The Purity of the Family
家族的清淨
3.1Monks, in this way the Bodhisattva was exhorted that the time for the Dharma had come. Emerging from that great celestial palace, [F.9.b] the Bodhisattva went to the great Dharmoccaya Palace, where he taught the Dharma to the gods in the Heaven of Joy. In the palace, he seated himself upon a lion throne known as Sublime Dharma. He was joined in the palace by a group of gods whose good fortune equaled that of the Bodhisattva, and who had entered the same vehicle. Bodhisattvas with similar conduct to the Bodhisattva gathered from throughout the ten directions. Retinues with equally pure intentions accompanied the gods, without the assembly of divine maidens and even without ordinary gods. Altogether a retinue of 680 million entered the palace, each sitting on a lion throne according to rank.
3.1比丘們，菩薩就是以這樣的方式被勸告，說傳法的時機已經到來。菩薩從那座偉大的天宮中出來，前往偉大的法藏宮，在那裡向喜樂天的天神們傳授佛法。在這座宮殿中，他坐在一個名為「殊勝法」的獅子座上。與他一起在宮殿中的是一群天神，他們的福報與菩薩相等，並且已經進入了同樣的法門。具有與菩薩相似行為的菩薩們從十方各地匯聚而來。具有同樣清淨心念的眷屬隨著這些天神而來，其中既沒有天女的集聚，也沒有普通天神。總共有六億八千萬的眷屬進入了宮殿，每個人都按照各自的位階坐在獅子座上。
3.2The Bodhisattva then said, “Monks, in twelve years the Bodhisattva shall enter the womb of his mother.”
3.2菩薩隨後說道：「比丘們，菩薩將在十二年後進入他母親的子宮。」
At that time the gods from the pure realms ventured to Jambudvīpa. Hiding their divine forms, they took on the guise of priests and taught the Vedas to other priests. They made it known that one who entered the womb in this manner [14] would be a great being possessed of thirty-two marks:
此時，來自淨土的天神降臨贍部洲。他們隱藏了天界的形象，化身為婆羅門的樣子，向其他婆羅門傳授吠陀。他們宣傳說，以這種方式進入母胎的人將是一位具備三十二相的大士。
“Someone with such marks would become one of two things. There would be no third option,” they said. “If such an individual were to live as a householder, he would become a universal monarch with a fourfold army. He would become a conqueror, a righteous Dharma king. Such a king would have the seven treasures: the precious wheel, the precious elephant, the precious horse, the precious jewel, the precious wife, the precious steward, and the precious minister.
「具有這樣相貌的人將會成為兩種身份中的一種。沒有第三種可能，」他們說。「如果這樣的人選擇作為居士生活，他將成為擁有四種軍隊的轉輪王。他將成為征服者、正法輪王。這樣的國王將擁有七寶：輪寶、象寶、馬寶、珠寶、女寶、主藏臣寶和主兵臣寶。
3.3“How is it that a universal monarch comes to possess the precious wheel? Such a wheel can only belong to a king who has been properly consecrated by sprinkling his head. On the fifteenth day of the lunar month, while observing a poṣadha fast, the king will first wash his head and then go to the top terrace of the palace, surrounded by the women of the female quarters. Then a precious, divine wheel with one thousand spokes will appear from the east. [F.10.a] As high as seven tāla trees, the wheel, which is not made by a smith, is round with a central hub and made entirely of gold.
3.3「轉輪王如何獲得輪寶呢？這樣的法輪只能屬於已經被正確灑水加冕的國王。在農曆十五日，王在遵守八關齋戒時，會先洗淨頭髮，然後登上宮殿的最高陽台，周圍環繞著後宮的妃嬪。隨後，一個有千幅輻條的珍貴天界法輪就會從東方出現。這個法輪高達七株多羅樹的高度，並非由鐵匠製作，是圓形的，有中心輪轂，全由黃金製成。」
“This precious, divine wheel will now belong to the king, who is appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class. As he sees it, he will think to himself, ‘I have heard that if a precious, divine wheel appears from the east when a king, who has been appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class, ascends to the top floor of the palace surrounded by a gathering of women while observing a poṣadha fast on the fifteenth day of the lunar month, then he shall become a universal monarch. Since I can now clearly perceive this precious, divine wheel, I must certainly be a universal monarch!’
「這輪寶現在屬於被任命為統治階級最高地位的國王。當他看到它時，他會這樣想：『我聽說過，如果一位被任命為統治階級最高地位的國王，在每月十五日持守布薩齋戒的時候，登上宮殿的最高樓層，周圍被女眷們圍繞，此時從東方出現一輪寶，那麼他就會成為轉輪王。既然我現在能清楚地看到這輪寶，我必然就是轉輪王了！』」
3.4“The king appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class will then draw his cloak back from one shoulder and lower his right knee to the ground. Turning the precious, divine wheel with his right hand, he will proclaim, ‘Precious wheel, noble and divine, please turn in harmony with the Dharma, rather than that which is not the Dharma.’
3.4「具足最高統治階級地位的國王將放下一肩的衣服，右膝跪地。用右手轉動輪寶，他將宣告說：『尊貴的輪寶啊，殊勝而神聖，請按照法轉動，而非違背法轉動。』」
“The precious, divine wheel, set in motion by the king appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class, will magically travel through space to the east, followed by the universal monarch and his four army divisions. Wherever the wheel comes to rest, [15] there the king appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class and his four army divisions will set up their camp.
「那件寶輪、天界的輪寶，由被任命為統治階級最高級別的國王啟動，將魔幻地穿過虛空向東前進，後面跟隨著轉輪王及其四種軍隊。無論輪寶在何處停下來，那位被任命為統治階級最高級別的國王及其四種軍隊就在那裡紮營。」
3.5“As he travels, the provincial kings of the eastern lands will come to greet him, carrying silver vessels filled with gold dust, and gold vessels filled with fragments of silver. ‘Welcome, lord,’ they will say. ‘Please come. This kingdom is yours. It is extremely vast and prosperous. [F.10.b] With bountiful harvests, it is both delightful and populous. Indeed it is filled with people. Now that you have arrived in this land, lord, it is yours. We beseech you to stay.’
