佛本行集經

Chapter 50: THE CAUSES AND CONDITIONS OF THE FIVE HUNDRED BHIKSHUS

At that time, the bhikshus addressed the Buddha:

“Rare indeed, O World-Honored One! How was Shariputra able to gain the five hundred disciples of the non-Buddhist teacher Sanjaya Parivrajaka? They had fallen upon the perilous path of wrong views and practiced in an inverted manner, yet Shariputra was able to teach and transform them, leading them to take refuge in the Buddha. They were then instructed by the Buddha to abandon the perilous path of wrong views and, though dwelling amid suffering, attained liberation.”

Hearing the bhikshus speak thus, the Buddha said to them:

“Bhikshus, it is not only today that Shariputra has taught and transformed these five hundred followers of Sanjaya Parivrajaka, who had fallen upon the perilous path of wrong views and engaged in false practices, leading them back to take refuge in the Buddha and enabling them to escape false and inverted views and attain liberation from suffering and affliction. In the past, when these five hundred people had fallen into calamity, Shariputra likewise led them to me, and at that time I also rescued them from all suffering and affliction.”

The bhikshus said:

“We beseech the World-Honored One to explain this matter clearly for us.”

The World-Honored One told the bhikshus:

“I recall that in a past life there was a king of horses named Keshi. He was majestic in appearance, and his body was pure white like snow-white jade, silver, the full moon, or the kundra flower. His mane was deep blue, he galloped as swiftly as the wind, and his neigh sounded like the rumbling of a drum.

“At that time, in Jambudvipa, five hundred merchants were preparing to enter the great ocean. They accordingly obtained sufficient provisions and traveling supplies, bringing thirty million kinds of merchandise and one hundred thousand measures of provisions, intending to trade them for profit along the journey. They also set aside money to hire sailors.

“After completing their preparations, they went to the shore of the great ocean and performed offerings to the god of the sea. Besides fully equipping their vessel with every necessary implement, they had to hire five men: the first to steer the ship, the second to row, the third to repair the ship, the fourth to serve as a skilled diver, and the fifth to act as captain. They also said among themselves, ‘Whoever has committed an offense must repent of it and become purified.’

“They were then taught the rules of seafaring. Only afterward did they weigh anchor and enter the ocean in search of precious jewels. While the company of merchants was in the middle of the sea, a violent wind suddenly arose and blew their vessel into the land of the rakshasas. Many female rakshasas inhabited that land. As the ship approached the shore, a furious gale wrecked it, and the merchants used their hands and feet to swim ashore.

“As for the female rakshasas, whenever they had previously heard that a ship had broken apart and sunk in the sea, they would immediately go to the rescue. They saved the merchant leader and the five hundred merchants and, rejoicing beyond measure, brought them home to enjoy together the five sensual pleasures and to beget sons and daughters. Whenever the female rakshasas later heard that another vessel had sunk in the sea, they would confine the previous company of merchants within an iron city.

“After imprisoning them, the rakshasas concealed their true forms and appeared as young maidens or newly married brides. Their figures were so beautiful and lovely that they surpassed human beings and seemed no different from devas. Having transformed themselves in this way, they bathed in scented water, anointed their bodies with perfumes, and dressed in many kinds of garments.

They adorned their bodies with jeweled necklaces, wore crowns woven of exquisite flowers, hung jeweled tassels all over themselves, and further decorated their bodies with beautiful flowers and garlands, to which precious bells were attached. They hurried to the place where the ship had sunk. Upon arriving, they said to the merchants, ‘Noble sons, do not be afraid!

Noble sons, do not grieve! Extend your hands, elbows, or arms, and we shall grasp them and pull you from the water.’

“At that time, the merchants thought only of preserving their lives and feared that they would die. Believing the female rakshasas to be genuine human beings, they extended their arms to them. The female rakshasas supported the merchants and led them out of the great ocean. When they had emerged from the sea, the rakshasas spoke to them with sweet and affectionate words: ‘Excellent, noble sons! Come here! From what distant region have you come? Noble sons, will you enter with us into a lifelong union?

