Chapter 15 71-75

It's the end of the rainy season again.Buddha returned to the south.Along the way, he stopped at Sarnath.Thirty-six years ago, it was here that the Buddha preached the first teaching, the Four Noble Truths.Although this seems like yesterday, everything has changed a lot.Since the first turning of the wheel of Dharma by the Buddha, the Dharma has been propagated throughout the countries along the Ganges River.In order to commemorate the first turning of the Falun here, the residents built a memorial pagoda and built a monastery for monks to practice here.After the Buddha preached and encouraged the people here, he set off for Gaya.

On the way, he stopped at Uluvelo again so that he could visit the rare Bodhi tree.The strange thing is that the old tree is more green and lovely than before.The forest is now dotted with small houses.King Bimbasara also planned to build a pagoda to commemorate the Buddha's enlightenment here.The Buddha went to the village to visit the village boys.They are as innocent and lively as the children of the past.The cow-watching boy, Svasti, is now a respected forty-seven-year-old elder in the Sangha.The village boy harvested some freshly ripened papayas to worship the Buddha.Every child in the village knows how to recite the Three Refuge texts.

The Buddha traveled northeast from Gaya to Rajagha.As soon as he arrived in the city, he went straight to Vulture Mountain.There he met Venerable Puruna.He reported to the Buddha the situation of spreading the Dharma on the island of Shuluna.He had just finished living there with several monks.There are more than 500 residents on the island who have converted to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. For the next few days, the Buddha visited various spiritual centers in the area.One night, while he was meditating in one of the centers, the Buddha heard the voice of a monk chanting.He noticed that there was a little uneasiness in that voice, as if the monk was very depressed.The Buddha knew that this monk must have encountered difficulties in his practice.The next morning, when the Buddha asked Venerable Ananda, he knew that the monk who recited the opera was Suna.The Buddha still remembered meeting him in Savatthi some years ago.

The Venerable Suna is a monk who relies on the Venerable Mahachizana.He practiced with Venerable Mahachatana on Mount Popot for several years.Suna is a young rich man.He was intelligent by nature and graceful in manner, but a little weak in constitution.Therefore, after he became a bhikkhu, he had to work hard to survive the life of living without a fixed place and eating one meal for a solar eclipse.Even so, his will to practice has not wavered.A year later, his teacher introduced him to the Buddha who was then in Savatthi. At the first meeting, the Buddha asked Suna, "Suna, how is your health? Have you encountered any problems in practicing, begging and propagating the Dharma?"

Su Na replied: "World Honored One, I am fine. I haven't encountered any difficulties yet." The Buddha asked Ananda to arrange everything for Suna and let him spend the night in the Buddha's house.Ananda then made another bed and put it in the house.That night, the Buddha sat in meditation outside the house until three o'clock in the evening.For this reason, Suna could not sleep at night.When the Buddha came in, the friend asked him, "Have you not slept yet?" "World Honored One, I haven't slept yet." "Aren't you tired? Then why don't you recite some verses you have memorized?"

So Venerable Su recited aloud the sixteen verses of the Anpan Shouyi Sutra.His voice was clear and loud, and he read word for word, very smoothly.The Buddha said in admiration, "You recite beautifully! How long have you been ordained?" "My lord, I have just been ordained for just over a year. I have only tried abstaining once." That was the first meeting between Buddha and Suna.Now, when the Buddha heard Suna chanting, he knew that Suna was working too hard.He asked Ananda to accompany him to Suna's hut.Seeing the Buddha, Suna immediately sat up and prostrated himself.The Buddha asked Suna and Ananda to sit beside him, and then asked Suna, "You were a musician before you became a monk, right? You specialized in playing the sixteen-string sitar, didn't you?"

"Yes, World Honored One." The Buddha asked Suna again: "If you play the nasita when the strings are loose, what will be the effect?" Suna replied: "World Honored One, if the strings are too loose, the sitar will go out of tune." "So what if the strings are too tight?" "World Honored One, if the strings are too tight, they will break easily." "What if the strings were just right, not too loose and not too tight?" "World Honored One, if the tension of the string is just right, the sitar will play beautiful music."

"That's right, Su Na! If a person is lazy, he will not achieve anything in practice. But if a person works too hard, he will also be exhausted and unable to cheer up. Su Na, you have to use your strength Instead, you don’t need to oppress your body and mind to its limit. This kind of practice will prove the fruit of the Tao.” Venerable Suna stood up and bowed to the Buddha to express his gratitude to the Buddha for his understanding and reminder. One afternoon, Physician Supoka visited the Buddha.Just when the Buddha came back from the bamboo forest, Xu Bojia asked the Buddha if he could walk up the Vulture Mountain with him.Seeing the Buddha climbing the stone steps, Xu Bojia was full of admiration.The seventy-two-year-old Buddha is still so strong and strong.He walked slowly and easily, holding a bowl in one hand and a robe in the other.Venerable Ananda walked in the same gesture.When Xu Bojia said that he would hold the bowl for the Buddha, the Buddha gave him the bowl with a smile and said: "You know, the 'Tathagata' has climbed this mountain hundreds of times holding the bowl, and there has always been no problem. "

The finely carved stone steps spiraling up the side of the mountain were built by Xu Bojia's father, King Bimbasara.After climbing the last few steps, the Buddha invited Suvaka to sit down on the boulder outside his house.Upoka inquired about the Buddha's health and about his journey.Then, he looked at Venerable Ananda and Buddha carefully, and then said in a heavy tone: "World Honored One, I think I should let you know the situation here. What happens in the monks has a direct impact on the political situation. Therefore, I think you should know everything that happened."

The doctor told the Buddha that it was obvious that Devadatta wanted to take the Buddha's place in the Sangha.Devadatta already has many supporters in the Sangha and the upper-level establishment.Qu Jiali is his counselor.He also received the support of several monks, including Kaliulatishe, Qiandadapo and Sanwen Daduo.All of them have quite a few monks under their guidance.Venerable Devadatta has both intelligence and eloquence, and many monks respect him very much.Although he did not make a positive declaration of hostility to the Buddha and his disciples, he often mentioned the Buddha's advanced age and questioned the Buddha's ability to continue to lead the Sangha.He even hinted that the Buddha's teaching methods were outdated and no longer suitable for the young people of today.Devadatta won the support of several wealthy disciples, and Xu Bojia didn't understand why Prince Ajatata supported Devadatta so much.Just as King Bimbasara respected the Buddha, so Prince Ajatasara respected Devadatta.The prince built a monastery center for Devadatta on Mount Gaya, where the Buddha used to preach the 'Fire Sutra' to the Kasyapa brothers and their thousand disciples.Every few days, the prince would personally send food here as a testimony.Therefore, those businessmen and politicians who wish to please the prince all come here to attend the puja and testify.Devadatta's influence has gradually grown.So far, three to four hundred monks have expressed their willingness to support him.