3.5「當他遊行時，東方諸國的地方國王會前來迎接他，手中帶著盛滿金塵的銀器和盛滿銀片的金器。他們會說：『歡迎，世尊。請光臨。這個王國是您的。它極其廣大和繁榮。五穀豐收，令人喜悅且人口眾多。確實充滿了眾生。既然您現在已經來到這片土地，世尊，它就是您的。我們懇求您駐留。』」
“Replying to the provincial kings, the king appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class will respond, ‘May you rule your respective kingdoms according to the Dharma, and not by what is not Dharma. Do not take the lives of living beings, do not take what is not given, and do not engage in sexual misconduct. Likewise you should refrain from telling lies, sowing discord, speaking harshly, and talking frivolously. Do not let your mind be overcome by covetousness, malice, or misguided beliefs. Do not befriend those who take life or those with misguided beliefs. Should non-Dharma arise in my dominion, do not applaud those who practice it.’ In this way the king, who is appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class, will conquer the east.
統治階級中被任命為最高地位的國王會回應各省國王說：「願你們根據法來統治你們各自的王國，而不是根據非法。不要奪取眾生的生命，不要取得不是被給予的東西，不要從事性不當行為。同樣地，你們應該避免說謊、製造紛爭、說粗暴的話和閒聊。不要讓你們的心被貪欲、瞋恚或邪見所克服。不要與奪取生命的人或有邪見的人為友。如果非法在我的領土內出現，不要讚賞那些實踐它的人。」以這種方式，被任命為統治階級最高地位的國王征服了東方。
3.6“Having conquered the east, the precious wheel will then move toward the eastern seas. Crossing over them, it will travel magically through space to the south, accompanied by the universal monarch and his four army divisions. As before he will conquer the south, and then move on to conquer the west and the north.
3.6「征服了東方之後，輪寶隨即向東方的大海移動。越過大海，它將在世尊和他的四大軍隊的陪同下，神妙地穿過虛空向南方移動。如同之前一樣，他將征服南方，然後繼續征服西方和北方。」
“Once the king has conquered the north, the wheel will move toward the northern seas and, traveling magically through the sky to the royal palace, it will come to rest unharmed at the entrance to the quarters of the queen’s retinue. In this manner the king appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class comes to possess the precious wheel.
「轉輪王向北方征服後，法輪將朝向北方的海洋移動，並通過虛空中的神奇力量來到王宮，安全地停留在王妃眷屬的住處入口處。以此方式，被任命為統治階級最高地位的轉輪王便獲得了輪寶。」
3.7“How is it that a universal monarch comes to possess the precious elephant? [F.11.a] The precious elephant of the king appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class appears in the same way that the precious wheel appeared. Completely white in color, the precious elephant has four limbs, two tusks, and a trunk. Its head is ornamented with gold, and it bears a gold victory banner. Likewise it is bedecked with gold ornaments and covered with gold netting. [16] Its magical powers enable it to fly through the sky and transform itself. This king of elephants is known as Bodhi.
3.7「轉輪王怎樣得到象寶呢？[F.11.a] 被任命為統治階級最高位的國王的象寶，出現的方式與法輪寶出現的方式相同。象寶完全是白色的，有四肢、兩根象牙和一條象鼻。它的頭部用黃金裝飾，並且帶著黃金勝利幢。同樣地，它被用黃金飾品裝點，並用黃金網覆蓋。[16] 它的神通力使它能夠在虛空中飛行並變化自身。這位象王被稱為菩提。
“When the king appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class wishes to examine the precious elephant, he will mount it at daybreak and travel throughout this great earth, which is surrounded by oceans. After returning to the royal palace, he will fondly resume his governance. In this manner the universal monarch comes to possess the precious elephant.
「當被任命為統治階級最高等級的國王想要檢查象寶時，他將在黎明時分騎上它，在這個被大洋環繞的廣大世界上遊歷。返回王宮後，他將親切地恢復他的統治。這樣，轉輪王就擁有了象寶。」
3.8“How is it that a universal monarch comes to possess the precious horse? The precious horse of the king appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class appears just as before. The precious horse has a blue body and a black head with a braided mane. It is bridled, bearing a gold victory banner and gold ornaments, and it is covered with gold netting. With its magical powers, it can fly through the sky and transform itself. This king of horses is known as Bālāhaka.
3.8「轉輪王如何獲得馬寶呢？被任命為統治階級最高位的國王的馬寶，與之前顯現的方式相同。這匹馬寶身體為藍色，頭部為黑色，鬃毛編織成辮子。它被銜勒裝飾，帶著金色的勝利幢和金色的飾品，並被金色的網覆蓋。憑藉它的神力，它能在天空中飛翔並變化自身。這位馬中之王被稱為跋羅訶迦。」
“When the king appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class wishes to examine the precious horse, he will mount it at daybreak and travel throughout this great earth, which is surrounded by oceans. After returning to the royal palace, he will fondly resume his governance. In this manner the universal monarch comes to possess the precious horse.
「當被任命為統治階級最高等級的國王想要察視珠寶時，他會在黎明時分騎上它，遍歷這片被大洋環繞的廣大地域。回到王宮後，他將親切地恢復他的治理。這樣，轉輪王就擁有了馬寶。」
3.9“How is it that a universal monarch comes to possess the precious jewel? The precious jewel of the king appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class appears just as before. [F.11.b] It is a lapis lazuli gem of pure blue color, with eight facets and very fine craftsmanship. With the light emitted from the precious jewel, the entirety of the female quarters are bathed in light.
