已，終不相放。』鹿時惶怖，苦言報曰：『鹿雖賤畜，甘死不恨，求期則返，豈敢違命？人受罪舋，唯乞假祚，為福所種。去則子存，留則子亡，聽往時還，神信我言。夫死何足惜，而違心信？顧念二子，是以懇懇。生不識母，各當沒命，分死全子，滅三痛劇。』
The hunter heard this, but he was skeptical and filled with greed. Unwilling to listen, he said to the deer, "Even among humans, few are truly sincere—how much less a mere deer? You care for your young and cherish your own life, seeking to preserve it. If I let you go now, how can I be sure you will return? The king's command is urgent; if he finds out I lost you, I will face severe punishment. Though my heart is reluctant, I have no choice—I cannot let you go."
The deer, terrified, pleaded earnestly, "Though I am but a lowly creature, I would rather die than break my word. If you grant me leave, I will surely return—how would I dare disobey? Humans bear the weight of wrongdoing; I only ask for a brief reprieve to plant seeds of virtue. If I go, my fawns may live; if I stay, they will surely die. Allow me to go for a while, and I swear by the spirits I will come back. What is death to fear compared to betraying one's heart and breaking trust? It is only for the sake of my two young ones that I plead so desperately. If they never know their mother, each will perish alone. To die myself and spare my children—this would end threefold suffering."
「鹿母低頭鳴噭，口說偈言：
The mother deer lowered her head and cried out, speaking in verse:
「『我身為鹿獸， 遊食於林藪，
賤生貪軀命， 不能故送死。
今來入君弶， 自分受刀机，
不惜腥臊身， 但憐二子耳。
唯我前世時， 暴虐不至誠，
不信生死苦， 罪福之分明。
行惡自招罪， 今受畜獸形，
若蒙須臾命， 終不違信盟。』
"I am a deer, a creature of the forest, Roaming and feeding among the woods and thickets. My life is humble, yet I cling to this body, Not willing to give it up to death without cause.
Now I have entered your trap, Resigned to face the blade and the butcher's block. I do not grieve for this coarse, foul-smelling form, But only for the sake of my two young ones.
In a past life, I was cruel and lacked sincerity, I did not believe in the suffering of life and death, Nor in the clear distinction between sin and merit. By doing evil, I brought this fate upon myself, And now I bear the shape of a beast.
If I am granted even a moment more of life, I will never break my vow of truth."
「於是，獵者聞鹿言訴之聲，甚歎其奇！貪利成事，不欲放遣，即告於鹿，責數之曰：『夫巧偽無實，姦詐難信，虛華萬端，狡猾非一，侵暴生種，犯人稼穡，以罪投身，入于吾弶。今當殺送供王厨食，不須妄語欺吾求脫，重身畏死誰能効命？人之無食，猶難為期，而況畜獸？全命免死，豈有還期？但當就死，終不相放。』
The hunter, hearing the deer's plea, was deeply moved by its extraordinary words. Yet, driven by greed and intent on completing his task, he had no desire to release it. He turned to the deer and rebuked it sternly: "Deceit and trickery hold no truth; cunning and fraud are hard to trust. With countless empty promises and endless schemes, you bring harm to living beings and trample upon people's crops. It is by your own wrongdoing that you fell into my trap. Now you shall be killed and sent to the king's kitchen for his meal. Do not waste your breath with lies, trying to deceive me for your escape. Who, valuing their own life and fearing death, would not cling to survival? Even humans, without food, find it hard to endure—how much more so for a mere beast? To spare your life and avoid death—how could such a thing ever be? You must accept your fate and face death; I will not let you go."