Xu Boka looked at the Buddha and said in a low voice: "World Honored One, I don't think I need to worry about what I just told you. But there is one thing that is really worrying. I heard that Prince Ajatatasatta has begun to worry about himself. He felt very impatient with policy policy. He felt that his father had been in power for too long, just like Devadatta wanted you to pass on the mantle to him. As far as I know, Devadatta gave the prince a lot of bad ideas. World Honored One, these are the impressions I got when I went back to the palace to examine their bodies last time. If King Bimbasara encounters bad luck, you and your Sangha will inevitably be implicated. World Honored One, please be careful. " The Buddha replied: "Shuboka, I am very grateful for your detailed report on 'Ru'. It is really important to know the situation at hand.Don't worry, in the unfortunate event that happens, I will not drag the Sangha down. " After Xu Bojia bowed to the Buddha, he went back down the mountain.The Buddha asked Ananda in a daze not to reveal to others what Xu Bojia said that day. Ten days later, the Buddha taught three thousand disciples in the bamboo forest.King Bimbisara also attended the lecture.The Buddha taught the 'five powers' necessary for fruition.They are Faith, Effort, Mindfulness, Concentration and Wisdom. The Buddha had just finished speaking, and before he had time to ask questions, Devadatta stood up and bowed to the Buddha.He said, "My lord, you are old and your health is not as good as before. You should live an ordinary life so that you can enjoy your old age comfortably. My lord, the responsibility of leading the Sangha is too heavy for you. Please retire. I would like to serve the monks and be their leader." Buddha looked at Devadatta.He replied: "Devada, thank you for your concern for me. However, the 'Tathagata' is still healthy and has enough physical strength to lead the Sangha." Devadatta turned around to face the crowd.Three hundred monks immediately stood up and closed their palms.Devadatta said to the Buddha again: "There are still many monks who agree with what I said. World Honored One, please don't worry. I am capable of leading the Sangha. Let me relieve you of the burden." The Buddha said: "That's enough, Devadatta, don't say any more. Although there are several great disciples in the Sangha who are more capable than you, I still haven't asked any of them to succeed as the leader of the Sangha. Then how could I?" Let me give you this seat. You are not yet qualified to lead a group of monks." Venerable Devadatta felt humiliated in public.He blushed and sat down again with an angry face. On the Vulture Mountain the next day, Ananda confided to the Buddha: "World Honored One, I am very saddened by the behavior of my elder brother Devadatta. I am afraid that he will take revenge on you for being humiliated in public. I am also afraid that the Sangha will split from the beginning. .If you approve, I would like to speak with Devadatta privately, hoping to give him some advice." The Buddha said: "Ananda, I will treat Devadatta so harshly tomorrow because I want everyone to know clearly that he is not the person I want to pass on the mantle. How he will deal with me now is all his responsibility. Ah Nanda, if you think talking to him will calm him down, go ahead and try." A few days later, Xu Bojia came to remember the Buddha again.He told the Buddha that Devadatta was planning to split the Sangha into factions, but he had no word yet on what method he would take. This day is the weekly puja day of the Buddha in the bamboo forest.A large group of devotees came to listen to him, including King Bimbisara and Prince Ajatasat.Venerable Ananda noticed that the number of monks who came from other spiritual centers was larger than the number of the previous two pujas.The Venerable Devasata was also present, sitting between the two Venerables Sariputta and Mahakassapa. Again, Devadatta stood up and bowed to the Buddha as soon as the Buddha had finished speaking.He said: "World Honored One, you often teach monks to live a life without desires and desires. It is enough to have the most necessary things in life. Now I would like to propose five new monk rules to make our lives more in line with the simple in principle." First, monks should live only in the forest and not in villages or cities. Second, monks should only live by begging for food, and are not allowed to accept food from believers at home. Thirdly, monks should use rags discarded by others to sew robes, and are not allowed to accept offerings from lay people in this regard. Fourth, monks should only sleep under trees, not in rooms or houses. Fifth, monks should eat only vegetarian food. "World Honored One, if monks follow these five rules, they will surely be able to live a life free from desires and desires." The Buddha replied: "Devada, the Tathagata cannot accept the new regulations you proposed as mandatory monk regulations. Of course, monks who voluntarily live in the forest can do so at any time. But other monks can still stay in the monastery. , living in villages or cities. Any