3.9「轉輪王如何得到珠寶呢？被任命為統治階級最高位階的國王的珠寶顯現如同往常一樣。[F.11.b]它是青寶石寶珠，清淨的藍色，具有八個面，工藝非常精細。珠寶發出的光芒照亮了整個後宮，使其沐浴在光輝之中。」
“When the king appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class wishes to examine the precious jewel, then, at midnight, in complete darkness, he will affix it to the tip of a victory banner and venture out in the gardens [17] to observe the sublime grounds. The light emitted by the precious jewel will illuminate the surrounding area for an entire league, including all four divisions of the king’s army. The people who dwell in the vicinity of the precious jewel will be illuminated by its radiance. Seeing and recognizing each other, they will say to one another, ‘Wake up, friends. Start your work and get to the market. The sun is up and the day has begun.’ In this manner the universal monarch appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class comes to possess the precious jewel.
"當被冊封為最高統治者的國王想要檢驗珠寶時，他會在午夜時分，在完全的黑暗中，將它安置在勝利幢的頂端，然後在花園中漫步，以觀察莊嚴的境地。珠寶所發出的光芒會照亮周圍整整一由旬的區域，包括國王的全部四種軍隊。住在珠寶附近的人們會被它的光輝所照亮。他們看到彼此並認出對方後，會互相說：『朋友們，起來吧。開始你們的工作，趕快去市場。太陽升起來了，白天已經開始了。』轉輪王就是以這樣的方式擁有珠寶。"
3.10“How is it that the universal monarch appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class comes to possess the precious wife? The precious wife of the king appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class appears just as before. In accord with tradition, the precious wife has been born into the warrior class. She is not too tall or short, too fat or thin, too dark or fair. Indeed she is beautiful in form, pleasant in manner, and pleasing to the eye. She is in the full bloom of life, and every pore of her body gives off the scent of sandalwood, while from her mouth wafts the fragrance of utpala flowers. Her body is as soft to the touch as kācilindika cloth; in cold weather her body is warm to the touch, and in warm weather it is cool. Her mind, let alone her body, desires no one other than the universal monarch. In this manner the universal monarch comes to possess the precious wife. [F.12.a]
3.10「轉輪王任命為統治階級最高地位的人是怎樣擁有女寶的呢？任命為統治階級最高地位的國王的女寶，外表就像之前一樣。按照傳承，女寶生於剎帝利階級。她身材不過高也不過矮，不過胖也不過瘦，肌膚不過深也不過淺。她確實長相秀麗，舉止溫和，令人賞心悅目。她正值青春年華，她身體的每個毛孔都散發著檀香的香氣，她嘴裡飄出優鉢羅花的芬芳。她的身體摸起來就像迦尸林地衣一樣柔軟；天冷時她的身體溫暖，天熱時她的身體清涼。她的心意，更不用說她的身體，除了轉輪王之外不貪戀任何人。這樣轉輪王就擁有了女寶。」
3.11“How is it that the universal monarch appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class comes to possess the precious steward? The precious steward of the king appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class appears just as before. Learned, lucid, and intelligent, the precious steward’s divine sight will enable him to perceive treasures—both those that are owned and those that are not—in the surrounding area for up to an entire league. With those treasures that do not belong to anyone, he will cater to the material needs of the universal monarch. In this manner the universal monarch comes to possess the precious steward. [18]
3.11「轉輪王透過什麼方式來獲得主藏臣寶呢？被任命為剎帝利最高階級的國王的主藏臣寶如前所述而現。主藏臣寶聰慧、清晰、智慧超群，他具有天界的視力，能夠在周圍一由旬的範圍內察知所有的珍寶——無論是已被擁有的或尚未被擁有的。對於那些無主的珍寶，他將用來供應轉輪王的物質需求。轉輪王就是以這樣的方式而擁有主藏臣寶的。」
3.12“How is it that the universal monarch appointed to the highest rank of the ruling class comes to possess the precious minister? The precious minister of a king who has been properly consecrated by sprinkling his head appears just as before. The precious minister is learned, lucid, and intelligent. The universal monarch merely has to think of commissioning an army and it is done. In this manner the universal monarch comes to possess the precious minister. The universal monarch thus possesses these seven treasures.
3.12「被冊封為最高統治者的轉輪王如何得到主兵臣寶呢？經過灑水灑頂正式冊封的國王的主兵臣寶，就如前所述一樣出現。主兵臣寶聰慧敏銳，智慧超群。轉輪王只需心想調兵遣將，事情就會完成。就這樣，轉輪王得到了主兵臣寶。轉輪王因此具足了七寶。」
3.13“The universal monarch will also have one thousand sons. Brave, heroic, and supremely able in body, these sons will attain nothing but victory over the forces that oppose them. Without resorting to punishment or acts of violence, the king will rule with the Dharma, bringing peace and order to the entire vast kingdom that extends all the way to the oceans.
3.13「轉輪王也會擁有一千個兒子。這些兒子勇敢、英勇、身體能力超群，他們將戰勝所有與他們對抗的勢力，無往不勝。這位國王不依靠懲罰或暴力行為來統治，而是以法來統治，為整個延伸到大海的廣袤王國帶來寂靜與秩序。」
“If, however, he leaves his family behind and becomes a monk, he will become a buddha. Relinquishing the attachment of desire, and without relying on anyone else as a guide, he will become the teacher of gods and humans.”
「然而，如果他捨棄家庭，出家成為比丘，他就會成為佛。放棄對貪的執著，不依賴任何人作為導師，他將成為天神和人類的師父。」
With these words, the gods inspired the priests to recite the Vedas.
天神以這些話激勵婆羅門誦持吠陀。
3.14In a similar manner, other gods arrived in Jambudvīpa to exhort the solitary buddhas. “Noble ones,” they said. “Give up this buddha realm. In twelve years’ time, the Bodhisattva will enter the womb of his mother.”
3.14同樣地，其他天神也來到贍部洲勸誡辟支佛。他們說：「聖者們，放棄這個佛國土吧。十二年後，菩薩將進入他母親的子宮。」
Monks, at that time there was a solitary buddha named Mātaṅga who dwelt on Mount Golāṅgulaparivartana in the city of Rājagṛha. [F.12.b] Hearing the exhortation of the gods, he became as still as mud resting upon a boulder, then rose up into the sky to the height of seven tāla trees. Merging with the fire element, like a torch he passed into nirvāṇa. His bile and phlegm, ligaments and bones, and flesh and blood were completely consumed by fire, leaving nothing but a few relics on the ground. Even today, they are known as ‘the footprints of the sage.’
