佛說睒子經
The Sutra of Shanzi Spoken by the Buddha
西秦沙門聖堅奉 詔譯
Translated by the Western Qin Monk Shengjian, by Imperial Decree
聞如是：
This is what I heard:
一時，佛在比羅勒國，與千二百五十比丘俱，及眾菩薩、國王、大臣、人民，長者、居士、清信、士女不可稱計，一時來會。
Once, the Buddha was staying in the land of Piralek, accompanied by 1,250 monks, along with countless bodhisattvas, kings, ministers, common people, elders, lay practitioners, and devoted men and women who all gathered together at that time.
佛告諸比丘：「皆悉寂靜定意聽！我念前世，初求得菩薩道時，戒行普慈，精進一心，智慧善權方便不可稱說，諸天、龍神、帝王、人民無能行者。」
The Buddha said to the monks: "Listen with calm and focused minds! I recall that in my past lives, when I first set out on the path of a Bodhisattva, I practiced universal compassion, sustained diligence, single-minded devotion, wisdom, and skillful means beyond description—virtues that no heavenly beings, dragons, gods, kings, or ordinary people could yet emulate."
阿難聞佛所言，更整衣服，長跪白佛：「願欲聞之。」
Upon hearing the Buddha's words, Ananda adjusted his robe, knelt upright, and said to the Buddha, "I wish to hear it."
佛告阿難：「乃往過去無央數世，時有一菩薩名曰慈慧，救濟群生，常行四等心，度世危厄，愍育苦人。於是，處在兜率天上教授天人。常以晝夜各三時三昧定意，思惟三界，照觀十方天下、人民善惡之道。孝養父母，敬奉三尊，供侍師長，修諸功德，皆悉明見，五道分明。
The Buddha said to Ananda: "In the distant past, countless eons ago, there was a bodhisattva named Compassionate Wisdom. He dedicated himself to helping all beings, always practicing the Four Immeasurable Minds—loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity—to relieve the world’s suffering and care for those in pain. At that time, he dwelt in the Heaven of Tushita, teaching celestial and human beings. Three times each day and night, he entered deep meditative states, contemplating the three realms of existence. He clearly saw all realms under the sun and the goodness and evil of people everywhere: those who honored their parents, revered the Three Jewels (the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha), served their teachers, and cultivated virtuous deeds—all these were plain to him. The five destinies of rebirth were laid out distinctly."
「時，迦夷國中有一長者，孤無兒子，夫妻兩目皆盲，心願入山求無上慧，修清淨志信樂虛閑。菩薩念言：『此人發意欲學妙道，而兩目盲無所視見，若入山者或墮溝坑，或逢毒虫所見危害，若我壽終當為作子，供養父母終其年壽。』即便往生盲父母家，為其作子。父母歡喜愛之甚重，本發道意欲行入山，以生子故，便樂世間。子年七歲號字曰睒，睒至孝仁慈，奉行十善：不殺、不盜、不婬、不欺誑、不飲酒、不妄語、不嫉妬、信道不疑、晝夜精進，奉侍父母如人侍天，言常含笑不傷人意，行則應法不妄傾邪，於是父母即大歡悅，無復憂愁。
"At that time, in the country of Kāśī, there lived a wealthy elder who had no children. Both he and his wife were blind. They deeply wished to retreat into the mountains to seek the supreme wisdom, cultivating pure aspirations with faith and delight in tranquil solitude. The Bodhisattva thought: 'This person intends to study the wonderful path, but being blind and unable to see, if he enters the mountains, he may fall into a pit or ravine, or encounter poisonous creatures that would harm him. If my life should end, I will be born as his son, supporting and serving his parents for the rest of their years.' So he took rebirth in the home of the blind parents as their son. The parents were overjoyed and loved him dearly. Although they had originally resolved to enter the mountains to pursue the Path, because of the birth of their son, they grew fond of worldly life. When the child reached the age of seven, he was named Shāma. Shāma was extremely filial, kind, and compassionate, practicing the ten wholesome actions: no killing, no stealing, no sexual misconduct, no deception, no drinking alcohol, no lying, no jealousy, unwavering faith in the Way, diligent practice day and night, serving his parents as one would serve the heavens. His speech was always gentle and pleasant, never harming others. His conduct followed the Dharma, never deviating into wrong or crooked ways. Thus his parents were filled with great joy, free from all worry and sorrow."