「鹿時憶子恐據，前跪兩膝，低頭涕淚，悲訴鳴吟，重說偈言：
The deer, in that moment, was filled with fear for her fawn. She knelt forward on both knees, bowed her head, tears streaming down, and with a sorrowful cry, she pleaded, reciting these verses once more:
「『雖身為鹿畜， 不識仁義方，
奈何受慈恩， 得去不復還。
寧受分裂痛， 無為虛偽存，
哀傷二子窮， 乞假須臾間。
宿世罪自然， 故受畜生體，
為人所不信， 殃禍自應爾。
猶是招當來， 欲脫畜生形，
披肝露誠信， 願聽重誓言。
若世有惡人， 鬪亂比丘僧，
破塔壞佛寺， 及殺持戒人，
反逆害父母、 兄弟與妻子；
設我不來還， 罪大過於是。
普世之極罪， 劫盡殃不已，
宛轉更燒煑， 之彼復到此。
可思之深重， 受痛無終始，
設我不來還， 罪大過於是。』
"Though I am but a beast of the deer kind, Ignorant of the ways of virtue and kindness, How can I accept such compassionate grace, And leave without returning?
Better to endure the pain of being torn apart, Than to live a life of falsehood. My heart grieves for my two fawns in need— I beg you, grant me a brief moment's leave.
My past misdeeds have brought this fate, Thus I bear this animal form. If others cannot trust my word, This suffering is what I deserve.
Yet I still strive for a future rebirth, To shed this beastly shape and rise. I lay bare my heart in honest pledge— Hear now this solemn vow I swear:
If there be in this world an evil one Who sows discord among the monks, Destroys stupas and temples of the Buddha, Or slays those who uphold the precepts;
Who rebels against and harms father and mother, Brothers, wife, and children— Should I fail to return as promised, My sin would be greater than all these.
The gravest crimes in all the world, Whose karmic torment lasts through ages, Twisting in the fires of suffering, From life to life without release—
Consider their depth and weight, The endless pain they bring. Should I fail to return as promised, My sin would be greater than all these."
「爾時，獵者重聞鹿言，心益竦然，乃却歎曰：『唯覩世間一切人民，稟受宿福，得生為人，愚惑癡冥，背恩薄義，不忠不孝，不信不仁，貪殘無道，欺偽苟全，不知非常、識別三尊。鹿但畜生，懇懇辭言，信誓叩叩，有殊於人，情露丹誠，似如分明，識覩其驗，以察其心。』便前解弶，放遣假之。
「於是，鹿母出弶得去，且顧且馳，到其子所，低頭嗅子，舐其身體，一喜一悲，踟蹰徘徊，嘆息啼吟，並說偈言：
Thus, the mother deer, having escaped the trap, hurried away, glancing back as she ran. She reached her fawn, lowered her head to sniff it, and licked its body. Her heart was torn between joy and sorrow. She paced back and forth, sighing and weeping, then spoke these verses:
「『一切恩愛會， 皆由因緣合，
合會有別離， 無常難得久。
今我為爾母， 恒恐不自保，
生世多畏懼， 命如露著草。』
"All unions born of love and affection arise from causes and conditions coming together.
But meetings inevitably lead to partings—nothing is permanent, nothing lasts forever.
Though I am your mother now, I constantly fear I cannot protect myself.
Life in this world is filled with dread; existence is as fleeting as dew upon the grass."
「於是，鹿母說此偈已，便將二子入于林藪，為別食稼，示好水草，誡勅叮寧，教生活道。念別子孤，淚下如雨，悲鳴摧傷，說偈別言：
Then, after speaking this verse, the doe led her two fawns into the deep forest. She showed them where to find good water and grass, and taught them how to survive. Her heart ached for the young ones she was leaving behind. Tears fell like rain as she uttered a final verse of parting, her mournful cries filled with sorrow:
「『前世行欺詐， 負債著恩愛，
殘暴眾生命， 自盜教彼殺。
身作如影隨， 今日當受之，
畢故不造新， 當還赴彼期。
違佛不信法， 背戾師父誡，
自用貪無厭， 放情恣癡意。
罪報為畜生， 當為人作飼，
自分不敢怨， 畢命不復欺。
貪求取非道， 殺盜於前世，
每生為畜獸， 宿命所追逮。
結縛當就死， 恐怖無生氣，
用識三尊言， 見遣盡恩愛。
吾朝行不遇， 誤墮獵者弶，
即當就屠割， 破碎受宿殃。
念汝求哀來， 今當還就死，
憐汝小雙孤， 努力自活已。
行當依群類， 止當依眾裏，
食當隨侶進， 臥當驚覺起。
慎勿子獨遊， 食走於道邊，
言竟便長別， 就死不復還。』
"In past lives, I practiced deceit, Burdened by debts and clinging to affection, I harmed the lives of many beings, Stole for myself and led others to kill.