bhikkhu who just wants to beg for food can refuse to accept food offered by lay people at home. However, those monks who think that accepting food at home may help to spread the Dharma can still do so. Use The rags and clothes should also be done according to the monk's intention. As long as they do not exceed the principle of having three clothes, the monks can accept this aspect of offerings. Of course I am happy to see that the monk only sleeps at the bottom of the tree. But those monks who are still in the room, I also welcome. The monks who only eat vegetarian food are rare. But as long as the monks know that the lay people are not dedicated to feeding them, they can still accept meat. Food. Devadatta, in the current monk regulations, monks have many opportunities to contact lay people. In this way, they can share the teachings with others, so that more people can come into contact with the path of enlightenment.” Venerable Devadatta asked, "Then you are not willing to accept these new rules, are you?" The Buddha replied: "Yes, Devadatta, 'Tathagata' cannot be accepted." Devadatta sat down after bowing, with a secretly satisfied smile on the corner of his mouth. That night, when the Buddha was resting in the house in the bamboo forest, he said to Ananda: "'Tathagata' actually understood Devadatta's intentions. I believe that there will soon be a split in the Sangha." One day not long after, Ananda met Venerable Devadatta in Rajagha.They stopped by the side of the road to exchange a few words.Devadatta revealed to Ananda that he had set up another Sangha to hold his own precepts, repentance, seclusion and self-indulgence days for the monks who followed him.After Ananda heard the news, he was very sad and immediately went back to tell the Buddha.At the ensuing confession ceremony in the bamboo grove, Ananda noticed that hundreds of monks who regularly attended were lacking in salvation.He knew they must have gone to the center of Devadatta. After the confession, several monks came to see the Buddha.They said: "World Honored One, the monks who followed Devadatta kept urging us to join his Sangha. They thought that Devadatta's monk rules were stricter than yours. They all took your refusal to accept Devadatta They all said that the life of the Sangha in the Bamboo Grove was too tolerant, and it was no different from the life of a layman. They also said that you just talk about living a simple life without really actively enforcing strict rules. They all think you are hypocritical. World Honored One, we are not persuaded by them, because we all have full confidence in your wisdom. But some younger monks who are inexperienced in practice, especially those who have been ordained by Devadatta, tend to believe in his five strict rules. They have decided to leave the Sangha tonight to join Devadatta. We just thought we should let you know." The Buddha replied: "Please don't worry too much about this matter. The most important thing is that you should practice hard and be a pure and noble monk." A few days later, Xu Bojia visited the Buddha on Vulture Mountain and told him that Devadatta had more than five hundred monks following him.They all reside in the center of Devadatta on Mount Gaya.Xu Bojia also told the Buddha that Devadatta was also one of the active members of the secret political activities going on in the city.He therefore suggested that the Buddha publicly declare that Devadatta no longer belonged to the Buddha's Sangha. The news that Devadatta established an independent Sangha quickly spread.Monks are asked about this everywhere.The Shariputra instructed them to respond with a simple answer, simply saying 'He who has a bad cause will naturally be rewarded with a bad result.It is a serious violation of teachings to cause a split in the Sangha. One day the Buddha was talking to some monks about Suvaka's suggestion that he officially declare Devadatta no longer part of the Sangha.After the Venerable Sariputta took a closer look, he said, "World Honored One, we have always praised Devadatta's wisdom and virtues in front of everyone. Now, is it appropriate to declare that we have separated from him in public?" The Buddha said: "Shariputra, you praised Devadatta in the past, are you telling the truth?" "World Honored One, of course I truly praise him." "You are now publicly denouncing Devadatta's actions, are you also telling the truth?" "Of course, World Honored One." "That way there will be no problem. The most important thing is to tell the truth." At a lay meeting a few days later, the bhikkhu announced to the congregation that Devadatta had been expelled from the Buddha's Sangha and that the Sangha would no longer be responsible for his actions. During this series of actions, the two venerables, Sariputta and Moggallana, were extremely silent.That is, when the believers asked questions about this matter, they were silent and unwilling to answer.Aware of this situation, Ananda asked them: "Brothers, you have never expressed any opinion on Devadatta's travels. Do you have other plans?" They smile.The Venerable Moggallana said, "Yes, Ananda. We have