比丘們，那個時候有一位名叫馬騰迦的辟支佛，住在王舍城的高欄耆羅山上。他聽到天神的勸告後，靜如磐石上的泥土，隨後升入空中，高達七棵多羅樹的高度。他融入火界，如火焰般入滅涅槃。他的膽汁和痰液、韌帶和骨骼、肌肉和血液都被火完全燒盡，只留下地上的幾粒舍利。直到今天，人們仍稱這些舍利為「聖者的足跡」。
3.15Monks, at this same time five hundred solitary buddhas were assembled in a deer park outside Vārāṇasī. They too heard the exhortation of the gods, rose up into the sky to the height of seven tāla trees and, turning into fire, passed into nirvāṇa like a torch. [19] Their bile and phlegm, ligaments and bones, and flesh and blood were completely consumed by fire. Nothing was left behind, save a few relics that fell to the ground. From this point on, the area came to be known as Ṛṣipatana, or the Hill of the Fallen Sages. The area also came to be known as Mṛgadāva, or the Deer Park, since deer frolicked there without fear.
3.15比丘們，在這同一時期，有五百位辟支佛聚集在波羅奈城外的鹿園裡。他們也聽到了天神的勸告，升起到七棵多羅樹的高度，化為火焰，如火把一般進入涅槃。他們的膽汁和痰液、筋腱和骨頭、肌肉和血液都被火完全消耗了。沒有留下任何東西，只有一些舍利掉落到地上。從那時起，這個地方就被稱為仙人墮處，或者說仙人墮落山。這個地方也被稱為鹿野苑，因為鹿在那裡無所畏懼地嬉戲。
3.16Monks, in this manner the Bodhisattva dwelt in the supreme realm of the Heaven of Joy, where he engaged in four great examinations. What were these four? He examined the time of his birth, the continent of his birth, the country of his birth, and the family of his birth.
3.16比丘們，菩薩以此方式住在喜樂天的最高境界中，進行了四種偉大的觀察。這四種是什麼呢？他觀察了自己的出生時間、出生的大洲、出生的國家，以及出生的家族。
3.17And why, monks, did the Bodhisattva examine the time of his birth? Because a bodhisattva does not enter his mother’s womb at the beginning of time when sentient beings are evolving. Rather it is when the world has formed and when birth, [F.13.a] old age, sickness, and death have become known that a bodhisattva enters his mother’s womb.
3.17比丘們，菩薩為什麼要審查他的出生時間呢？因為菩薩不會在時間初始、眾生正在演化時進入他母親的子宮。相反地，菩薩是在世界已經形成，生、老、疾病和死亡已經被認識時，才進入他母親的子宮。
3.18And why, monks, did the Bodhisattva examine the continent of his birth? Because a bodhisattva is not born in an outlying continent, nor is he born on the eastern continent of Pūrvavideha, on the western continent of Aparagodānīya, or on the northern continent of Uttarakuru. Rather a bodhisattva is born on the southern continent of Jambudvīpa.
3.18比丘們，菩薩為什麼要考察他的出生洲呢？因為菩薩不會出生在邊遠的洲，也不會出生在東勝神洲、西牛貨洲或北俱盧洲。菩薩只會出生在南方的贍部洲。
3.19And why, monks, did the Bodhisattva examine the country of his birth? Because a bodhisattva is not born in outlying lands where people are as stupid as sheep, with dull faculties, ignorant, and incapable of distinguishing right from wrong. Rather a bodhisattva is born in a central land. [20]
3.19比丘們，菩薩為什麼要觀察自己出生的國家呢？因為菩薩不會在邊遠地區出生，那裡的人就像羊一樣愚鈍，根器遲鈍，無知，無法分辨是非善惡。菩薩只會在中土地區出生。
3.20And why, monks, did the Bodhisattva examine the family of his birth? Because a bodhisattva is not born into an inferior family, like a family of outcastes, flutemakers, cartwrights, or servants. A bodhisattva is only born into one of two families—a priestly family or a family of the ruling class. When the priestly families are dominant in the world, the bodhisattva is born into a priestly family. When the ruling-class families are dominant in the world, the bodhisattva is born into a ruling-class family. Thus, monks, at this time the ruling-class families were dominant in the world, so bodhisattvas were born into such families.
3.20比丘們，菩薩為什麼要審視他的出生家族呢？因為菩薩不會出生在卑賤的家族中，比如賤民家族、製笛者家族、造車者家族或奴僕家族。菩薩只會出生在兩種家族之一—婆羅門家族或統治階級家族。當婆羅門家族在世界上佔優勢時，菩薩就出生在婆羅門家族。當統治階級家族在世界上佔優勢時，菩薩就出生在統治階級家族。因此，比丘們，在這個時代，統治階級家族在世界上佔優勢，所以菩薩們出生在這樣的家族中。
For this reason, the Bodhisattva engaged in these four great examinations as he dwelt in the supreme realm of the Heaven of Joy. Having examined these points, he remained silent. [B2]
因此，菩薩住在喜樂天的最高境界中，進行了這四項重大考察。經過檢查這些要點後，他保持沉默。
3.21Monks, the gods and bodhisattvas then asked one another, “Into what precious family will the Bodhisattva be born? In what mother’s womb will he be conceived?” [F.13.b]
3.21比丘們，天神和菩薩們互相問道：「菩薩將投生到什麼殊勝的族姓中？他將在哪位母親的子宮裡受孕？」
Some said, “The Vaideha family in the land of Magadha is wealthy, prosperous, and happy. This is a fitting place for the Bodhisattva to be conceived.”
有些人說：「毘提訶族在摩揭陀國擁有豐富的財富，繁榮昌盛，幸福安樂。這是菩薩應當投生的合適之地。」
“This is not a worthy place for the Bodhisattva to be conceived,” others responded, “for the mother’s family is not pure, nor is the father’s. The family’s fortunes have come about from little merit, not a vast store of merit. They are impetuous, unstable, and fickle. The surrounding environs of their land are like a desert, with few groves, lakes, and ponds. This is a primitive land, like a remote village. Hence this is not a worthy place for the Bodhisattva to take birth.”