These actions follow me like a shadow, Today I must face their consequences, To end the old and create no new, I must go to meet that destined time.
I turned away from the Buddha, disbelieved the Dharma, Rebelled against the teachings of my master, Indulged in greed without restraint, Let foolish desires run wild.
The retribution for such sins is rebirth as an animal, Destined to be fed upon by others, I dare not resent my own fate, And in this life, I will deceive no more.
Driven by greed, I took what was not mine, Killing and stealing in past lives, Thus, in each rebirth, I became a beast, Pursued by the karma of my past.
Bound by these ties, I now face death, Terrified, with no hope of life, But remembering the words of the Three Jewels, I see the end of all clinging and affection.
This morning, as I went out, I was caught, Mistakenly trapped in a hunter's snare, Now I must face slaughter and dismemberment, Suffering the consequences of past deeds.
I think of your pleas for mercy, Yet now I must go to meet my death, I pity you, my young and orphaned ones, Strive to live on your own.
When you move, stay with the herd, When you rest, stay among the crowd, Eat when your companions eat, Sleep lightly and wake with alertness.
Be careful not to wander alone, Or eat by the roadside, With these words, we part forever, I go to my death, never to return."
「是時，鹿母說此偈已，與子死別，遲迴再三，低頭俛仰，唱聲感哀，委背而去。二子鳴啼，悲泣戀慕，從後追尋，頓弊復起，悲喚叫叫，說訴偈言：
At that moment, after speaking these verses, the doe took her final leave from her fawns. She lingered, turning back again and again, lowering her head and lifting it, her cries full of sorrow, before finally turning away and leaving. Her two fawns wept and wailed, their hearts aching with longing. They chased after her, stumbling and falling, only to rise again, crying out in grief and calling to her, expressing their sorrow in these verses:
「『貪欲慕恩愛， 生為母作子，
始來受身形， 受命賤畜體。
如何見孤背， 斷命沒終此，
慕母情痛絕， 乞得并就死。
自念我生來， 未識東與西，
念母憐我等， 當報乳養恩。
何忍長生別， 永世不復存，
念母為我苦， 不聊獨生全。
無福受畜形， 薄祐禍害至，
始生於迷惑， 當早見孤棄。
凡生皆有死， 早晚當就之，
今日之困窮， 當與母同時。』
"Driven by craving and desire, I was born as my mother's child, First taking on this form, receiving life in a lowly animal body. How can I bear to see myself orphaned, my life cut short and ended here? Longing for my mother, my heart breaks with pain, begging to die together with her.
I reflect that since my birth, I have not known east from west, Thinking of my mother's pity for me, I should repay the kindness of her milk. How can I endure this long separation, never to exist again in this world? Remembering my mother's suffering for me, I cannot bear to live on alone.
Without the fortune to keep this animal form, misfortune and harm have come, Born into confusion, I should have been abandoned early. All that lives must die, sooner or later it comes to this, Today's hardship and despair, I will face together with my mother."
「於是，鹿子說此偈已，其母悲感，低頭號泣，哀悼怨歎，迴頭還顧，抗聲悲鳴，告其子言：『爾還勿來！吾自畢故，以壽當之；無得母子，夭橫併命。吾死甘心，傷爾未識，世間無常，皆當別離。吾自薄命，爾生無祐，何為悲哀，徒益憂患？但當速行，畢債於今。』鹿母復鳴，為子說偈言：
Then, after the deer spoke this verse, its mother was overcome with sorrow. She lowered her head, weeping and wailing, grieving and lamenting. Turning back to look, she cried out in a voice filled with anguish, saying to her child:
“Do not come back! I will face this end myself; my life will stand in its place. Do not let mother and child both perish untimely. I am willing to die, but it pains me that you do not yet understand: all things in this world are impermanent, and separation is inevitable. My own fortune is thin, and you were born without protection. Why give in to sorrow, adding only to suffering? You must go quickly—settle this debt now.”