“‘Please have compassion and become our husbands and masters. Today we have no one to love us, so relieve us of suffering and sorrow. Be the heads of our households, and we shall attend upon you properly and without neglect. Noble sons, please come to our homes and joyfully enjoy the five sensual pleasures. Do not be afraid. We shall manage every household matter perfectly, and we possess everything you may require. The great god of the ocean loves us dearly and has therefore brought you noble sons here.’

“All the merchants then said to the female rakshasas, ‘Excellent, sisters! Set your minds at ease and wait for us a short while, until our grief has subsided.’ Afterward, they stayed together in one room and sorrowfully wailed and wept. Some cried, ‘Alas, our fathers and mothers!’ Others cried, ‘Alas, our brothers!’ Some lamented, ‘Alas, our sisters!’ Others lamented, ‘Alas, our clansmen and relatives!’ Still others lamented, ‘Alas, our noble families! Today we have been separated from our kin!’ Some lamented, ‘Now we are far removed from those we love!’ Still others lamented, ‘Alas, the realm of Jambudvipa, that supremely beautiful land!’

“They sorrowfully wept and lamented in this way, then said to one another, ‘Alas, we must endure this!’ Having spoken these words, they all breathed out hot sighs and comforted one another, gradually calming their minds. They then proceeded toward the city of the rakshasas. Before reaching the city, they saw a vast, level plain without thorns, gravel, stones, or dust. They saw only immense expanses of lush green grass, boundless and delightful to behold.

“There were also lovely groves whose branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits flourished luxuriantly, resembling blue clouds lying low upon the earth. The forests were vast and boundless and contained every kind of tree, including naga-tamala trees, kanikara trees, ashvattha trees, nyagrodha trees, udumbara trees, palasha trees, ajara trees, kalira trees, and others.

“Fragrant flowers also grew throughout the forests, including atimuktaka flowers, champaka flowers, ashoka flowers, patala flowers, parishaka flowers, kulandhra flowers, kovidara flowers, dhanushkarika flowers, mucilinda flowers, supana flowers, and others. Some of these flowers had only just formed buds; some had fully developed buds; some were beginning to open; some were in full bloom; and some were about to wither and fall.

“There were also fruits such as amra fruits, jambu fruits, kusha fruits, panasa fruits, tinduka fruits, haritaki fruits, amalaka fruits, and others. Some were still green, some were ripe, some had just ripened and were ready to eat, and some were overripe and had fallen to the ground. Some fruit trees had only just begun to blossom.

“Countless birds flew about and perched in the trees, including parrots, mynas, cuckoos, peacocks, kalavinkas, jivajivaka birds, and others.

“The lakes were filled with flowers, including blue lotuses, red lotuses, yellow lotuses, and white lotuses.

“The ponds also contained birds such as swans, waterfowl, wild geese, kunala birds, and mandarin ducks. They roamed and played there, enhancing the beauty of the lakes and ponds, delighting travelers, and dispelling their grief.

“The four walls of the city of the rakshasas were pure white like snow-white jade or an icy mountain. The city stood upon the earth and, when seen from afar, resembled a band of white clouds rising from the ground. Towers for repelling enemy forces stood upon the walls and encircled the city like an additional rampart. Moats and defensive earthworks surrounded all four sides of the city. Railings encircled each embankment, and there were towers whose windows were fitted with lattices. There were also palaces resembling those of the devas, neatly surrounded by corridors. The roads were straight and beautiful, with jeweled canopies stretched above them. Banners and parasols were erected around the city, and jeweled tables were arrayed with censers burning many kinds of exquisite incense.

“The female rakshasas brought the merchants into this city, had them change out of their old clothes, bathed their bodies in hot scented water, invited them to sit upon exceedingly luxurious seats, and provided every form of the five sensual pleasures for their enjoyment. Music of the five tones was played before them. They lived in this fashion for a long time, feeling refreshed and delighted and enjoying immeasurable pleasure together.

“Afterward, the female rakshasas said to the merchants, ‘Excellent, noble sons! There is a place south of this city to which you must not go.’