our own way of serving the Buddha's monks." There is a lot of gossip about the split in the Sangha.Most blame jealousy and low stamina.Others suspected that there was something wrong with it, so that the Buddha publicly declared that he would disassociate himself from Devadatta.However, their faith in the Buddha and the Sangha has never been shaken. On a stormy morning, people in the city were shocked to hear the news that King Bimbasara was going to abdicate to Prince Ajatasat.The coronation ceremony of the new king has been planned to be held on the full moon day ten days later.The Buddha was a little concerned that he did not hear this news directly from King Bimbisara.King Bimbasara has always consulted with the Buddha before making important decisions.Therefore, the Buddha felt very doubtful about the suddenness of this incident. A few days later, when Xu Bojia visited again, the Buddha's doubts were confirmed to be correct. The Buddha was walking meditation on the mountain path with Xu Bojia.They walked slowly and silently, watching their own breathing.After walking for a while, the Buddha asked Xu Bojia to sit with him on the big stone.At this time, Xu Bojia told the Buddha that Prince Ajatashata had put King Bimbasara under house arrest.The king is trapped in the palace.No one can meet the king except the queen.Even the king's two most trusted counselors were similarly banned.Their family members were deceived into thinking that they had important matters to discuss in this palace and could not go home. Xu Bojia knew so many inside stories, and only learned the details because he entered the palace to treat the queen's illness a few days ago.The queen said that one night more than a month ago, the guards in front of the imperial court discovered that the prince had quietly entered the king's bedroom, acting suspiciously.After searching, they found that he was hiding a sword.So they had no choice but to escort him to the king.The king looked at his son and said, "Ajatasatta, why did you enter my bedroom with a sharp sword?" "Father, I'm here to kill you." "But why are you doing it?" "I want to be king myself." "Why do you want to kill your father and become king? As long as you discuss with me, I will definitely give you the throne." "I don't believe you would. But I was clearly wrong, so please forgive me." The king asked him, "Whose idea is this?" Prince Ajatatatru refused to answer at first, but after cross-examination, he admitted that it was Devadatta's idea.Although it was late at night, the king still summoned his two counselors and asked them for their opinions.One of them thought that trying to kill the king was a capital offense, so the prince and Devadatta should be executed at the same time.He also suggested that all monks should also be executed. The king disagreed. "I can't kill Ajatatru. He is my own son. As for the monks, they have already stated that they will not be responsible for Devadatta's actions. The Buddha really had a foresight. He had already predicted that Devadatta would do this recklessly, So disown him. But I also don't want to execute Devadatta. He is a close relative of the Buddha and was a respected monk." Another counselor exclaimed, "Your Majesty, your compassion is immeasurable! You are a true disciple of the Buddha. But how do you deal with this situation?" The king said, "Tomorrow I will announce to the people that I will abdicate to my son, Prince Ajatasat. His coronation will take place in ten days." "But what about the crime of the prince's intentional assassination?" "I forgive my son and Devadatta. I hope they both will learn from my forgiveness to them." The two counselors and the crown prince bowed deeply to the king.The king also ordered the guards not to make this matter public.The next day, after hearing the news that the king had abdicated, Devadatta rushed to the city to meet the prince.Later, the prince only told the queen that Tampo Da Duo came to discuss with him the arrangements for the coronation ceremony.But the queen found out that two days later, the king and the two counselors were under house arrest.Subhaka concluded his report thus: "Lord Buddha, I prayed day and night only in the hope that the Crown Prince would release the Majesty and his counselors after his coronation." The next day, a royal envoy sent an invitation.The Buddha and monks are invited to visit the coronation ceremony.The guards in the whole city have put up lights and arranged the streets.The Buddha also knew that Venerable Tiddha would bring 600 monks to watch the ceremony.The Buddha then summoned the Venerable Shariputra and said to him: "Shariputra, I do not intend to participate in the coronation ceremony, nor do I want the monks in my Sangha to participate. We cannot make any support for this unfair violence. " The shortcomings of the Buddha and his monks are clearly visible in the ceremony.Questions arose in people's hearts.It was not long before the public became aware of the fact that King Bimbisara and his advisors were under house arrest.People all over the country began to make silent resistance to the new