The mother deer cried out once more, speaking a verse to her child:
「『吾前坐貪愛， 今受弊畜身，
世生皆有死， 無脫不終患。
制意一離貪， 然後乃大安，
寧就至誠死， 終不欺殆生。』
"Once I was bound by greed and desire, now I suffer this wretched animal form.
All beings in this world are born to die, none escape this final sorrow.
Only by mastering the mind, cutting off greed, can one find true peace.
Better to die with integrity, than to live a life of deceit."
「於是，鹿子聞母偈音，益更悲戀，鳴涕相尋，至于弶所，東西求索，乃見獵者，臥於樹下。鹿母徑就其邊，低頭大聲，以覺獵者，而說偈言：
And so, upon hearing her mother's verse, the fawn's sorrow and longing grew even deeper. Weeping and calling out, she searched for her mother, eventually arriving at the trap site. She looked east and west, seeking her, until she saw the hunter lying beneath a tree. The mother deer went straight to his side, lowered her head, and cried out loudly to wake the hunter, then spoke this verse:
「『投分全中實， 畢壽於畜生，
見放不敢稽， 還就刀几刑。
向所可放鹿， 今來還就死，
恩慈於賤畜， 得見辭二子。
將行示水草， 為說非常苦，
萬沒無餘恨， 念恩不敢負。』
"Having thrown myself wholeheartedly into truth, I spent my whole life among animals. Seeing release, I dared not delay, But returned to face the knife and block.
The deer I once set free, Now comes back to meet its death. Compassion shown to a lowly creature, Allows me to bid farewell to my two sons.
As I go, I show them water and grass, And speak of the suffering of impermanence. Though I perish without regret, I hold to gratitude and dare not betray it."
「爾時，獵者聞鹿鳴聲說誠信之言，驚覺即起，心動竦然，慈心發中，口未得宣。鹿便低頭，前跪兩膝，重向獵者，喜自陳說，以偈謝言：
At that moment, the hunter heard the deer speaking words of truth and sincerity. Startled, he rose, his heart stirred and moved. Compassion arose within him, though his lips had not yet spoken. The deer then bowed its head, knelt upon its front legs, and earnestly addressed the hunter once more, expressing its gratitude in verse:
「『仁前見放遣， 德厚過天地，
賤畜被慈育， 悲意不自勝。
一切悉無常， 忻然副信死，
滅對畢因緣， 怨盡從斯已。
仁惠恩難忘， 感受豈敢違，
雖謝千萬辭， 不足報慈恩。
唯夫誡精誠， 受福歸自然，
今日甘心死， 以子屬仁君。』
"You, in your compassion, spared me before, Your virtue profound, surpassing heaven and earth.
This lowly creature, nurtured by your kindness, My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude.
All things are impermanent, I accept my fate with trust and joy.
Ending all causes and conditions, From this, all grievances are resolved.
Your benevolence is unforgettable, How could I dare to disregard this grace?
Though I offer a thousand words of thanks, It is not enough to repay your kindness.
Only with sincere devotion, May blessings return to you naturally.
Today, I willingly face death, Entrusting my child to your compassionate care."
