T03n0177_大意經

大正藏第 03 冊 No. 0177 大意經

No. 177 [No. 152(9)]

佛說大意經

宋天竺三藏求那跋陀羅譯

聞如是：

一時，佛在舍衛國祇樹給孤獨園，與千二百五十比丘俱。

佛告諸比丘：「昔有國名歡樂無憂，王號曰廣慈哀。國有居士名摩訶檀，妻名栴陀，生一子姿容端正世間少雙，墮地便語，便誓願言：『我當佈施天下，救濟人民。其有孤獨貧窮者，我當給護令得安隱。』父母因名為大意，見其有異姿不與人同，恐是天龍鬼神，欲行卜問。大意知之便報言：『我自是人，非天、龍、鬼、神也。但念天下人民窮厄者，欲護視之耳。』說此意，便止不復語。至年十七，乃報父母言：『我欲佈施，勤苦人令得安隱。』

「父母念言：『子初生時，已有是愿。』便告子言：『吾財無數，自恣意所施與，不相禁制也。』大意報言：『父母財物雖多，猶不足我用，唯當入海采七寶，以給施天下人民耳。』數言如是，父母即聽使行。

「大意便作禮，辭行入海，道經他國。國中有婆羅門財富無量，見大意光顏端正，甚悅樂之，告言：『我相敬重，今有小女欲以相上，愿留止此

現代漢語譯本 《大意經》 宋代天竺三藏求那跋陀羅譯 我聽聞是這樣的： 一時，佛在舍衛國祇樹給孤獨園，與一千二百五十位比丘在一起。 佛告訴眾比丘：『過去有個國家名叫歡樂無憂，國王名叫廣慈哀。國內有個居士名叫摩訶檀，妻子名叫栴陀，生了一個兒子，姿容端正，世間少有，落地就能說話，並立誓願說：「我應當佈施天下，救濟人民。那些孤獨貧窮的人，我應當給予保護，讓他們得到安穩。」父母因此給他取名為大意，見他有異於常人的姿態，擔心他是天龍鬼神，想要占卜問吉兇。大意知道后就告訴他們說：「我只是人，不是天、龍、鬼、神。只是想到天下人民困苦，想要保護他們罷了。」說完這些，就不再說話了。到了十七歲，才告訴父母說：「我想要佈施，讓勤勞困苦的人得到安穩。」』 『父母想到：「兒子剛出生時，就有這樣的願望。」就告訴兒子說：「我們家財無數，你可以隨意施捨，不會加以限制。」大意回答說：「父母的財物雖然多，還是不夠我用，我只有入海去採集七寶，用來佈施給天下人民。」多次這樣說，父母就同意他去了。』 『大意便行禮，告辭父母入海，途中經過其他國家。其中一個國家有個婆羅門，財富無數，見到大意容貌端正，非常喜歡他，就告訴他說：「我非常敬重你，現在有個小女兒想要嫁給你，希望你留在這裡。」』

English version The Sutra of Great Meaning The Buddha Speaks the Sutra of Great Meaning Translated by Tripiṭaka Guṇabhadra of Tianzhu during the Song Dynasty Thus have I heard: At one time, the Buddha was in the Jeta Grove of Anathapindika's Garden in Shravasti, together with twelve hundred and fifty monks. The Buddha told the monks, 'In the past, there was a country named Joyful and Worry-Free, and its king was named Guang Ci Ai (Vast Compassion and Sorrow). In the country, there was a householder named Maha Tan, whose wife was named Chandha. They had a son whose appearance was so handsome that he was rare in the world. He could speak as soon as he was born, and he vowed, 「I shall give alms to the world and save the people. Those who are lonely and poor, I shall protect and give them peace.」 His parents therefore named him Great Meaning. Seeing that he had an unusual appearance, they feared he might be a deva, dragon, ghost, or spirit, and wanted to consult a diviner. Great Meaning knew this and told them, 「I am just a human, not a deva, dragon, ghost, or spirit. I only think of the suffering people in the world and want to protect them.」 After saying this, he stopped speaking. When he turned seventeen, he told his parents, 「I want to give alms so that the hardworking and suffering people can find peace.」' 'His parents thought, 「When our son was born, he had this wish.」 They told their son, 「Our wealth is countless, you can give as you please, we will not restrict you.」 Great Meaning replied, 「Although my parents』 wealth is great, it is still not enough for my use. I must go into the sea to collect the seven treasures to give to the people of the world.」 After saying this many times, his parents agreed to let him go.' 'Great Meaning then bowed, bid farewell to his parents, and went into the sea. On his way, he passed through other countries. In one of the countries, there was a Brahmin with immeasurable wealth. Seeing that Great Meaning』s appearance was handsome, he was very pleased with him and told him, 「I greatly respect you. I have a young daughter whom I would like to marry to you. I hope you will stay here.」'