dynasty.Although Devadatta claimed to be the leader, most people saw that the monks under them were very different from the Buddha's monks.Believers began to stop supporting Devadatta's disciples.Their move also represented the condemnation of the new king. King Ajatasatta was very angry about this.But he dared not do anything against Buddha or his Sangha.He knew that if he was against the Buddha, the people would revolt.Furthermore, the neighboring countries have always admired the Buddha very much, and if the Buddha suffers, they will certainly not sit idly by.King Pasenadi of Kosala is more likely to send out troops to protect the Buddha.King Ajatasatta had no choice but to discuss it carefully with Devadatta. It was very late at night, and the Buddha was sitting in meditation on the Vulture Mountain.He suddenly opened his eyes and saw a person half-hidden behind a tree.Buddha called him out.Under the bright moonlight, the man stepped forward, put a sharp sword under the Buddha's feet, and then fell down on the ground as if he was about to make an offering. Buddha asked, "Who are you? Why are you here?" The man said loudly: "Master Gotama, please let me bow down to you. I was sent to assassinate you, but I just couldn't kill you. When you were sitting in meditation just now, I raised this sword no less than ten times." , but I can't raise my feet to approach you. I can't kill you, but I'm afraid that the master will kill me because of it. When you called me just now, I was thinking about what to do. Please allow me to bow to you and apologize!" Buddha asked: "Who sent you to assassinate 'Tathagata'?" "I dare not tell who the owner is!" "Well, I don't force you to say the master's name. But what does he tell you?" "Master, he taught me to go up the mountain by that path, and instructed me to go down the mountain by that path after I have done my work." "Do you have a wife and children?" "No, master. I have not married a wife yet, and there is only my mother at home." "Then listen to my instructions carefully. You go home immediately, and leave overnight with your mother to the neighboring country of Kosaro. You and your mother can live a new life there. Don't go down the mountain according to the path your master taught you, he There will definitely be an ambush to kill you. Let's go now!" The man fell on the ground again, and then fled, leaving behind the sword. The next morning, two venerables, Shariputra and Moggallana, came and said to the Buddha: "We think it is time for us to visit the other Sangha. We hope to persuade those disciples who have gone astray due to ignorance. We have come here to ask for your permission to leave us for an extended period of time." The Buddha looked at them and said, "Go if you think it is necessary. But you have to be careful and try to protect yourself so that your life is not in danger." At this moment, the Venerable Sariputta noticed the sword lying on the ground.He looked into Buddha's eyes, as if he wanted to ask him a question.The Buddha nodded and said, "Yes, last night someone sent soldiers to assassinate 'Tathagata', but 'Tathagata' came to guide him in the end. Just leave the sword here. When Xu Bojia comes, I will ask him to replace it. I'll take it." Moggallana looked at Shariputra and said, "Under such circumstances, perhaps we should not leave the Buddha. Brother, what do you think?" Before Shariputra answered, the Buddha said: "Don't worry. 'Tathagata' can avoid danger." That afternoon, several monks came from the bamboo forest to meet the Buddha.They were so depressed that they could not speak.Tears rolled down his face.The Buddha asked, "What happened? Why are you weeping?" A monk wiped away his tears and replied: "World Honored One, we just came from the bamboo forest. On the way, we met Shariputra and Moggallana. When we asked them where they were going, they said they were going to Mount Gaya. We really I was so sad that I couldn't help crying. More than five hundred monks have deserted the Sangha, but we couldn't have imagined that two of your chief disciples would desert you." The Buddha smiled and comforted them, saying: "Bhikkhus, don't be sad. 'Tathagata' has great confidence in Shariputra and Moggallana. They will not betray the Sangha." At this time, the monks felt more at ease and sat down at the Buddha's feet. The next day, Supoka offered a feast to the Buddha in the mango orchard.Venerable Ananda also accompanied him.After the meal, Supoka told them that Queen Vitiyan was also visiting and asked the Buddha if he would mind meeting her.The Buddha knew that Xu Bojia had arranged this date on purpose, so he asked Xu Bojia to invite the former queen to come out. After bowing to the Buddha, the queen began to sob.The Buddha let her relieve the depression in her arms, and then said softly: "Please tell me everything." The Queen said, "Lord, King Bimbisara's life is at stake. King Ajatasatta intends to starve him to death. He will not allow me to bring food to my husband." She said that when the king was under house arrest, she could visit him with food.But one day when she entered the inner palace with