“Among the merchants was their leader, an intelligent, keen-witted man of profound and subtle discernment. He immediately became suspicious and thought, ‘For what reason do these women forbid us to go to the place south of the city? I shall wait until they are sound asleep and then seek a road to the forbidden place. Upon arriving there, I shall investigate whether the matter is good or evil. Once I understand it, I shall employ skillful means appropriate to the circumstances.’

“Having thought thus, the merchant leader kept watch. When he saw that the female rakshasas were fast asleep, he secretly left his bed without making a sound, took a sharp knife, departed from the house, and carefully searched for a way forward. Gradually, he came to a small tract of land and saw a secluded and terrifying region. No vegetation grew there, and it was exceedingly frightful. From afar, he heard people crying out loudly, like the wailing heard in the great hells. On hearing this, he became terrified, and all the hair on his body stood on end. He remained still for a long moment, regained his breath, and gradually calmed his body and mind. When his resolve had recovered, he continued along that road.

“Before he had gone very far, he saw an iron city. Its walls towered upward, and the wailing came from within it. The merchant leader arrived there and walked all around the city’s four sides but found no entrance. Only on the northern side was there a tree called the Harmonious Union Tree, which grew close to the wall and rose high above it. Seeing this, the merchant leader climbed the tree to look inside the city.

“He saw the corpses of more than a hundred people. Some had already had half their bodies eaten; some had been cut in half but had not yet died; some sat tormented by hunger and thirst; some were so emaciated that only sinews and bones remained, their eyes sunken like two stars at the bottom of a well; and some lay senseless upon the ground, their hair disheveled and their bodies covered in dust. Extremely gaunt, they cut flesh from one another and ate it. For this reason, they wailed like offenders undergoing immense suffering in the realm of King Yama.

“The merchant leader was horrified by this sight, and all the hair on his body stood on end. Only after a long while did he regain his composure. When his fear had subsided and his strength had returned, he shook a branch of the Harmonious Union Tree with his hand. When one branch moved, all the branches and leaves of the tree made a sound. The suffering people looked up toward the city wall and saw the merchant leader in the tree. On seeing him, they sorrowfully called out:

“‘Who are you? Are you a deva or a naga? A yaksha or a gandharva? An asura or a garuda? A kinnara or a mahoraga? Are you Shakra or Kaushika? Or are you the venerable Great Brahma? Have you seen us trapped in calamity and come here to rescue us from suffering?’

“They then joined their palms, bowed their heads, and paid homage to him from afar. Weeping and wailing loudly, they looked upward and said:

“‘Excellent, benevolent sir! Out of compassion for us, please bring forth great loving-kindness and compassion and save us from this calamity. We have all been separated from those we love. Please rescue us today and employ every skillful means to return us to our loved ones.’

“When the merchant leader heard these people pleading for rescue in this way, his body and mind became sorrowful and distressed. He said:

“‘You should know that I am neither a deva nor a naga, nor am I Great Brahma. I am merely a man from Jambudvipa. I entered the great ocean in search of wealth for purposes of trade and thereby came here. As we were about to return to dry land, we suddenly encountered a violent wind that wrecked our vessel. Some women came and rescued us, and from that time until now we have amused ourselves with them and enjoyed sensual pleasures. How could I possibly rescue you from your suffering?’

“The merchant leader then asked:

“‘Why do you remain here and endure such suffering?’

“Those afflicted people replied:

“‘Excellent, good man! We too came from Jambudvipa to conduct trade. Because we desired wealth, we entered the great ocean. As we were approaching the shore, a violent wind suddenly arose and wrecked our vessel. At that time, these female rakshasas rescued us from danger, and afterward they enjoyed the five sensual pleasures with us. But when they heard your cries, they knew that another vessel had broken apart and sunk in the great ocean. They immediately confined us within this iron city.

“‘We also had five hundred companions. Since we were imprisoned in this city, the rakshasas have eaten two hundred and fifty of them, and only two hundred and fifty now remain. We too previously lived with them and begot sons and daughters. The female rakshasas speak delicately, gently, and seductively, but they delight in eating flesh, and thus they devoured every boy and girl who was born.

