Translating Classical Buddhism to Modern English

The Numerical Discourses

Chapter 11: The Non-Returner

(三) 阿那含 3. Non-Returning (3)
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: 「當滅一法捨離一法,我證汝等成阿那含。 云何為一法? 所謂愚癡。 是故,諸比丘,當滅愚癡,我與卿等證阿那含。」 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 is that one thing? It’s delusion. Monks, you should cease delusion, 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:
  • 「愚癡之所染
    眾生墮惡趣。
    當懃捨愚癡,
    便成阿那含。」
  • “The stained of delusion
    Makes sentient beings fall to bad destinies.
    One should endeavor to abandon delusion,
    Then they’ll become a non-returner.”
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. T125.2.566b22-29. This sūtra corresponds to Iti 3. [back]


Translator: Charles Patton

Last Revised: 2 April 2023