「於是，獵者感誠即寐，又重聞鹿說偈，皆微妙之聲，加其篤信，捨生就死，以副盟誓。子母悲啼，相尋而至。『斯鹿之身，必非凡庸，吾覩世士，未能比倫。雖復獸體，心若神靈。吾之無良，殘暴來久。鹿乃立義，言信不負，可為明教，稽首稟受；豈復當敢，生犯害心？』即時獵者，加肅謙敬，辭謝遣鹿，而說偈言：
Moved by this sincerity, the hunter fell asleep, and once again heard the deer reciting verses—all in a voice of profound subtlety. This deepened his faith, and he resolved to sacrifice his own life to honor his vow. The mother and fawn, weeping with sorrow, soon arrived. "This deer's form cannot be ordinary," he thought. "I have seen many in this world, yet none compare. Though its body is that of a beast, its heart is like that of a divine spirit. My own lack of virtue has long led me to cruelty and violence. But this deer has established righteousness, speaking with unwavering trust. It can serve as a clear teaching, and I bow to receive it. How could I ever again dare to harbor thoughts of harm?" At once, the hunter became more solemn and reverent. He bid farewell to the deer, sending it on its way, and spoke these verses:
「『神鹿信若天， 言誓志願大，
今我心竦懼， 豈敢加逆害？
寧自殺鄙身， 妻子寸寸分，
何忍向天種， 有想害靈神？』
"The divine deer, faithful as heaven, With vows and aspirations so vast, Now my heart trembles in fear— How dare I raise a hand to harm it?
Better to end this lowly life of mine, To let my wife and children be torn apart, Than to dare harm a heavenly being, A conscious, sacred spirit."
「獵者說此偈已，即以慈心遣鹿，重復辭謝，悔心自責。鹿見遣去，出就其子，子望見母，得生出還，強馳走趣，跳𨄈悲鳴。子母相得，俱懽俱喜，一俛一仰，鳴聲呦呦，悲感受活，生蒙大恩，即仰頭謝獵者，而說偈言：
After the hunter spoke this verse, he released the deer with a heart of compassion, offering repeated apologies and reproaching himself with remorse. Seeing she was set free, the deer went out to her fawn. The fawn, catching sight of its mother returning alive, struggled to its feet and hurried toward her, leaping and stumbling, crying out in sorrowful joy. Mother and child were reunited, both filled with delight. They bowed and lifted their heads, their gentle calls echoing one another, overwhelmed with emotion at having been spared, grateful for the great kindness shown. Then the deer raised her head to thank the hunter and spoke this verse:
「『賤畜生處世， 當應充厨宰，
即時分烹爼， 寬假辭二子。
天人重愛物， 復蒙放赦原，
德祐積無量， 非口所能陳。』
"Lowly beasts in this world, destined to be butchered for the kitchen, Were at once divided and cooked, yet you spared these two sons. Heavenly beings treasure life, and you granted them pardon and release. The merit you've amassed is boundless, beyond what words can express."
「爾時，鹿母說此偈謝已，將率二子還于深林，鳴群嘯侶，以遊以集，安身草澤，以寧峻山。獵者於後，深自惟言：『鹿但畜生，信義祐身，既免即濟，見者加稱。我之為暴，何廣於心？』即時啟寐，散意歸仁，放弩壞弶無復殺心。詣于廟寺請稟沙門，稽首顙面，自歸自陳，奉順慈義，畢志正真。便往白王，具說鹿言。王聞其說，心喜驚歎：『鹿獸有義，我更貪殘。又此鹿慧深達言教，知仰三尊；我國弊冥，事彼妖言。誠可捨棄，以保永全。』普國人民，無不聞知畜獸行義，現獲信證，大道之化無隱不彰。於是，國王即請會群臣，宣令國民：『吾之為闇不別真偽，啟受邪師，言畏偽神，妖祭無道，殘暴眾生；不如鹿畜，明識三尊。自今已後，普國率民，廢彼邪宗，皆歸正真。』詣于佛寺請受聖眾，冀以後世長獲其福。臣下群僚、國民大小，皆信三尊，奉五戒十善。為期三年，國豐太平，民皆壽樂，鹿之祐矣。」
At that time, the deer mother, having spoken these verses of gratitude, prepared to lead her two fawns back into the deep forest. Calling to her herd, whistling to her companions, she roamed and gathered with them, settling in the grassy marshes and finding peace in the steep mountains.
The hunter, left behind, pondered deeply within himself: "This deer is but an animal, yet she upholds trust and righteousness to protect herself. Having been spared, she repaid the kindness, and all who witnessed it praised her. But I, with my violence—how vast is the cruelty in my heart?"