food as usual, the guards took the food away and only let her in empty-handed.She also told the Buddha that when the king saw her crying, he advised her not to be sad, because he was never angry with his son's behavior.He said that he would rather starve to death than see the country in turmoil.The next morning, she put small rice balls in her hair and held a bowl of food in her hand.The guards only confiscated the pot of food, but didn't notice the small rice balls in her hair.In this way, she was able to continue feeding her husband for a few days.But when King Ajatasatta found that the king was not starved to death, he asked the guards to search the queen thoroughly.In the end, they found her hiding the rice balls, so she couldn't feed the king anymore. Three days later, she came up with another method.Before she visits her husband, she washes and dries her body, then makes a paddle of milk, honey, and flour and smears it on her body.After the body was dry again, he put on his clothes and went to the inner palace.The guard didn't see any rice balls in her, so he let her in.At this time, she took off her clothes and carefully cut off the oar pieces for her husband to eat.So far, she has successfully brought oars to the king twice, but she is afraid that when the matter is revealed, even the chance to see the king may be deprived. The queen couldn't help crying again.Buddha sat silently.It was a long time before he asked about the king's health and mental condition.The queen told the Buddha that although the king had lost a lot of weight, he was still able to sustain himself, and his spiritual will was very high.He showed no sign of remorse.He continued to talk and laugh as usual, as if nothing had happened.He used the forbidden time to meditate.He was walking meditation in a long corridor in the palace.A rear window of his room faced Vulture Mountain.He sits in meditation facing Niwang Peak for a period of time every day. The Buddha then asked the queen if she had contacted her elder brother King Pasenadi.When the queen said she could not do this, the Buddha said he would send a monk to Savatthi to inform King Pasenadi, asking him to help as much as possible. The queen thanked the Buddha.Then, she revealed that before King Ajatasatta was born, the astrologers in the palace had predicted that the prince would betray his father in the future.During her pregnancy, she had a sudden urge to bite Dawang's finger to suck blood.She herself was intimidated by this desire, and she didn't believe that she would have such a terrifying idea.She was most afraid of seeing blood since she was a child, and couldn't bear to see poultry being killed.And that day, she actually longed to taste his husband's blood.She resisted the desire so hard that she burst into tears.Feeling very ashamed, she covered her face with her hands and refused to tell the king her troubles.One day not long after, when King Bimbisara was peeling fruit with a knife, he accidentally cut his finger.The queen couldn't find herself, and wanted to suck the blood from the king's fingers.Although the king was shocked, he did not stop her.The queen then fell to the ground and wept.The king quickly helped her up and asked her what happened.Only then did she tell the king of her terrifying desires.No matter how hard she tried to resist, she was still unable to resist the involuntary impulse.But she knew that the baby inside her was the source of this murderous thought. The celestial figures of the royal family suggested that the baby should be aborted, or that he should be killed after it was born.But Bimbisara King and Queen couldn't bear to do this.When the prince was born, they named him Ajatsatru, which means 'enemy without birthplace'. The Buddha suggested that it is best for the queen to see the king only once in two or three days, so as not to arouse the suspicion of King Ajatasat.In this way, each visit of hers can be longer.He also suggested that the king should eat a little less of the nourishing oar each time, so as to save some for the queen to eat when she is not visiting.After making these suggestions, the Buddha took his farewell to Supoka and returned to Vulture Mountain. After staying in Mount Gaya for just over a month, the two venerables, Shariputra and Moggallana, returned to the bamboo forest.The monks were very happy to see them back.But when they asked the two venerables about the situation of Mount Gaya, Sariputta and Moggallana just smiled.A few days later, more than three hundred monks from Devadatta's sangha returned to the bamboo forest.The monks in the bamboo forest were very excited, and they were all busy welcoming the brothers back to the nest.Four days later, Venerable Shariputra made an accurate count and found out that there were as many as three hundred and eighty monks who had returned from Mount Gaya.So, together with Venerable Moggallana, he led them to the Vulture Mountain to meet the Buddha. Standing outside his house, the Buddha saw the monks led up the mountain by two elder disciples.All the other monks who lived on Vulture Hill came out of their houses to welcome the