「這不是菩薩降生的適當之地，」其他的人回應道，「因為母親的家族不清淨，父親的家族也不清淨。這個家族的財富是由於福德很少而獲得的，並非積累了廣大的福德。他們性情急躁、不穩定且善變。他們土地周圍的環境像沙漠一樣，缺少樹林、湖泊和池塘。這是個原始的地方，像個偏遠的村莊。因此這不是菩薩降生的適當之地。」
3.22Some said, “The Kośala family has a large retinue, many mounts, and great wealth. This is a fitting place for the Bodhisattva to be conceived.”
3.22有些人說："憍薩羅族的眷屬眾多，坐騎很多，財富豐厚。這是菩薩投生的合適之處。"
“This is not a worthy place, either,” others replied. “The Kośala family descends from outcastes. Neither the father’s nor the mother’s families are pure. Their interests are base and their line is ignoble. Moreover, they have no limitless store of wealth and treasures. Hence this is not a worthy place for the Bodhisattva to take birth.” [21]
「這也不是適當的地方，」另外一些人回答說。「憍薩羅族出身於賤民。父親和母親的家族都不清淨。他們的興趣低賤，血統不高貴。而且，他們沒有無限的財富和寶藏。因此，這不是菩薩降生的適當之地。」
3.23Some said, “The family of the king of Vatsa is wealthy, prosperous, and happy. This is a fitting place for the Bodhisattva to be conceived.”
3.23有些人說：「跋闍國王的家族財富豐厚、興盛繁榮、安樂幸福。這是菩薩投生的適當之地。」
To this, others replied, “This is not a worthy place. The family of the king of Vatsa is base, violent, and lacking in nobility. They are illegitimate by birth, and their accomplishments have not resulted from the noble deeds of their parents. The king is a nihilist. Hence this is not a worthy place for the Bodhisattva to take birth, either.”
對此，有人回答說：「這不是合適的地方。跋闍國王的家族身分卑微、性情暴虐、缺乏高尚品格。他們出身不正，其成就並非源自父母的高尚行為。該王持邪見。因此，這也不是菩薩投生的合適地方。」
3.24Some suggested, “The city of Vaiśālī is wealthy, prosperous, and happy. Delightful and teeming with people, [F.14.a] it is like a heavenly palace, with terraces, balconies, architraves, skylights, cool pavilions, multistoried buildings, and palaces. This city is filled with blooming flowers, ringed with gardens, and encircled by forests. This is a worthy place for the Bodhisattva to be conceived.”
3.24有人提議：「毘舍離城財富豐盛、繁榮昌盛、安樂幸福。這座城市令人喜悅、人口眾多，如同天宮一般，擁有露台、陽台、門楣、天窗、涼堂、多層建築和宮殿。城中鮮花盛開，花園環繞，森林圍繞。這是菩薩受孕的合適之地。」
“This is not a worthy place, either,” others replied. “They do not speak to one another with decorum. They have no Dharma practice, nor do they respect their superiors, elders, leaders, or those in between. Each thinks that he is king, never taking on the role of a student or accepting the Dharma. Hence this city is not worthy of the Bodhisattva, either.”
「這也不是合適的地方，」另有人回答說。「他們彼此說話沒有禮儀。他們沒有法的修行，也不尊敬他們的上級、長輩、領導者或中間階層的人。每個人都認為自己是國王，從不擔任學生的角色或接受法。因此這個城市也不配有菩薩降生，」
3.25Others said, “The Pradyota family in the city of Ujjayinī has a great army and many mounts. They have emerged victorious in battle over their foes. This is a fitting place for the Bodhisattva to be conceived.”
3.25有人說：「烏闍衍那城的普藥王族擁有強大的軍隊和眾多的坐騎，在戰鬥中戰勝了敵人。這是菩薩投生的合適之地。」
To this the response came, “This is not a worthy place, for these people are malicious and violent. They are uncivilized, wild, and impetuous, without any heed for the consequences of their actions. Hence this is not an appropriate place for the Bodhisattva to be conceived.”
有人回答說：「這不是一個合適的地方，因為這裡的人們心懷惡意，性格暴力。他們野蠻粗魯，性情急躁，不顧自己行為的後果。因此，這裡不是菩薩投生的合適之地。」
3.26Some said, “The city of Mathurā is rich, prosperous, and happy. It is populous, filled with people. [22] The royal palace of King Subāhu , who commands an army of brave warriors, is a fitting place for the Bodhisattva to be conceived.”
3.26有人說：「摩偷羅城富庶繁榮，安樂祥和，人口眾多，生人熙攘。須跋陀羅王的皇宮，統領著勇敢的戰士軍隊，是菩薩投生的合適之地。」
“This is not a worthy place,” others replied. “This king was born into a family with wrong views. Indeed he is like a savage, so it is inappropriate for the Bodhisattva to take his final existence in a family with wrong views. [F.14.b] Hence this as well is not an appropriate place for the Bodhisattva to be conceived.”
「這不是適當之地，」他人回答道。「這位國王出身於邪見之家。實際上他如同野蠻人，所以菩薩不應該在邪見之家中進行最後的輪迴。[F.14.b] 因此這裡也不是菩薩投生的恰當之地。」
3.27Some suggested, “The king of the city of Hastināpura was born in the family descended from Pāṇḍu. This king is brave, courageous, and handsome. He has conquered opposing armies. Thus it is fitting for the Bodhisattva to be conceived in this family.”
3.27有人提議：「迦尸那城的國王出身於般度的族系。這位國王勇敢、英勇且相貌堂堂。他已經征服了對抗的軍隊。因此，菩薩在這個族系中被孕育是適合的。」
To this, others responded, “This family is also not worthy of the Bodhisattva. Those born into the Pāṇḍava family have confused their genealogy. They say that Yudhiṣṭhira is the son of Dharma , that Bhīmasena is the son of Vāyu, that Arjuna is the son of Indra, and that Nakula and Sahadeva are the sons of the two Aśvins. Hence it is not proper for the Bodhisattva to be conceived in this family.”