“‘Therefore, you must be careful and must not enjoy the five sensual pleasures with them. Why? Because they possess no loving affection. They are truly terrifying!’

“The merchant leader asked again:

“‘Is there any way for your company to escape the calamity of the rakshasas?’

“They replied:

“‘There is one method.’

“The merchant leader asked:

“‘What is that method? Excellent sirs, please tell me.’

“They explained:

“‘On the night of the fifteenth day of the fourth month, during the Festival of Great Joy, when the sun and moon conjoin with the Pleiades, a king of horses named Keshi—translated in the Sui dynasty as “Many Hairs”—appears. He is majestic in form and delightful for everyone to behold. His coat is bright white like mother-of-pearl, his mane is dark blue-black, he gallops as swiftly as the wind, and his neigh sounds like a rumbling drum. Wherever the horse king stops, there naturally appears a porridge of husked rice unmixed with grain. It is exceedingly pure and white, fragrant, delicious, and complete in flavor, and it serves as food for the horse king.

“‘After eating, the horse king goes to the seashore, exposes half his body, and says three times in a human voice: “Whoever wishes to cross the exceedingly salty sea, I shall now carry you safely across it to the farther shore.” If you encounter this horse king, you will escape the calamity. This is the only way; there is no other method. If you wish to escape, you must never disclose this matter.’

“The merchant leader asked:

“‘Have you ever seen the horse king Keshi? If you have seen him, why did you not approach him? If you approached him, why did he not carry you across the sea? Surely this is merely something you first heard from someone else and is therefore false and unreal.’

“Those people replied:

“‘Excellent, benevolent sir! I heard a voice resounding from empty space, saying: “The merchants of Jambudvipa are foolish and devoid of wisdom. Why? Because on the full-moon night of the fourth month, when the Pleiades conjoin with the moon during the Festival of Great Joy, they do not travel along the northern road. If they went in that direction, they would encounter the horse king, whose form is majestic and whom one never tires of beholding. After eating his porridge, the horse king goes to the seashore, exposes half his body, and immediately proclaims three times: ‘Whoever wishes to cross the salty sea and return to dry land, I can carry them safely out of the great ocean and back to land.’”

“‘After hearing this, those who believe the voice from empty space go northward to the horse king. Those who do not believe these words turn back even though the horse king has appeared there. Because we were attached to the female rakshasas, we have now met with this calamity.’

“The merchant leader asked again:

“‘Will you come out and accompany us to the horse king?’

“They replied:

“‘When we try to climb the walls, the walls continually grow higher. When we try to dig through the earth to escape, the excavated holes are immediately filled in with soil. There will never be a time when we can leave this place. We shall certainly be eaten by the female rakshasas. How could we ever see our relatives and friends again?

“‘You must be careful and must not be heedless. May you return as you wish, swiftly reaching your homeland and reuniting with your parents, relatives, and friends. We beseech you to kindly do one thing for us.

We were born in such-and-such a region, such-and-such a city, and such-and-such a settlement. Excellent sir, when you reach our homeland, convey our greetings and wishes for good health to our parents, relatives, friends, and good spiritual companions. Then admonish our families, saying: “Relatives and friends, from this time onward, never again entertain the desire to enter the great ocean.

Why? Because the ocean contains many terrors: immense waves, violent winds, whirlpools, numerous sea dragons dwelling upon its floor, and female rakshasas. The great ocean holds many such terrifying perils.

Remain in your homeland and perform wholesome deeds, supporting yourselves in whatever appropriate way you can. Even if you must hire out your labor, you will remain alive and united with your parents, wives, children, relatives, and friends, free from separation. You should constantly practice generosity, create abundant merit, and observe the fasting precepts.”’

“When the merchant leader heard these words, he became exceedingly frightened and immediately climbed down from the Harmonious Union Tree. As soon as he had descended, the people within the city cried and wailed:

“‘Alas, what suffering! Alas, what unbearable pain! How beautiful is the land of Jambudvipa! How could we ever see that land again? Had we formerly known of this calamity, we would rather have remained in Jambudvipa and lived by eating cow dung than come to this land for the sake of wealth!’