「睒年過十歲，睒自長跪，白父母言：『本發大意欲入深山，求志虛寂無上之道，豈以子故而絕本願。人居世間無常百變，命非金石對至無期，願如本意宜本先志，自隨父母俱共入山，侍養之宜不失時節。』父母報睒：『子之孝順天自知之，不違本誓，便即入山。』睒以家中所有財寶，皆大布施諸貧窮者，便與父母俱共入山。
When Shan was over ten years old, he knelt upright and said to his parents: "My original intention was to enter the deep mountains, to seek the supreme path of stillness and detachment. How could I abandon that lifelong vow because of having a son? Life in this world is impermanent and full of changes—our lives are not as durable as metal or stone, and the moment of reckoning comes without warning. I wish to follow my original intention and fulfill my former aspiration. Please let me accompany you both into the mountains, taking care of your needs without fail." His parents replied to Shan: "Heaven knows of your filial piety. We will not go against your original vow—let us enter the mountains together." Shan then gave away all the family's wealth and treasures to the poor, and together with his parents, they entered the mountains.
「睒到山中，以柴草作屋，施置床蓐，不寒不熱恒得其宜。入山一年眾果豐實，食之甘美，泉水涌出清而且涼；池中蓮華五色精明，栴檀雜香，樹木豐盛，香氣倍常。飛鳥常集，奇妙異類，皆作種種音樂之聲，娛樂父母；師子、熊羆、虎狼、毒蟲，慈心相向無相傷害。食草飲水無復恐懼，麞鹿、眾鳥皆來附近，與睒音聲共相哀和娛樂之音。睒至孝慈，蹈地常恐地痛，天、神、人、鬼皆來擁護此三道人；三道人者，一心定意，無復憂愁。
Shan lived in the mountains, building a hut from wood and thatch, and laying out bedding in a way that it was never too cold or too hot, always suitable. After living in the mountains for one year, all kinds of fruit trees bore abundant harvests. The fruits were sweet and delicious, a clear, cool spring gushed forth, and a lotus pond blossomed with five-colored flowers, bright and vivid. The air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood and other scents, and the trees and plants grew thick and lush, their fragrance even richer than usual. A flock of birds constantly gathered there, and other wonderful beings performed all kinds of music, delighting Shan’s parents. Lions, bears, tigers, wolves, and poisonous insects all had hearts of kindness toward each other, causing no harm. They ate grass and drank water without any fear. The deer and many birds all came near, joining Shan’s voice in songs of compassion and harmony, creating a joyful music.
Shan was filled with utmost filial compassion. When he walked on the ground, he constantly feared it might feel pain. Celestial beings, spirits, humans, and ghosts all came to protect these three practitioners. Those three practitioners, with their one-pointed and settled minds, had no more worries.
「睒常與父母取百種果以食父母，泉水無乏。時，父母渴欲得飲水，睒被鹿皮衣提瓶行汲水，麞鹿、眾鳥亦往飲水，不相畏難。時，有迦夷國王入山射獵，王見水邊有諸群鹿，放弓射之。箭誤中睒，正射其胷。被毒箭已，舉身皆痛，便大呼言：『誰持一箭殺三道人？』王聞人聲，即便下馬往到睒前，睒謂王言：『象坐牙死，犀坐其角死，翠坐其毛，麞鹿坐皮肉，我無牙角、無毛、無皮肉不可噉，今有何罪橫見射殺？』王問睒言：『卿是何人？被鹿皮衣與禽獸無異。』睒言：『我是王國中人，與盲父母俱來學道二十餘年，未曾而為虎狼毒蟲所見枉害，今我便為王所射殺。』
Once, Shan regularly gathered a hundred kinds of fruit for his parents to eat, and there was always plenty of water from the spring. One day, his parents became thirsty and wanted to drink water. Shan put on a deerskin garment, picked up a pitcher, and went to fetch water. Deer and various birds also came to drink, unafraid of him. At that time, the king of the Kāśyapa kingdom was hunting in the mountains. Seeing a herd of deer by the water, he drew his bow and shot. The arrow missed its mark and struck Shan, hitting him right in the chest. Struck by the poisoned arrow, his whole body ached, and he cried out loudly, “Who has shot an arrow to kill three practitioners?” Hearing the voice, the king dismounted and went to Shan. Shan said to the king, “An elephant dies for its tusks, a rhinoceros for its horn, a kingfisher for its feathers, and a deer for its skin and meat. I have no tusks, no horn, no feathers, no skin or meat to be eaten. What crime have I committed to be so unjustly shot and killed?” The king asked Shan, “Who are you? Dressed in deerskin, you look no different from an animal.” Shan replied, “I am a subject of your kingdom. I came with my blind parents to study the Way for over twenty years. Never have I been harmed by tigers, wolves, or venomous creatures—yet now I am killed by you, the king.”