對此，有人回答說：「這個家族也不配讓菩薩投生。般度族出生的人搞混了他們的血統。他們說堅戰是法的兒子，婆羅摩仙那是風天的兒子，阿周那是帝釋天的兒子，那俱羅和薩訶提婆是兩位阿修毘那提的兒子。因此菩薩不應該在這個家族中投生。」
3.28Some said, “The city of Mithilā is extremely beautiful and prosperous. This is the land ruled by King Sumitra, who has many elephants, horses, chariots, infantry, and troops. He also has great material wealth, with great stores of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, beryl, conches, crystals, corals, fine gold, and many other riches and belongings. He is powerful, with an army unafraid of the kings from surrounding lands. He has many friends, and he delights in the Dharma. This family is a fitting place for the Bodhisattva to be conceived.”
3.28有些人說：「摩帝羅城極其美麗繁榮。這是蘇密多羅國王統治的土地，他擁有許多大象、馬匹、戰車、步兵和軍隊。他也擁有巨大的財富，有大量的黃金、白銀、珠寶、珍珠、綠寶石、貝殼、水晶、珊瑚、上等黃金和許多其他財富和財物。他力量強大，軍隊不懼周邊各國的國王。他有很多朋友，並且喜悅於法。這個家族是菩薩投生的恰當之地。」
“This is not appropriate,” others replied. “King Sumitra does indeed have these qualities. Yet he is extremely aged, so he does not even possess the ability to produce a son. Moreover, he already has many sons. It is not proper for the Bodhisattva to be conceived in this family.”
「這不合適，」有人回應道，「蘇密多羅王確實具備這些品質。但他已經非常年邁，甚至沒有能力生育兒子。而且他已經有很多兒子了。菩薩不應該在這個家族中被懷孕。」
In this manner the bodhisattvas and gods observed all the illustrious royal families to be found throughout the sixteen kingdoms of Jambudvīpa, [F.15.a] [23] and found them all to be inadequate.
菩薩們和天神就這樣觀察了贍部洲十六個國家裡所有顯赫的王族，發現它們都不夠完善。
3.29As they considered this, a god named Jñānaketudhvaja, who was firmly established in the Great Vehicle and could not be turned away from awakening, spoke to the great assembly of gods and bodhisattvas: “Come, my friends. Let us go before the Bodhisattva himself and ask him what sublime qualities a precious family must have in order for a bodhisattva to take his final birth there.”
3.29當他們思考這個問題時，一位名叫智幡天神的天神開口了。這位天神已經堅定地安住於大乘，對菩提的覺悟不曾退轉。他對聚集在一起的天神和菩薩們的大眾說道：「來吧，我的朋友們。讓我們一起前往菩薩面前，向他請問什麼樣的殊勝品德一個貴族之家應該具備，才能使菩薩在那裡取得最後一次的誕生。」
“Excellent!” they replied. With palms joined, they all went before the Bodhisattva and asked him, “Sublime Being, what sublime qualities must a precious family have for a bodhisattva to take his final birth there?”
「甚善！」他們回答道。所有人都合掌恭敬地來到菩薩面前，請問他：「尊貴的聖者啊，一個珍貴的家族必須具備什麼樣的殊勝品質，菩薩才能在那裡投生最後一次呢？」
3.30Looking upon the great assembly of bodhisattvas and the great assembly of gods, the Bodhisattva then addressed the gathering: “Friends, the family into which a bodhisattva takes his final birth must have sixty-four excellent qualities. What are these sixty-four qualities?
3.30菩薩看著菩薩們的大聚集和天神們的大聚集，然後向聚集的人們說道："朋友們，菩薩圓滿降生的家族必須具備六十四項殊勝的品質。這六十四項品質是什麼呢？
“This family must be noble and it must be known by all. It must not be petty or prone to violence. It must be of a good caste and good clan. It must have excellent marital unions, with excellent marital unions in the past, and marital unions between individuals who are pure. These marital unions must be between people who are both pure, well-known by all, and renowned for their great power. This family must have many men and women. It must be fearless, not base or cowardly. [F.15.b] It must not be greedy, but disciplined. It must be wise and watched over by ministers. This family must be creative and thereby enjoy worldly pleasures. This family should be steadfast in its friendships and safeguard the lives of all the beings throughout the animal kingdom. [24] They must have gratitude and know how to conduct themselves appropriately. They must not be moved by ambition, anger, ignorance, or fear. They must be afraid of engaging in negative deeds. They must not dwell in ignorance. This family must be benevolent and industrious. It must be inspired to give, be generous, and remember the kindness of others. They must be physically strong, with great power and strength, indeed supreme strength. They must make offerings to the sages, to the gods, and to stūpas, and also pay homage to their ancestors. They must not hold grudges.
「這樣的家族必須高貴，且為眾人所知。不可鄙陋或好施暴力。必須出身於優良的種姓和家族。必須有美滿的婚姻聯繫，過去的婚姻聯繫亦應美滿，且婚配雙方俱為清淨。這些婚姻必須在雙方都清淨、為眾人所知、以及以強大勢力著稱的人之間進行。這樣的家族人丁必須眾多。必須無懼，不可卑劣或懦弱。不可貪心，應當守持戒律。必須聰慧，並由大臣們輔佐。這樣的家族必須富有創意，由此享受世間的樂受。這樣的家族應當在友誼中堅定不移，並保護動物界中所有眾生的生命。應當懷有感恩之心，並知曉如何恰當地行事。不應為野心、瞋、無明或恐懼所動搖。應當害怕造作負面的行為。不應住於無明。這樣的家族必須仁慈而勤勉。必須受到布施的啟發，慷慨大度，並銘記他人的恩情。必須身體強壯，具有偉大的力量和強力，乃至至高無上的力量。應當供養賢者、天神和塔廟，並且向祖先致敬。不可懷恨在心。」
3.31“This family must be renowned throughout the ten directions and have a vast retinue. It must not be divided. It must be peerless. This family must be the most senior and the most illustrious among all families. It must be powerful, and renowned as such. They must respect their fathers, mothers, mendicants, and priests. They must have great stores of treasure and grain. They must have a great deal of gold, and many jewels, gems, pearls, lapis lazuli, conches, crystals, corals, fine gold, silver, and many other riches and belongings. They must have many elephants, horses, camels, oxen, and [F.16.a] sheep. They must have many male servants, female servants, officials, and workers. This family must be difficult to defeat. It must accomplish all of its aims. It must be a family of universal monarchs. It must be aided, in great measure, by the root virtues accumulated in the past. It must be descended from a noble family, a family of bodhisattvas. [25] Indeed this family must be irreproachable when it comes to any accusations of faults related to one’s birth, such as those found in this entire world with its gods, demons, and brahmās, mendicants and priests. Friends, the family of a bodhisattva in his final existence must have these sixty-four qualities.