“After descending from the tree, the merchant leader followed the old road back to his sleeping place. Seeing that all the people and female rakshasas were still sound asleep, he lay down again in his place and slept until dawn. Upon waking, he thought, ‘How can I inform the company of merchants of this matter without the female rakshasas knowing? If I hastily tell them, it will immediately be exposed. If the matter is disclosed and the female rakshasas learn of it, I fear they will imprison us in that place of calamity. Therefore, I must keep this secret until the fourth month, on the day of the Festival of Great Joy when the horse king arrives. Only then shall I disclose it to the merchants. Why? Because there is an ancient verse:

“The merchant leader thought in this way and kept the matter secret. When the fourth month arrived, on the day of the Festival of Joy, he told the merchants:

“‘Excellent, merchants! You must now be careful. Do not be heedless, do not cling, and do not give rise to defiled attachment, whether by craving these women, food and drink, or wealth. Because I have the deepest compassion for you, I wish to share a secret with you. When you see that the female rakshasas are sound asleep, assemble together at that place.’

“When the company of merchants heard the merchant leader say this, it was like a lion in a mountain forest suddenly uttering a mighty roar, at which all the other beasts in the forest become exceedingly frightened. They said to one another:

“‘We have not yet escaped the terrifying dangers of this great ocean.’

“The day passed and night fell. When the company of merchants saw that all the female rakshasas were sound asleep, they secretly left their beds and went together to the appointed place. Upon arriving, they all said to the merchant leader:

“‘Excellent, merchant leader! Please tell us whatever you have seen with your own eyes, or whatever you have heard from others. Out of compassion and for our benefit, benevolent sir, please relate it for us to hear.’

“The merchant leader told the merchants:

“‘You should know that the right time has now arrived, and the secret may be revealed.’

“The merchants said:

“‘We speak truthfully: after hearing this matter, we shall all keep it secret.’

“The merchant leader then related to them everything he had personally witnessed. When the merchants heard him recount these events, they became sorrowful, afflicted, and deeply distressed. Trembling with fear, they said to the merchant leader:

“‘Excellent, merchant leader! We must now go immediately to the horse king. Please lead us safely back to our homeland in Jambudvipa.’

“The merchant leader and the merchants immediately traveled north and assembled where the horse king Keshi was staying.

“The horse king ate porridge made of pure husked rice unmixed with grain, naturally fragrant and clean. After eating, he went to the seashore, exposed half his body, and proclaimed three times in a human voice: ‘Whoever wishes to cross the sea and reach the farther shore, I shall help carry you safely to that shore.’

“When the company of merchants heard the horse king speak thus, they rejoiced exuberantly, and all the hair on their bodies stood on end. Joining their palms, they paid homage to the horse king and said:

“‘Excellent, horse king! We greatly desire to reach the farther shore. Please carry us from this shore of the sea to the other shore.’

“The horse king told the merchants:

“‘You should know that before long the female rakshasas will come here. They will cause sons or daughters to appear before you and will display compassion, sorrow, weeping, and misery. At that time, you must not give rise to defiled attachment or affection. If you then think, “This is my wife; this is my son; this is my daughter,” then even if you have already mounted my back, you will certainly fall and be eaten by the rakshasas.

“‘But if you then think, “They are not mine, and I do not belong to them. They are not my sons or daughters,” then even if your hand grasps only a single hair of mine, I shall carry you safely from this shore of the sea to the farther shore.’

“After giving these instructions, the great horse king told the merchants:

“‘The time has now arrived. You may mount my back or grasp some part of my body or limbs.’

“Some of the merchants mounted his back, while others grasped parts of his body or his four legs. The horse king carried the company of merchants and flew through empty space as swiftly as the wind, uttering sorrowful cries as he went.