「當爾之時，大風暴起，吹折樹木，百鳥悲鳴，師子、熊羆、走獸之輩皆大號呼，動一山中；日無精光，流泉為竭，眾華萎死，雷電動地。時，盲父母即自驚起曰：『是何變異？睒行取水經久不還，將無為毒蟲之所害耶。禽獸悲鳴，音聲號呼不如常時，風起四面樹木摧折，必有災異。』時，王怖懅大自悔責：『本射眾鹿誤相中傷，射殺道人其罪甚重，坐貪少肉而受此殃，願以珍寶以救子命。』
At that moment, a great storm arose, snapping trees, and all the birds cried out in sorrow. Lions, bears, and other wild beasts howled loudly, shaking the entire mountain. The sun lost its brilliance, the streams dried up, the flowers withered and died, and thunder shook the ground.
The blind parents then startled awake and said, "What strange omen is this? Our son Shan has gone to fetch water and has not returned for so long. Could he have been harmed by a venomous creature? The birds and beasts are crying out in sorrow, their voices unlike usual. The winds rise from all directions, breaking trees—this must be a sign of disaster."
At this, the king was terrified and filled with remorse. He blamed himself greatly, saying, "I was shooting at deer and mistakenly wounded this man. Killing a practitioner is a grave offense. All of this suffering comes from my greed for a little meat. I wish I could offer my treasures to save his life."
「時，王便前欲拔出箭，箭深不出，百鳥禽獸四面雲集，皆大號呼動一山中。王益怖懅，支節皆動，睒語王言：『非王之過！自我宿罪緣對所致，我不惜身，但念我盲父母耳，年既衰老，兩目復盲，一旦無我，亦當終沒，無瞻視者，以是之故，自懊惱耳。』當爾之時，諸天、龍、神皆為肅動。王又重言：『我寧自入地獄之中，自受此罪，使睒身活。』長跪向睒悔過陳言：『若子終沒，我不還國，便住山中，供養卿盲父母，如卿在時，勿以為憂，諸天、龍、神皆當證知，不負此誓。』
Then the king stepped forward to draw out the arrow, but it was lodged too deep and would not come out. Hundreds of birds and animals gathered from all directions, crying out loudly, shaking the entire mountain. The king grew even more terrified, trembling all over. Shāma spoke to the king, saying, "This is not your fault, O king, but the result of my own past karmic debts. I do not grieve for my own life; I only worry for my blind parents. They are old and completely blind. If I die, they too will surely perish, with no one to care for them. That is the only reason for my distress."
At that moment, all the devas, dragons, and spirits were deeply moved. The king then declared, "I would rather be reborn in hell myself and bear this suffering, just so Shāma might live." Kneeling before Shāma, he confessed and vowed, "If you do not survive, I will not return to my kingdom. I will stay here in the mountains and care for your blind parents, just as you did. Do not worry. All the devas, dragons, and spirits bear witness to this promise, and I shall never break it."