3.31「朋友們，菩薩應當轉生在十方聞名、眷屬眾多的家族中。這個家族必須團結不分裂，必須無與倫比。這個家族必須是最古老、最尊貴的家族。它必須強大有力，並以其力量聞名。他們必須尊敬父親、母親、乞士和婆羅門。他們必須擁有豐富的寶藏和糧食儲備。他們必須擁有大量的黃金和許多珍寶、寶石、珍珠、青寶石、海螺、水晶、珊瑚、精金、白銀和許多其他財富與物品。他們必須擁有許多象、馬、駱駝、牛和羊。他們必須擁有許多男仆、女僕、官員和工人。這個家族必須難以戰勝，必須成就所有目標。它必須是轉輪王的家族。它必須在很大程度上得到過去積累的根本德行的幫助。它必須是來自貴族家庭、菩薩家庭的傳承。確實，這個家族在關於出身的過失方面必須無可指責，這樣的過失在整個世界上都可以見到，存在於天神、魔和梵天、乞士和婆羅門之中。朋友們，菩薩在最後一次生命中轉生的家族必須具備這六十四種品質。」
3.32“Friends, the woman in whose womb a bodhisattva is conceived in his final existence must have thirty-two qualities. What are these thirty-two qualities? A bodhisattva in his final existence must be conceived in the womb of a woman known by all and steadfast in conduct. She must come from a good caste and a good family. She must have an excellent figure, an excellent name, and excellent proportions. She must not have given birth previously, and she must have excellent discipline. She must be generous, cheerful, and adroit. She must also be clear-minded, calm, fearless, learned, wise, honest, and without guile. She must be free from anger, jealousy, and greed. She must not be coarse, easily distracted, or prone to gossip. She must be patient and good-natured, with a good conscience and sense of modesty. She should have little attachment, anger, and ignorance. She should be free from the faults of womankind [F.16.b] and be a devoted wife. In his final existence, a bodhisattva must be conceived in the womb of a woman with all of these excellent qualities.
3.32「朋友們，菩薩在最後一生中所託生的母親必須具有三十二種品質。這三十二種品質是什麼呢？菩薩在最後一生中必須託生在一位為眾所知、行為堅定的女性子宮中。她必須出身於良好的種姓和良好的家族。她必須有優美的身形、優美的名字和勻稱的體態。她不應該曾經生過孩子，並且必須具有良好的戒律。她必須慷慨、開朗而機靈。她還必須頭腦清晰、性情溫和、無所畏懼、博學、聰慧、誠實而沒有欺詐。她必須遠離瞋恨、嫉妒和貪慾。她不應該粗魯、容易分心或好論人是非。她必須耐心、性情溫和，具有慚愧心和謙遜。她應該少有執著、瞋恨和無明。她應該遠離女性的煩惱，並且是忠貞的妻子。菩薩在最後一生中必須託生在具有所有這些優秀品質的女性的子宮中。」
3.33“Friends, a bodhisattva is not conceived in his mother’s womb while the moon is waning. A bodhisattva in his final existence must be conceived during a full moon. On the fifteenth day of the waxing moon, and in conjunction with the constellation Puṣya, the Bodhisattva will be conceived in the womb of a mother who is observing the poṣadha fast.” [26]
3.33「朋友們，菩薩不會在月圓時期懷孕。菩薩在最後一世必須在滿月時期懷孕。在農曆十五日，即月圓之時，並且在花星星宿的吉祥時刻，菩薩將在正在持守布薩齋戒的母親子宮中懷孕。」
The bodhisattvas and gods, having heard the Bodhisattva explain the attributes of the pure family and the pure mother, thought to themselves, “Where can a family with the qualities described by this holy being be found?”
菩薩們和天神們聽聞菩薩解說清淨家族和清淨母親的特質後，心中思量著：「在哪裡才能找到這位聖者所描述的具有這些品質的家族呢？」
3.34Pondering this question, they then thought, “The seat of the Śākyas is wealthy, prosperous, agreeable, and pleasant. It has bountiful harvests and is teeming with people. Its king, Śuddhodana, descends from pure families on both his mother’s and father’s side. His wife as well is pure. His deeds are not swayed by the afflictions, and he bears excellent physical characteristics. Extremely wise and endowed with brilliant merit, the king comes from an illustrious family and is descended from a line of universal monarchs. He has incalculable wealth and treasures and innumerable precious jewels. He believes in karma and does not hold negative views. He rules over all the lands of the Śākya clan and is honored and revered by all the merchants, householders, ministers, and people in his court. He is kind and handsome, neither too old nor too young. He has a fine body and every excellent quality. He is knowledgeable concerning crafts, astrology, the self, the Dharma, the truth, the world, and signs. Indeed he is a Dharma king who guides according to the Dharma. [F.17.a]
3.34「釋迦族的國度富有、繁榮、舒適、宜人。那裡五穀豐收，人口眾多。其國王淨飯王出身於父母雙方都清淨的家族。他的妻子也同樣清淨。他的行為不為煩惱所動搖，具有卓越的相貌特徵。國王極其聰慧，具足殊勝的福德，出身於高貴的家族，是轉輪王世系的後代。他擁有數不盡的財富和珍寶，無數的珠寶。他相信業力，不持邪見。他統治釋迦族的所有領地，受到商人、居士、大臣和宮廷所有人民的尊敬和敬重。他仁慈而英俊，既不過老也不過年輕。他身體健美，具備所有優秀的品質。他通曉工藝、占星學、自我、法、真諦、世界和各種徵兆。他確實是一位按照法來引導眾生的法王。」
3.35“The city of Kapilavastu is the abode of sentient beings who have generated basic virtues. All those who are born there are equal in fortune to the king. The wife of King Śuddhodana is Māyādevī, the daughter of Suprabuddhā, a ruler of the Śākya clan. She is wealthy and youthful. Indeed she is in the prime of life. She has an excellent figure and has not given birth. She has no sons or daughters. With a beautiful form, as pleasing to the eye as a finely drawn picture, she is bedecked with jewelry like a celestial maiden, free from the faults of womankind. She speaks the truth, with words that are soft, gentle, dependable, and altogether beyond reproach. Her voice is like that of the cuckoo; she is demure and speaks only sweet and pleasant words.