In that moment, he awoke from his delusion. Letting go of his harmful intentions, he returned to benevolence. He set aside his crossbow and broke his traps, abandoning all thought of killing. He went to the temple and sought out the monastic community. Bowing his head to the ground, he confessed and surrendered himself, vowing to follow the compassionate teachings and devote his life to the true path.
He then went to the king and recounted the deer's words in full. Hearing this, the king was both delighted and astonished. "Even a wild animal possesses such virtue," he reflected, "while I have been more greedy and cruel. Moreover, this deer is wise and deeply understands the teachings, knowing to honor the Three Jewels. My kingdom has been shrouded in darkness, serving false doctrines and demonic words. Truly, we should abandon these ways to ensure lasting peace and wholeness."
Throughout the land, no one remained unaware of how this animal had acted with righteousness, providing clear proof of faith. The transforming power of the Great Way leaves nothing hidden unrevealed.
Thereupon, the king summoned his ministers and proclaimed to the people: "I have been blind, unable to distinguish truth from falsehood. I listened to deceitful teachers, feared counterfeit gods, and engaged in demonic sacrifices devoid of virtue, bringing harm to living beings. I am not even equal to a deer, who clearly recognizes the Three Jewels. From this day forward, throughout the kingdom, let all people abandon those heretical practices and turn wholly to the true path."
They went to the Buddha's temple and requested instruction from the Noble Sangha, hoping that in future lives they would long enjoy the blessings. The officials, the ministers, and all the people, great and small, came to believe in the Three Jewels and uphold the Five Precepts and the Ten Wholesome Deeds.
For three years thereafter, the kingdom prospered in peace and abundance. The people enjoyed longevity and happiness—all through the blessing of the deer.
佛語賢者阿難：「唯吾善權，累劫行恩，恩救眾生其信如是。爾時，鹿母者，我身是也；二子者，羅云及朱離母𧵛是；國王者，舍利弗是；獵者，阿難是；界上民走白王者，調達是。」
The Buddha said to the Venerable Ananda: "It was through my skillful means, through countless kalpas of practicing compassion, that I saved sentient beings with such faith. At that time, the doe was my own body; the two fawns were Rahula and Jueli; the king was Shariputra; the hunter was Ananda; and the border people who ran to report to the king were Devadatta."
佛時說已，於鹿腨腸放大光明，遍照東西南北、四隅、十方各千佛剎。吾其光明所之，各有化導師子座及寶蓮華，或為法師比丘現肉體者，或為帝王及長者子者，或凡人黎庶現卑賤者，或人群生為畜獸者，各各以光明導御說法。爾時，所說鹿母信誓功德，以為法訓，法音入心，莫不信受其者，皆歸無上正真之道。佛即迴光，等接遍照閻浮提內，悉令普徹，其蒙光者逮安隱想。
The Buddha, having spoken these words, emitted a great radiance from the deer's thigh, illuminating the east, west, south, north, the four corners, and the ten directions across a thousand Buddha-lands. Wherever that light reached, there appeared lion-thrones of teaching and jeweled lotus flowers. Some manifested as Dharma-teaching monks in physical form, others as kings and elders' sons, some as ordinary people of humble status, and others among sentient beings as animals. Each was guided and taught the Dharma by that light.
At that time, the merit of the Deer Mother's vow was taught as a Dharma instruction. The sound of the Dharma entered their hearts, and all who heard it accepted it with faith, each turning toward the supreme, true, and right path.
The Buddha then turned the light back, equally embracing and illuminating the entire Jambudvipa, making it universally penetrate. All who were touched by that light attained a state of peace and security.