。』大意報言：『我辭家入海欲采七寶，未敢相許，且須來還。』於是遂進採得七寶，即遣人持寶還其本國，轉復到海際求索異物。忽見一大樹高八十由延、廣亦八十由延，大意便上樹，遙見一銀城，宮闕、殿舍皆是白銀，天女侍側妓樂自然。有一毒蛇繞城三匝，見大意便舉頭視之，大意自念言：『人為毒所害者，皆由無善意故耳。』便坐，思須自思惟定意，須臾頃，蛇即低頭睡臥。

「大意欲入城，守門者便入白王言：『外有賢者欲見於王。』王身自出迎之歡喜而言：『唯愿仁者，留住此一時三月，得展供養。』答言：『我欲行采寶，不宜久留。』王報言：『我不視國事，唯愿留住。』大意便止留。王即供設衣服、飲食、妓樂、床臥之具，乃歷九十日竟，大意辭王欲去，王便取珍琦七寶欲以送之，大意言：『我不多用是七寶，聞王有一明月珠，意欲求之。』王言：『我不惜是珠，但恐道路艱險難，以自隨耳。』大意言：『夫福之將，人不畏艱險。』王言：『此珠有二十里中寶隨之，便以貢于仁者，在意所欲；若后得道，愿為弟子得給供養，逾於今日也。』大意便受珠，歡喜而去。

「於是，大意轉前行見一金城

現代漢語譯本：大意（菩薩）稟告說：『我離開家進入大海，想要採集七寶，不敢輕易答應您，我一定會回來的。』於是就去採集七寶，隨即派人拿著寶物回到他的國家，自己又回到海邊尋找奇異的物品。忽然看見一棵大樹，高八十由延，寬也八十由延，大意就爬上樹，遠遠望見一座銀城，宮殿樓閣都是白銀做的，天女在旁邊侍奉，歌舞音樂自然響起。有一條毒蛇繞城三圈，看見大意就抬頭看著他，大意自己想：『人被毒害，都是因為沒有善意啊。』就坐下來，思考並下定決心，一會兒，蛇就低頭睡著了。 大意想要進城，守門的人就進去稟告國王說：『外面有一位賢者想要見您。』國王親自出來迎接，高興地說：『希望您能在這裡住三個月，讓我能好好供養您。』大意回答說：『我想要去採集寶物，不宜久留。』國王說：『我不理會國家事務，只希望您能留下來。』大意就留了下來。國王就準備了衣服、飲食、歌舞音樂、床鋪等，過了九十天，大意向國王辭行，國王就拿出珍貴的七寶想要送給他，大意說：『我不需要這些七寶，聽說您有一顆明月珠，我想要得到它。』國王說：『我不是吝惜這顆珠子，只是擔心道路艱險，難以隨身攜帶。』大意說：『有福報的人，不會畏懼艱險。』國王說：『這顆珠子有二十里內的寶物跟隨，就把它獻給您，隨您所用；如果將來您得道了，希望您能收我為弟子，讓我供養您，勝過今天。』大意就接受了珠子，高興地離開了。 於是，大意繼續往前走，看見一座金城。