3.35迦毘羅衛城是生有基本功德的眾生所居住的地方。所有在那裡出生的人都與國王一樣享有福報。淨飯王的妻子是摩耶夫人，她是釋迦族統治者善覺天女的女兒。她富有而年輕，正值人生的盛年。她身材優美，尚未生育。她沒有兒子或女兒。她有著美麗的容貌，就像一幅精心繪製的圖畫一樣令人賞心悅目，她佩戴著珠寶裝飾，就像天女一樣，沒有女性的缺點。她說真實語，言語溫和、柔順、可靠，完全無可指摘。她的聲音就像布穀鳥的鳴叫；她舉止端莊，只說溫甜悅耳的言語。
3.36“Māyādevī is reserved, free of anger, pride, conceit, and arrogance. She does not get indignant or jealous; rather what she says is timely, and she gives generously. She is disciplined and devoted to her husband, unconcerned with other men. Her head, ears, and nose are perfectly symmetrical. Her hair, as black as a bee, frames a fine forehead and a beautiful brow. Always smiling, she speaks with sincerity, her words measured and pleasing to the ear. [27] She is quick to learn, honest and straightforward, free from guile, artifice, and deceit. She is modest and decent, constant and dependable, and not prone to idle or frivolous chatter. She has little attachment, anger, and ignorance; rather she is patient and of good character, carefully guarding her limbs, eyes, and mind. The movement of her limbs is gentle, and her skin is as soft as kācilindika cloth. Her eyes are as pure as the petals of a newly blossomed lotus flower. Her nose is well formed with a beautiful complexion. Her limbs are firm and gently curved like the arch of a rainbow. [F.17.b] Every part of her body is beautiful and free of faults. She is attractive, with lips as red as the bimba fruit, a tapered neck bedecked with jewelry, and teeth as white as jasmine and sumana flowers. She has sloping shoulders, tapering arms, a waist curved like the arch of a bow, perfect sides, and a deep navel. Her hips are smooth, wide, round, and firm. Her body is as firm as a vajra. She has thighs that are as well proportioned as an elephant’s trunk, and calves like an antelope’s. The palms of her hands and the soles of her feet are like liquid lac. She is attractive to others, with faultless eyes. Alluring to the mind and pleasing to the eye, her form is superior even when compared with other beautiful women. Indeed she is without peer. Since her form is like a magical emanation, the word māyā , meaning ‘magically emanated,’ was included in her name. She is also skilled in all the arts. Like a celestial maiden in the garden of Indra, Māyādevī lives in King Śuddhodana’s female quarters. She is fit to be the mother of the Bodhisattva. Thus it appears that the purity of the family described by the Bodhisattva can be seen only in the Śākya clan.”
3.36摩耶夫人性格謙遜，不生瞋心，沒有慢、驕慢和傲慢。她不容易憤怒或嫉妒，反而言語恰當合時，樂於佈施。她持守戒律，專心於丈夫，不貪戀其他男人。她的頭、耳、鼻都勻稱完美。她的頭髮黑如蜜蜂，襯托著清秀的額頭和美麗的眉毛。她總是帶著微笑，說話誠實，言語溫和順耳。她學習很快，誠實正直，沒有欺詐、矯飾和虛假。她謙遜端莊，性格堅定可靠，不喜歡閒散或輕浮的閒聊。她執著、瞋、無明都很輕微，反而很有耐心，品德良好，謹慎守護自己的肢體、眼睛和心念。她肢體的活動溫和優雅，皮膚柔軟如迦尸林地衣。她的眼睛清澈如新開蓮花的花瓣。她的鼻子形狀優美，膚色潤澤。她的肢體結實而優雅地彎曲，如彩虹的弧形。她全身每一部分都美麗無瑕。她很有魅力，嘴唇紅如毘摩果，頸項纖長並飾以珠寶，牙齒潔白如茉莉花。她肩膀傾斜，手臂纖長，腰部如弓的弧形，腋部完美，肚臍很深。她的臀部光滑、寬大、圓潤而結實。她的身體堅實如金剛杵。她的大腿勻稱得如象鼻，小腿像羚羊般優雅。她的手掌和腳掌光滑如漆。她很有魅力，眼睛無瑕疵。她的形態令人著迷，令人賞心悅目，即使與其他美麗的女性相比也超然出眾。確實無人能與之比肩。因為她的形態如同幻變所成，「摩耶」這個詞意為「幻變所成」，所以被取作她名字的一部分。她精通所有藝術。摩耶夫人如同帝釋天園中的天女，住在淨飯王的後宮。她配得上做菩薩之母。因此可以看出，菩薩所描述的家族清淨，只有在釋迦族才能看得到。
3.37On this topic, it is said:
3.37對於這個話題，有這樣的說法：
3.57This concludes the third chapter, on the purity of the family.
3.57（結尾）