returning monks.Shariputra and Moggallana left the monks for a while so that they could have a private meeting with the Buddha.After prostrating to the Buddha, they were invited to sit down.Venerable Shariputra smiled and said, "Lord Buddha, we have brought back nearly four hundred monks." Buddha said, "You have done well. Tell me, how did you convert them?" The Venerable Moggallana recounted: "World Honored One, when we first arrived, Devadatta had just finished his lunch and was about to give a discourse to the monks. He seemed to want to imitate you. When he saw us, he was very happy. , and asked Shariputra to come to the podium and sit beside him. But Shariputra refused, and only sat on one side of the podium with me. Devadatta bhikkhu said: "Today, Venerable Shariputra and Moggallana All of them have come here with us. They are all good friends of mine from the past. Let me take this opportunity to ask Venerable Sariputta to give you today’s teaching.'” Devadatta turned around and clasped his hands to Sariputta.The senior brother accepted his invitation and went forward to speak.He expounded the Four Noble Truths in a very beautiful way.All the monks were intoxicated.But I noticed that Devadatta was dozing off.He was obviously exhausted by the recent events in the city.Before the Fa conference was halfway through, he had already fallen asleep. We have participated in all their activities during our more than a month in Mount Gaya.Every three days, Brother Shariputra will give a lecture to a monk.His teachings to the monks are all from the bottom of his heart.I once noticed Devadatta's counselor Gokari whispering in his ear, but Devadatta ignored him.I believe Qu Jiali wanted to remind him to beware of us from time to time.However, Devadatta was very happy to have someone like Brother Sariputta speak for him. One day, just after teaching the teachings of 'Four Mindfulness', Shariputra said to all the monks: 'This afternoon, Venerable Moggallana and I will leave you and return to the Buddha and his Sangha.Dear brothers, there is only one Guru Gotama who is truly enlightened.The Sangha of monks was founded by the Buddha.He is who we are.I know the Buddha will welcome you back very much.Brothers, there is nothing more painful than seeing the Sangha divided.I have only met one true teacher in my life and he was Buddha.We are leaving today.But if you decide to return to the Buddha, please come to the bamboo forest.At that time, we will take you to Vulture Mountain to meet the Buddha. ' "That's right, Devada, I went into the city on business, and Venerable Qukali, who has always been scruples about us, stood up and protested. He even insulted us with rude words, but we just turned a deaf ear to them. We took back After removing our own clothes, we quietly left Gaya Mountain and went to the Bamboo Forest Abode. We stayed in the Bamboo Forest Abode for five days. Not long after, 380 monks arrived from Gaya." 舍利弗尊者问道：“世尊，这些比丘有需要再受戒吗？如果有需要的话，我会在他们正式跟你见面之前，替他们安排一个受戒仪式。” 佛陀说：“不必了，舍利弗。他们在僧众面前忏悔过失便足够了。” 两位弟子鞠躬后，便再与待着的比丘会合。 接着的数天，再有三十五个比丘离开伽耶山。舍利弗尊才为他们举行过忏过大会之后，便把他们引见佛陀。阿难陀尊者与这三十五位刚回来的比丘畅谈伽耶山的情况。他们说，当提婆达多从王舍城回来，发觉近四百名比丘已回到佛陀的僧团时，他怒得脸色发紫。接下来的几天，他都没有与任何人说过一句话。 阿难陀问道：“舍利弗和目犍连两位师兄对你们说了什么，才使得你们离开提婆达多尊者，而回到佛陀这里？” 其中一个比丘答道：“他们从没有说提婆达多尊或伽耶山僧团的一句坏话。他们只是全心全意的说法。我们大都是受戒了只两年、修行功夫仍未稳固的比丘。当我们听了舍利弗师兄的开示和受过目犍连师兄的教导后，我们才体会到佛陀的教理是如何的高深奥妙。有舍利弗和目犍连两位尊者的高德与智慧在我们之中，就如同伸缩陀在我们之中一样。我们不能不承认提婆达多的口才很了不起，但他与两位尊者相比，便不可同日而语。舍利弗和目犍连两位尊者离开后，我们都再作详细的考虑，才决定回来佛陀这里的。” 阿难陀问道：“你们离开时，瞿伽梨比丘有何反应？” “他怒气冲冲的咒骂我们，但这令我们更坚决要离开。” 一天，佛陀正站在山坡上欣赏着黄昏的景色时，他突然听到山下有人大叫：“世尊，小心啊！有巨石在你背后滚下！” 佛陀转头一看，见到如牛车般大小的巨石正向他滚来。因为山径的岩古凹凸不平，佛陀一时间很难退避。幸而巨石将滚至佛陀之处时，便被另两块大石挡住。可是，那些大石的撞力很猛，导致一些碎石顿时四散。佛陀的足部被其中一块碎石击中，血流如泉，把衲衣也染得通红。抬头一望，佛陀只见一个人在山上急急逃走。 他的伤口非常疼痛。他把披搭外衣摺作坐垫，放在地上。跟着，他跏趺坐在其上，集中呼吸以能平伏痛楚。比丘们都朝他来。一个比丘喝道：“这一定是提婆达多所为！” 另一个比丘说：“各位兄弟，让我们分头四处巡逻山间，以确保佛陀的安全。另再费时了！” 全部比丘都在那儿团团转，闹得本来平静的傍晚没点安宁。佛陀说：“兄弟们，请别吵闹。没有需要这样嘈吵的。'如来'不需要受保护或看守。请回去你们的房子吧。阿难陀，派周那沙弥前去请戌博医师到来。” 他们都如佛陀吩咐去做。戌博迦没拖延，立刻上到灵鹫山，并嘱他们把佛陀用担架抬下山去，前往芒果园。 不到几天，城里的人便知道佛陀曾两次被袭。他们都觉得难以置信，而且感到非常不安。同一时间，他们又获通告频婆娑罗王逝世的消息。他们现在才从方面获悉大王曾被软禁的事实。人民的心里，满是悲愤。他们都以灵鹫山作为他们精神上反抗新王的力量象徽。他们越发对先王哀悼，对佛陀的崇敬便越发加深。虽然佛陀对近来发生的连串事件都保持缄默，但每个人对他的缄默，都十分谅解。 频婆娑罗王去世时六十七岁。他比佛陀年轻五年。他三十一岁那年，在佛陀的带导下接受三皈依。十五岁继位的他，总共在位五十二年。其间，他曾在王舍城被大火烧毁后，重建城都。在他统治之下，摩揭陀一直享受太平，只经历过一场与鸯伽国的短战。鸯伽的婆罗提多王战败后，鸯伽便有一段时间落入摩揭陀的控制范围。登位的补库萨提王，因与频婆娑罗王交和，两回便再没有冲突了。也因为这个原故，补库萨提王也成为了佛陀的门徒。频婆娑罗王一向都明白和睦邻国的重要。他自己与憍萨罗国波斯匿王的妹妹憍萨罗鞞毗公主成亲，让她成为王后。他又从摩达罗与离车两族迎娶妃妾。他自己的姊姊则嫁给憍萨罗的大王为妻。 频婆娑罗王为了表示对佛陀的深切敬爱，在宫中的庭园里建了一个塔来供奉佛陀的头发与指甲。塔底四周的香烛长期燃点着，以表示他对佛陀教诲的感恩。他安排一个名叫窣禄摩蒂的宫女专职打理此塔。窣禄摩蒂把塔旁的花划细心料理，又把四周的台阶级打扫，保持清洁。 用巨石袭击佛陀的事件之后十天，佛陀与几个比丘在城中乞食时，阿难陀尊者突然见一头大象冲向他们。大象似乎是从宫中的象房逃出来的。他认出这头大象叫摩罗祗梨。它的凶悍难驯，是人所共知的。阿难陀没法明白看管象房的，怎会让它逃了出来。这时，所有的人都慌忙逃跑。大象扬着象鼻、耳朵和尾巴，直冲向佛陀。阿难陀抓着佛陀手臂，想把他拉开闪避，但佛陀却一动不动。他屹然而立，气定神闲。一些比丘在他背后蹲着，另一些则拼命飞奔。人人都尖叫着，呼唤佛陀避开。阿难陀鼓起勇气，上前站在佛陀与摩罗祗梨之间，就在这时，阿难陀也预料不到佛陀竟会喊出一声威猛的巨叫。那是往昔在波奈耶伽的罗稽特森林里，佛陀对象后朋友的叫声。 听到此巨叫声时，摩罗祗梨只离开佛陀不到十尺。它突然停住了。大象四脚跪下，低头头，像要向佛陀顶礼一般。佛陀轻抚摩罗祗梨的头上，然后一手握着它的鼻子，引领它回到宫里的象房。 众人都拍掌欢呼。阿难陀微笑。他回想起昔日他和佛陀还是小伙子的时候。年青的悉达多在武术上未适敌手。他的武艺样样皆精箭术、举重、剑术、赛马等，而今天，佛陀竟能把一头狂奔乱撞的大象，也驯服得如他的老朋友一样贴服。比丘和群众一起随着佛陀步往象房。抵达时，佛陀给那看管的一记严厉的目光，但接着却用慈悲的语气说：“'如来'不需要知道谁主使你的放大象出来。但你应该明白这种行为的严重后果。数十人，甚至数百人，都可能因此而送命。