爾時，眾中有八百比丘，意志四道以證道迹，聞說鹿母於畜生之中發起大意，以信成道，感悟變化即時反悔，前白佛言：「願立信誓為菩薩道，唯佛加哀助利我等，當以建行荷負眾生，救濟一切至死不離，即時逮得僧那僧涅弘誓之鎧。」
At that moment, there were eight hundred monks in the assembly who had attained the four stages of the path through realization. Upon hearing how the Deer Mother, even as an animal, had aroused the great aspiration and attained enlightenment through faith, they were deeply moved and transformed. Immediately, they repented and stepped forward to address the Buddha, saying:
“We vow to establish our faith and embark on the Bodhisattva Path. May the Buddha, in his compassion, assist and bless us. We shall undertake the practice of bearing the burden of all beings, rescuing and aiding every one of them, never abandoning them even unto death.”
In that very moment, they attained the armor of the great vow—the resolute commitment of a Bodhisattva.
爾時，阿難整服長跪，白世尊言：「此諸比丘網惑大乘不受正諦，如今開悟逮得法證，離淵越壍何其疾也！誠非小道所能信明。大會有疑，唯願世尊說其緣由，以釋將來！」
At that time, Ananda straightened his robes, knelt down, and addressed the World-Honored One: "These monks were once entangled in the delusions of the Great Vehicle and did not accept the true teachings. Yet now they have awakened, attained the Dharma, and swiftly crossed the abyss and leaped over the chasm. How rapid this is! Truly, this is not something that can be easily understood or believed by those of lesser paths. The assembly is filled with doubt. We beseech you, World-Honored One, to explain the reason for this, so that it may resolve uncertainties for the future."
佛言：「善哉！阿難！汝問快也。斯承先識，非今所造。是諸比丘迺昔鹿遊國民，信受王命奉順三寶，加鹿即感，皆願無上正真意。中間癡闇，不復習行，雖以遇我得作沙門，忽棄本願迷於大乘。今聞我說前世本末，閉結疑解，得無想安隱，是其宿命識神使然。」
The Buddha said: "Excellent, Ananda! Your question is timely. This understanding comes from past awareness, not created now. These monks were once citizens of Deer-Roaming Kingdom, who faithfully followed the king's command to revere the Three Jewels, and through their connection with the deer, all aspired to attain supreme enlightenment. In the interim, they fell into ignorance and ceased their practice. Although they met me and became monks, they forgot their original vow and became confused about the Great Vehicle. Now, hearing me speak of their past origins, their doubts are resolved, and they attain the peace of no-thought. This is due to their past-life consciousness manifesting."
佛說是時，八百比丘皆得阿惟越致；力士聚中有八千人，見證心解，除放逸行，皆發無上正真之道，逮得入信聲尋獲安隱無想之定；天、龍、世人七億二千，皆發無上正真道意。
The Buddha spoke these words, and eight hundred monks attained the state of irreversible progress. Among the assembly of warriors, eight thousand witnessed this, their minds were liberated, they abandoned heedless conduct, and all resolved to attain the supreme, true enlightenment. They swiftly attained the faith and soon reached the peaceful, thought-free concentration. Seventy-two million beings—gods, dragons, and humans—all resolved to attain the supreme, true enlightenment.
佛語阿難：「我作畜生之時，以不忘菩薩弘濟之心，應行導利逮于今者，但為眾生勤苦無極；假使一人亡本沒流未拯拔者，終不捨放。諸欲求安逮是功德疾成佛者，皆當盡心中誠，歸信三尊，世世不廢。如我今日現般泥洹，誠信所致也。阿難！汝當受持，廣宣此經無令滅絕。」
The Buddha said to Ananda: "Even when I was born as an animal, I never forgot the bodhisattva's great compassionate vow to save all beings. All the guidance and benefit I have given up to this day is solely for the sake of beings who endure endless hardship. Even if there were only one person lost in the cycle of suffering, I would never abandon them. All who seek peace and wish to swiftly attain the merit of buddhahood should devote their hearts sincerely, take refuge in the Three Jewels, and never neglect this throughout their lives. Just as I have now attained final nirvana, it is due to genuine faith and sincerity. Ananda, you must receive and uphold this teaching, widely proclaim this sutra, and never let it fade away."
阿難即前稽首作禮，受持諷誦。
Ananda immediately stepped forward, bowed in reverence, and received the teaching to memorize and recite it.
佛說鹿母經