“The female rakshasas had been sleeping, but when they suddenly heard the horse king’s sorrowful cries and the sound of him galloping like the wind, they awoke. Seeing none of the company of merchants, they searched everywhere. From afar they then saw the merchants, some riding on the horse’s back and others grasping the hair of his body, all traveling through empty space. On seeing this, they hastily brought the boys and girls and ran swiftly to the seashore. They cried and wailed piteously in voices filled with anguish, saying:

“‘Noble sons! How can you bear to abandon us? Where are you going, leaving us without husbands?

You are our husbands. Previously, when you suffered the peril of shipwreck in the terrifying great ocean, we rescued you only because we wished to enter into a marital union with you. How can you now abandon us and depart for another land?

You are ungrateful and faithless! Why do you forsake us without repaying our kindness? If, while living beside our husbands, we did anything that displeased you, we now repent and beg forgiveness.

From this time onward, we shall never again dare to commit evil deeds. Husbands, men should not harbor resentment for long. Please return quickly!

Where are you going, abandoning us today? Noble sons, if you husbands no longer want us, at least take these sons and daughters with you!’

“Although the female rakshasas spoke such sorrowful and piteous words, the horse king Keshi safely carried the five hundred merchants from the great ocean to Jambudvipa.

“Bhikshus, what do you think? Do not entertain doubts concerning the horse king Keshi of that time. He was no one else, nor should you think otherwise: he was I myself. The great merchant leader among the five hundred merchants was none other than the present bhikshu Shariputra. The five hundred merchants were none other than the present five hundred disciples of the non-Buddhist teacher Sanjaya Parivrajaka.

“At that time, I acted for the sake of the five hundred merchants who had fallen into calamity in the realm of the rakshasas. When the female rakshasas were about to harm the five hundred merchants as they pleased, the merchant leader brought them to me. I then carried them across the sea to dry land and rescued them from suffering and calamity.

“Today, likewise, I act for the sake of the five hundred disciples who followed the false path into the perilous wilderness of wrong views belonging to the non-Buddhist teacher Sanjaya. Shariputra taught and transformed them while among those non-Buddhists and brought them to me. I then instructed them and led them out of the wilderness of wrong views and across the ocean of birth and death.

“Bhikshus, before the Tathagata attained Buddhahood, he had already performed deeds of great benefit. Therefore, you must give rise to reverence and respect for the Buddha and regard him with admiration. Thus should you train.”

Chapter 51: ELIMINATING DISTRUSTFUL THOUGHTS CONCERNING THE DEEDS OF OTHERS

According to the teachers of the Mahasanghika school: “At that time, the Tathagata liberated the elders Shariputra and Maudgalyayana, together with their five hundred disciples, all of whom went forth and received full ordination. Afterward, he departed from Magadha and traveled successively from village to village, journeying freely through the settlements until he gradually arrived at the city of Rajagriha.”

The teachers of the Kashyapiya school gave a different account: “The Tathagata went to the southern mountain and traveled through various regions, after which he returned to the city of Rajagriha.”

At that time, many good men of great authority, power, and broad social influence followed the Tathagata and cultivated the holy life. Conversely, however, some people disparaged the World-Honored One, saying:

“The shramana Gautama continually causes us to be childless, makes our families lose their property, and cuts off our lines of descent. The shramana Gautama has led one thousand matted-hair brahmins to go forth. The shramana Gautama has also taken away the five hundred disciples of Sanjaya Parivrajaka and caused them to go forth. Now, in Magadha, many good men of great majesty and power are also turning toward the Tathagata to cultivate the holy life.”

Whenever these slanderers saw the bhikshus approaching, they would recite this verse together:

When the bhikshus heard them speak these words, they felt ashamed. They returned to the Bamboo Grove and reported the verse to the Buddha. The World-Honored One then told the bhikshus:

“You should know that such words will not persist for long, but only for seven days. After seven days, these words will disappear of themselves and will no longer be heard anywhere. Bhikshus, if someone approaches you and recites this verse:

“If they speak thus, answer them with this verse:

One day at dawn, while the sun was still in the east, the bhikshus donned their robes, took their alms bowls, and entered the city to seek alms. At that time, the slanderers mocked the bhikshus with the verse:

The bhikshus answered them with the verse given above. When those people heard it, they thought, “Whenever the shramanas, the sons of the Shakya, liberate people, they teach them to practice correctly in accordance with the true Dharma, and not in a manner contrary to the true Dharma.”