「睒聞王誓：『雖被毒箭，心喜意悅雖死不恨，以我父母累王供養，王當罪滅，得福無量。』王曰：『卿當語我父母之處，及子未死吾欲知之。』睒即指示：『從是徑去，去此不遠當見草屋，我之父母在其中止。王徐徐往，勿令父母驚動怖懅，以善方便解語其意，王當為我上白父母，無常今至，當就後世。我不惜命，念盲父母年既衰老、兩目復盲，一旦無我無所依仰，以是懊惱自酷毒耳。我死自分宿罪所致，無可得脫，今自懺悔，從無數劫有身以來，所行眾惡，於此罪滅，願與父母世世相值，不相遠離，當令父母終保年壽，勿有憂患，天龍、鬼神常隨護助，災害消滅，所欲應意，無為自然。』
「王將數人詣父母所，王去之後，睒奄死矣。百鳥、禽獸四面雲集，皆大號呼，遶睒尸，上舐是胸血。盲父母聞此音聲，益怖彷徉而住。王行駛疾，觸動草木，肅肅有聲，父母驚言：『此是何人？非我子行。』王言：『我是迦夷國王，聞盲道人在山學道，故來供養。』盲父母言：『枉屈大王來相慰勞，遠臨草野，王當疲極體安隱不？宮殿夫人、太子、官屬皆安善不？風雨和調五穀豐不？隣國人民不相侵害耶？』王答道人：『得蒙尊恩，常自平安。』又更問訊盲父母：『在此山中勞大勤苦，樹木之間，甚難為止，自安隱不？』盲父母言：『蒙大王恩，常自安隱，我有孝子，字名曰睒，常取果蓏泉水無乏；我有草席，王可就坐，果蓏可食。睒行取水，正爾來還。』
「王聞盲父母言，又大傷心，涕泣其言：『我罪實重，入山射獵，遙見水邊有諸群鹿，引弓射之，箭誤中睒；道人子睒已被毒箭，其痛甚酷，今故自來語道人耳。』父母聞之，舉身自撲，如太山崩地為大動，號哭仰天，自陳訴言：『我子睒者，天下至孝，無有能過，蹈地常恐地痛，有何罪故而射殺之？向者，大風卒起，吹折樹木，百鳥悲鳴，皆大號呼動一山中。我在山中二十餘年，未曾有此災異之變，而我子睒取水不還，恐當有故，諸神皆驚，肅肅而動。』母便涕哭，不肯復止，父言：『且止！人生世間，無有不死？無常對至，不可得却。』但問王：『睒為射何許，今為死活？』王以睒語向父母說，其盲父母聞王此語，又大感絕：『一旦無子，俱亦當死。大王！今者牽我二人往子尸上。』
「王即牽盲父母往到尸上，父抱其頭，母抱兩脚著其膝上，各以兩手捫摸睒箭，仰天呼言：『諸天、龍神、山神、樹神，我子睒者，天下至孝，是諸天龍、鬼神所知。我年已老，目無所見，身代子死，睒活不恨。』於是，父母俱共誓言：『若睒至孝天地所知，箭當拔出，毒痛當除，睒應更生。』
「於是，第二忉利天帝座即為動，以眼見此二盲道人抱子號呼，乃聞第四兜率天上，釋梵四王從天上來，如人屈伸之頃，來住睒前，以神妙藥灌睒口中，藥入睒口，箭拔毒出，更生如故。父母聞睒以死更生，兩目皆開，飛鳥、走獸皆大歡樂之音，風息雲消日為重光，流泉涌出清而且涼，池中蓮華五色精明，栴檀雜香，樹木光榮香倍於常。時王歡喜不能自勝，禮天帝釋，還禮父母及子睒者：『願以一國所有財寶，俱上道人自相供養，令我罪滅永無有餘。』
「睒語王言：『欲興福者，王但還國，安慰人民，當令奉戒，王勿射獵橫殺無辜，身不安隱，壽終當入泥犁之中。人居世間恩愛暫有，別離久長不得常在。王宿有福今得為王，莫憍自在，以自在故，造無量惡，後入惡道，悔之何益。』王答：『如教。』隨王獵者，見睒死已，得天神藥死而更生，父母眼開神變如是，悉奉五戒、修行十善，死得生天，無入惡道。」
佛告阿難：「諸來會者，宿命睒者，吾身是耶；盲父者，閱頭檀王是；盲母者，今王夫人摩耶是也；迦夷國王者，阿難是；天帝釋者，彌勒佛是。」
佛告阿難：「吾前世時，為子仁孝、為君慈育、為民奉敬，自致得成為三界尊。」
佛說經已，時諸菩薩、比丘、比丘尼、優婆塞、優婆夷莫不歡喜，作禮而去。
佛說睒子經