The Numerical Discourses
Chapter 17: Breathing
| （二） 二人 | 2. Two People |
|---|---|
| 聞如是： 一時，佛在舍衛國、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： 「二人出現於世，甚為難得。 云何為二人？ 所謂如來、至真、等正覺出現於世，甚為難得。 轉輪聖王出現於世，甚為難得。 此二人出現於世間，甚為難得。」 | 2. It was then that the Bhagavān addressed the monks, “There are two people who appear in the world that are very difficult to become. Who are these two people? The Tathāgata, Arhat, and Completely Awakened One appears in the world and is very difficult to become. The noble wheel-turning king appears in the world and is very difficult to become. These, monks, are two people who appear in the world and are very difficult to become.” |
| 爾時，諸比丘聞佛所說歡喜，奉行。 | 3. When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved. |
Notes
For the source text, cf. T125.2.582c26-3a2. It’s parallel with AN 2.52-55. None of the Pali suttas have the exact expression that a buddha and a wheel-turning king are difficult to become, but this sūtra is variation of the same theme. [back]
Translator: Charles Patton
Last Revised: 25 February 2025
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