你要保证再没有此种情形出现啊。” 那看管的向佛陀跪下，鞠躬作礼。佛陀扶他起来后，便继续与比丘们乞食。 佛陀与他的比丘，全部都前往参加频婆娑罗王的葬礼。丧礼仪式庄严肃穆。民众都对失去贤君而感到十分悲恸。各人都纷纷前来给大王致以最后的敬礼。现场有超过四千名比丘。 葬礼完比后，佛陀在戌博迦的芒果园度宿一宵才返回灵鹫山。戌博迦告诉他，在过去的一个月，毗提醯王后都被禁止往访大王。大王独自一个人过世。他被发现死去时，是倒卧在他最喜欢的窗前。他呼最后一口气时，双眼仍朝灵鹫山的方向望着。 葬礼之后不久，戌博迦带了频婆娑罗王与莲花伐蒂王妃的的儿子，无畏王子，来谒见佛陀。王子要求成为比丘。他告诉佛陀，自他父亲死后，他已对荣华富贵的生活不感兴趣。他曾多次听佛陀说法，并且对觉悟之道非常向往。他很想过比丘平和清净的生活。佛陀欣然接受他的请求，让他加入僧团。 十日后，佛陀披上外衣，持着乞钵，离开了王舍城。他越过恒河，朝北而行，沿途往访大林精舍之后，便前往舍卫城。又快将是雨季了。他要回到祗园精舍准备一年一度的安居。阿难陀、舍利弗和目犍连三位尊者，偕同三百比丘与佛陀同行。 抵达舍卫城之后，佛陀直往祗园精舍。许多的比丘和比丘尼都已齐集来欢迎他。他们对摩揭陀发生的事故都略有所闻。现在见到佛陀安然无恙，他们才较为安心。契摩比丘尼也在场。她现在是尼众的主持。 波斯匿王知道佛陀抵步，便立刻前来谒见。在谈及王舍城的情况时，佛陀给他细说每一事件，包括了曾与他的亲妹毗提醯夫人的会面。他告诉大王虽然毗提醯夫人表面仍然保持安祥，但她其实内心充满悲凄。波斯匿王说，他已派遣了人员前往王舍城，要求甥生阿阇世王解释软禁频婆娑罗王一事。这是一个月前的事了，但到现在还没有回覆。波斯匿王已有再传口讯，告诉阿阇世王如有需要的话，可以随时到舍卫城亲自向他解释。为了表示他对此次事件的不满，波斯匿王已下令讨回他妹妹嫁给频婆娑罗王时，送给摩揭陀的一区地域。这地区就在伽尸的婆罗奈斯城外。 安居的第一天，所有的修道中心和精舍都住满了比丘。每十日，佛陀便会在祗园精舍给所有的僧尼说法开示。这些法会通常都是午饭后举行的。从远处前来的僧尼因为赶不及乞食，在家众便竭力的造饭供养，以确保他们不会饿着肚子听法。 佛陀这次第一讲的主题是关于快乐的。他告诉会众，快乐是真实的，而且可以落实在日常的生活之中。佛陀说：“首先，快乐并不是感官之欲的满足。感官的享受，只是真正的快乐的幻象，也其实是苦恼的根源。” “就如同一个患了痳瘋病的人，他被迫在森林里独处。他因皮肉溃澜而日夜受着疼痛的折磨。他于是掘坑燃火，站在火坑上由得皮肉烧焦，以能使疼痛短暂消除。这便是他唯一可以感到比较舒适的方法。像奇迹一般，他几年后竟然病徵暂退，可以回到村中过正常的生活。一天，他在森林里见到一群有痳瘋的人，一如他从前一般，在灼烧他们的身体和手脚。他非常同情他们，因为他现在了解到，一个健康正常的人，是不可能忍受这般的火灼的。如果现在有人要把他拉进火里，他必定会极力反抗。他了解到他曾以为是舒适的感觉，实在是一个健康正常人痛苦的源头。” 佛陀说：“欲乐就是火坑。它只会给有病的人带来快乐。一个健康的人是会退避欲欲之火的。” 佛陀解说，真正快乐的来源，是自由与自在，因为只有这样，我们才可以经验到生命的美妙。快乐就是察觉着现刻发生的一切，而同时绝无执着和忧惧。一个快乐的人会珍惜现刻正发的每一奇境，一阵凉风、清晨的天空、一朵金黄的鲜花、一棵紫竹树、一个小孩的微笑。一个快乐的人懂得欣赏这一切，而却毫没有被它们系缚着。明白了一切法的无常无我，一个快乐的人是不会被这些享受吞噬的。因此，这个快乐的人便可活得自在，无忧无惧。他明白一朵鲜花早晚会凋谢，因此它凋谢时，他不会伤心。一个快乐的人了解万法生死之必。他的快乐才是真正的快乐，因为他对死亡全不担忧或惧怕。 佛陀告诉他们，有些人相信要在未来得到快乐，首先要在目前受苦。他们在身心上作出牺牲和承受痛苦，以为这样才会获得日后的快乐。但生命是当下的存在。他们这样的牺牲，是在浪费生命。另一些人认为要得到平和、喜悦和解脱，一定要先折磨自己。他们修习异常的苦行，把自己的身心刻意摧残。佛陀说，这类修行只会令人现在在与未来都产生痛苦。又有一些人认为既然生命短促，转眼即逝，他们便应完全不顾未来，而尽情去满足他们目前的欲念需求。佛陀说，这样执于欲乐，只会替现在和未来都带来痛苦。 佛陀的教导，就是要避免两极。他所教之道，是要理智地生活，以能为现在和将来都得到快乐。解脱之道并不需要勉强身体受苦以得到将来的快乐。单靠日中一食、禅修，修习四念处、四无量心和对呼吸的觉察，一个比丘便已经可以替自己和周围的人创造现在和将来的快乐了。日中一食，可使身体健康轻盈，又可节省时间来多习修行。活得轻快自欺欺人，便可以更容易帮助到别人。比丘们独身无子，并非是一种苦行，而是为了有更多时间为要守清净之身而被剥削了快乐，那他便不是生活在教理的精神之中。一个依着贞洁之精神而生活的比丘，是会散发自在、平和与喜悦的。这种生活才会成就现在和未来的快乐。 法会之后，在家弟子富楼那纳问佛陀可否与他私谈。她告诉佛陀，她的丈夫善提婆给孤独长者现在病重。他受着很大的痛苦，以至不能前来参加法会。他的病况已渐趋严重，生命危在旦夕。他恐怕没有机会再见佛陀最后一面。 翌日，佛陀与舍利弗和阿难陀两位尊者，一起前往探望着提婆。善提婆见到他们，非常感动。他脸色苍白枯瘦，差点儿不能坐起来。佛陀对他说：“善提婆，你的一生充满快乐和意义。你曾替无数的人解除痛苦，因而打动民心，被赐'给孤独长者'的美誉。祗园精舍，更是你创建之伟绩。你为弘扬正法，也不遗余力。你一生依教奉行，替你自己、你的家人和其他人都造福不浅。你现在可以安息了。我会请舍利弗尊者多些来探望你，给你特别的指引。你不必到精舍到了。保留你的体力吧。” 善提婆合掌以表示感恩。 十五日后，佛陀的法会讲题是关于在家众的生活。他告诉在家众怎样才能在日常生活中午到真正的快乐。他再一次检讨他在早前给僧尼开示过的生活原则，'现在的平和、未来的平和'。佛陀说：“一个比丘过贞洁的独身生活以能享受现在的平和喜悦。这种生活也肯定可以替未来产生快乐。但并不只是无家室外的比丘才可享爱这种快乐的。在家众也可以信教奉行而获得同样的快乐。首先，不要为了金钱而过份沉迷于工作，以致影响目前的家庭幸福。你和你家人的快乐是首要。一个体谅的目光、一个衷心接受对方的微笑、一句关怀的话、分享着温馨和专注的一顿晚餐，这全都可以为现在这刻创造快乐。培养当下此刻的觉察，可以避免令你身边的人和你自己受到痛苦。你对别人的目光、你的微笑、以及对别人关怀的表现，全都可以创造快乐。正直的快乐，并不是靠财富与名气得来的。” 佛陀还记得几年前在王舍城与一个名叫私伽罗的商人一次的对话。一天清早，佛陀持钵离开竹林不久，在城外一条小径上遇到一个年青男子。私伽罗正向东、南、西、北、上、下等六方叩拜。佛陀停下来询问他这样做的目的。私伽罗说，这是从小他父亲便教他每天清晨必做的仪轨。他一向就是这样跟着去做，但却从来不知道有什么意思。 佛陀告诉他说：“叩拜是一种可以为现在和未来增长快乐的修行。”他告诉私伽罗向东方叩拜的时候，可以观想对父母亲的感恩。他向南方叩拜时，可以观想对师长的感恩。向西方时，可以观想对妻儿的爱护。向北明，可以观想对朋友的关怀。向下方时，可以观想对同事们的感谢。向上方时，他可以观想对所有圣贤的景仰。 佛陀教私伽罗五戒，以及怎样彻视一切，以能不再被贪念、愤怒、激情和恐惧等影响他的行径。佛陀又告诉他要远离六种导致堕落的行为，酗酒、夜间在城里的街道上蹓跶、嗜赌、涉足欢场、与损友往还、懈怠。他又教私伽罗如何断定一个人是否良朋。他说：“一个好朋友应该是恒常的。无论你是贫是富、欢喜或忧愁、成功或失败，一个好朋友对价钱的感情，都是不会动摇的。他会听你的倾诉，与你分担苦恼。他又会让你分享他的喜乐和分担他的悲伤，同时又视你的悲喜如他自己一样。” 佛陀继续他的开示：真正的快乐，可以在此生实现，尤其是当你们奉行以下几点： １、与贤德的善者结交以及避免跌入堕落之途。 ２、在对修行有帮助的环境中生活，以建立良好的品格。 ３、培养机会让自己多学习正法、戒律、以及你自己的行业。 ４、腾出时间来关心父母和妻儿。 ５、与别人分享时间、资源和快乐。 ６、尽量找机会去培养美德。不要嗜酒和赌博。 ７、学习谦逊、感因和简朴的生活。 ８、找机会亲近比丘，以研习大道。 ９、一生的生活，都以四圣谛为基本。 １０、学习禅修以能消解苦恼忧虑。 佛陀赞美那些在家庭和社会里都活用教理的在家众。他特别提到善提婆给孤独长者，并且说他是个一生致力于创造快乐、服务他人，以及作有意义生活的表表者。善提婆的心量非常深广，一生都依教奉行。佛陀说，那些比善提婆更多财富的人，他们的快乐，远远不及善提婆给予别人的快乐为多。善提婆的妻子富楼那纳伽纳听到这里，已被佛陀对她丈夫的赞美感动得流下泪来。 她站起来，恭敬的对佛陀说道：“世尊，一个有钱人的生活，尤其有很多产业的，通常都是非常忙碌。我认为那些以简单的职业维生的人，他们的生活会比较适合修行。当我们看见比丘们无家庭妻室，只拥有三衣一钵时，我们都很渴望过简朴无忧的生活。我们虽然都想活得悠闲一点，但毕竟却有太多任务缠身。我们应该怎办？” 佛陀答道：“富楼那纳伽纳，比丘们也有他们的任务啊。独身的生活是有需要日夜都专念于戒行之中。一个比丘，把自己的生命奉献大人。各位在家弟子，'如来'想你们也一尝比丘的生活。我们就叫此种修行方式'八关斋式'吧。每月两次，你们可以到寺院来受持此八戒一日一夜。你们要如比丘一般，日中一食。你们又可以行禅坐禅。你们可以全日享受贞洁、觉察、专注、轻松、平和与喜悦的僧尼生活。一天过后，你们便可以回到俗家的生活，如常的守持三皈五戒。” “各位在家弟子，'如来'将会叫比丘安排八关斋式的事宜。它可以在寺院甚或家里举行。你们可以请比丘到家里替你们主持受式仪式，和指点你们当天的修行。” 富楼那纳伽纳对佛陀这个提议非常满意。她说：“世尊，请问那八戒是什么？” 佛陀答道：“不杀、不盗、不淫、不妄语、不饮酒、不穿带华衣宝饰、不坐卧高软大床、以及不用金钱。此八戒可以使你们免堕昏沉颠倒。这天只日中一食，会让你们有更多时间修行。” 众人都很高兴佛陀作出这项提议，让他们在一些指定的日子里守持八戒。 十日后，善提婆害里仆人前来告诉舍利弗尊者，说善提婆的病情突转恶化。舍利弗于是便叫阿难陀与他一起入城。他们到达善提家里，看见他在床上卧着。一个从仆拉来两张椅子给他们坐在床边。 见到善提婆正受着肉体上的煎熬，舍利弗尊者便建议他观想佛、法、僧以能减低痛楚。“善提婆居士，让我们一起观想佛陀，彻悟的觉者；正法，智慧与慈悲之道；和僧伽，生活在和合觉察之中的高洁团体。” 知道善达婆再活不了多久，舍利弗尊者对他说：“善提婆居士，再让我们观想以下的，我的眼睛不是我，耳朵不是我，我的鼻、舌、身、意都不是我。” 善提婆依照舍利弗的指示去做。舍利弗又继续说：“让我们继续观想，我能见的不是我，能听的不是我，能嗅的、尝的、触摸的、想的都不是我。” 舍利弗又教善提婆怎样观想六种意识，我所见的不是我，所听的不是我，所嗅到、尝到、触摸到、想到的，都不是我。 舍利弗又说：“'土'，这样原素不是我。水、火、空气、空间和意识等都不是我。我没有被任何一样原素抑制或缠缚着。生与死都不能碰我。我笑，因为我从没有生，也永不会死。生不能使我存在。死也不能使我存在。” 忽然，善提婆哭起来。阿难陀惊见泪珠流下居士的面颊，便问道：“善提婆，怎么了，你不否因为不能这样观想而觉得伤心？” 善提婆答道：“阿难陀尊者，我一点也不伤心。在观想上，我绝对没有问题。我是因为太感动而落泪。我有幸侍奉佛陀和比丘超过三十年，但却从未听过像信天这样的高深教义。” 阿难陀说：“佛陀时常都有这样教导比丘和比丘尼的。” 阿难陀尊者，在家弟子也能明白和修行这些教导的。请你告诉佛陀，希望他也与在家弟子分享这样的教理。 " 当天稍后，善担婆便去世了。舍利弗和阿难陀两位尊者，都继续留在他身边，替他诵经。给孤独长者这一个家庭，是其他家庭的典范。他全家的成员都皈依了佛陀，而且更在日常生活中虔修正法。善提婆去世的前几天，他刚获悉排行最小的女儿善摩揭陀，在鸯伽与众人分享教理。她家了一个在鸯伽做官的丈夫，但他却是追随那些不穿衣服的异行头陀的。他每次叫善摩揭陀与他一起探访头陀，她都婉然拒绝。过了一段时日，她对佛道的精深理解终于打动了她的丈夫，更替很多当地的人开启了心窗。