Therefore, their disparaging verses persisted for only seven days. After seven days, the entire matter ceased, and the verses were no longer heard anywhere.

Chapter 52: THE PROCEDURE FOR TEACHING THE DHARMA

(Part 1)

At one time, in the great city of Rajagriha, there was a community of non-Buddhist parivrajakas who regularly assembled the people and taught their doctrines every five days. Very many listeners came to hear their teachings. Consequently, during this period, these non-Buddhist parivrajakas received reverence, respect, and abundant material offerings.

At that time, King Bimbisara of the city of Rajagriha in Magadha possessed profound right faith in the Buddhadharma. He thought, “Today, the non-Buddhist parivrajakas regularly assemble the people and teach their doctrines every five days, and very many listeners come to hear them. Consequently, these non-Buddhists are esteemed by the world, reverently respected and supported, and receive abundant material offerings.

“Today, I shall likewise assemble the bhikshus and request them to teach the Dharma once every five days, and I shall personally attend the great assembly. When the congregation sees me arriving, all the people will also come to attend. Consequently, my teachers will be esteemed by the world, reverently respected and supported, and will receive abundant material offerings.”

Having thought thus, the king immediately went and reported the entire matter to the Buddha. On account of this matter, the World-Honored One assembled the community of bhikshus and told them:

“Bhikshus, I have promised the great King Bimbisara that every five days the bhikshus may hold a great assembly, teach the Dharma to the people, and discuss the meanings and principles of the teachings.”

The bhikshus then addressed the Buddha:

“World-Honored One, which teachings should we expound, and which teachings should we not expound?”

When the bhikshus asked this, the Buddha told the great community of bhikshus:

“Bhikshus, I have promised the great King Bimbisara that every five days, after the great assembly has gathered, you should praise the virtues of the Buddha, the virtues of the Dharma, the virtues of the Sangha, and the virtues of right faith.

“You should also briefly praise the virtues of observing the precepts, extensive learning, generosity, wisdom, contentment, few desires, and the dhutanga practices; of dwelling far from villages, towns, and cities and continually delighting in secluded places; and of engaging in excellent conduct, benefiting others, and practicing diligence.

“You should praise the virtues of making offerings to parents, elders, shramanas, and brahmins, and of making offerings to good spiritual companions. Praise wholesome speech, restraint of the sense faculties, moderation in eating and drinking, remaining awake and not sleeping during the first and last watches of the night, and giving rise to right mindfulness.

“Praise the virtues of serving one another, learning together, comprehending the Dharma upon hearing it, and practicing in accordance with what one has heard from one’s teacher without opposition. Praise the virtues of giving rise to right view after hearing the true Dharma and of cultivating in accordance with the Dharma after hearing it.

“Praise the virtues of recollection of the Buddha, recollection of the Dharma, recollection of the Sangha, recollection of devas, recollection of generosity, recollection of quiescence, mindfulness of breathing, mindfulness of the body, continual contemplation of impurity, contemplation of death, and giving rise to the perception of impurity regarding food and drink.

“Praise the contemplation that the world affords no true happiness, the perception of impermanence, the perception of suffering and emptiness, and the perception of non-self. Praise the virtues of the perception of relinquishment and cessation, the perception of dispassion, the perception of cessation, the perception of white bones, the perception of scattered bones, the perception of a bloated corpse, the perception of a corpse about to decompose, the perception of a human body missing half its form, and the perception of a disintegrating body.

“Praise the perception of a half-burned body, the perception of a body burned red, and the perception of the repulsiveness of the body. You should also commend mindfulness of these virtues.

“You should further praise the four right efforts, the four bases of spiritual power, the five faculties, the five powers, the seven factors of awakening, and the eight factors of the path. Praise the Dharma gates of liberation and the factors conducive to liberation, the eight spheres of mastery, and the three knowledges. Also praise the virtues of the six superknowledges.”