Translating Classical Buddhism to Modern English

The Numerical Discourses

Chapter 11: The Non-Returner

(一) 阿那含 1. Non-Returning
聞如是： 一時，佛在舍衞國、祇樹、給孤獨園。 1. Thus I have heard:1 One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī.
爾時，世尊告諸比丘： 「當滅一法，我證卿等成阿那含。 云何為一法？ 所謂貪欲。 諸比丘，當滅貪欲，我證卿等得阿那含。」 2. It was then that the Bhagavān addressed the monks, “If someone were to cease one thing, I’d bear witness that they’ve become a non-returner. What’s that one thing? It’s greed. Monks, you should cease greed, then I’ll bear witness that you’ve become non-returners.”
爾時，世尊便説此偈： 3. The Buddha then spoke this verse:
  • 貪婬之所染
    眾生墮惡趣。
    當懃捨貪欲，
    便成阿那含。
  • “The stain of greed
    Makes sentient beings fall to bad destinies.
    One should endeavor to abandon greed,
    Then they’ll become a non-returner.”
T0125_.02.0566b13: 爾時，諸比丘聞佛所説歡喜，奉行。 4. When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved.

Notes

  1. For the source text, cf. T125.2.566b6-13. This sūtra corresponds to Iti 1. [back]

Translator: Charles Patton

Last Revised: 2 April 2023

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