English version: The Bodhisattva Great Meaning reported: 'I left home and entered the sea, wanting to collect the seven treasures. I dare not promise you lightly, but I will surely return.' So he went to collect the seven treasures, and immediately sent someone with the treasures back to his country. He himself returned to the seaside to seek strange objects. Suddenly, he saw a large tree, eighty yojanas high and eighty yojanas wide. Great Meaning climbed the tree and saw a silver city in the distance. The palaces and pavilions were all made of silver, with celestial maidens attending and music playing naturally. A poisonous snake circled the city three times. When it saw Great Meaning, it raised its head to look at him. Great Meaning thought to himself: 'People are harmed by poison because they lack good intentions.' He sat down, contemplated, and made up his mind. After a while, the snake lowered its head and fell asleep. Great Meaning wanted to enter the city, so the gatekeeper went in to report to the king, saying: 'There is a wise man outside who wishes to see you.' The king came out to greet him personally and said happily: 'I hope you will stay here for three months so that I can properly provide for you.' Great Meaning replied: 'I want to go collect treasures, so it is not suitable for me to stay long.' The king said: 'I do not attend to state affairs, I only wish you would stay.' Great Meaning then stayed. The king prepared clothes, food, music, and bedding. After ninety days, Great Meaning bid farewell to the king. The king took out precious seven treasures to give to him, but Great Meaning said: 'I do not need these seven treasures. I heard you have a bright moon pearl, and I wish to obtain it.' The king said: 'I do not begrudge this pearl, but I am afraid the road is dangerous and it is difficult to carry with you.' Great Meaning said: 'Those who have blessings do not fear danger.' The king said: 'This pearl has treasures within twenty miles following it. I will offer it to you, to use as you wish. If you attain enlightenment in the future, I hope you will accept me as your disciple so that I may provide for you, even more than today.' Great Meaning accepted the pearl and left happily. Then, Great Meaning continued forward and saw a golden city.

。宮闕、殿舍皆是黃金，七寶之樹自然音樂，天女、侍從轉倍於前；亦有毒蛇繞城六匝，見大意便舉頭視之，復坐定意，蛇復低頭而臥。大意欲入城，守門者即入白王，王即出迎與相見，請前語言：『愿留一時三月，展于供養。』大意便止留，王即待遇，施設飲食、衣服、天女、眾妓以娛樂之。乃歷六十日辭王欲去，王守請使留，其意不樂止，遂辭王而去。王復取珍琦七寶以送之，大意不肯受，告言：『我不樂眾寶，聞王有一明月珠，愿以相惠。』王言：『不敢愛之，但恐道遠且險難，以自隨耳。』報言：『夫福之所，將何有難險？』王即報言：『此珠有四十里中珍寶追之，便以貢上仁者，愿后得道為弟子，神足無比，得展供養過於今日。』便歡喜受珠而去。

「於是，大意轉前行，復見一水精城。宮闕、殿舍、皆是水精，七寶之樹自然音樂，天女侍從轉倍於前；亦有一毒蛇繞城九匝，見大意即復舉頭視之。大意即復坐，深自思惟入定，蛇即復低頭睡臥。大意欲進時，守門者入白王，王即出迎，請前語言：『愿留一時三月。』大意即留。王復盡意供養，施設飲食、衣服、妓樂以娛樂之，乃歷四十日，即復辭王去。王便取珍琦七寶欲以送之，大意不受，報言：『我不用是眾寶，聞王有一明月珠，愿以相惠

現代漢語譯本：宮殿樓閣都是用黃金建造的，七寶樹自然奏響音樂，天女和侍從的數量比之前更多；還有一條毒蛇繞城六圈，看到大意就抬頭看他，然後又坐下來，蛇又低下頭睡覺。大意想要進城，守門人就進去稟告國王，國王出來迎接並與他相見，請求說：『希望您能留在這裡三個月，讓我們供養您。』大意就留了下來，國王款待他，提供飲食、衣服、天女和歌妓來娛樂他。過了六十天，大意向國王辭行，國王懇求他留下，但他不想留下，於是就辭別國王離開了。國王又拿出珍貴的七寶來送他，大意不肯接受，說：『我不喜歡這些寶物，聽說您有一顆明月珠，希望您能把它送給我。』國王說：『我不敢吝惜它，只是擔心路途遙遠而且險峻，才把它帶在身上。』大意回答說：『有福的地方，哪裡會有什麼艱難險阻呢？』國王就說：『這顆珠子有四十里內的珍寶追隨它，現在就把它獻給您，希望您將來得道后能收我為弟子，那時您神通廣大，我就可以供養您，超過今天。』大意就高興地接受了珠子離開了。 於是，大意繼續向前走，又看到一座水晶城。宮殿樓閣都是用水晶建造的，七寶樹自然奏響音樂，天女和侍從的數量比之前更多；還有一條毒蛇繞城九圈，看到大意就抬頭看他。大意就坐下來，深入思考進入禪定，蛇就低下頭睡覺。大意想要進城時，守門人進去稟告國王，國王出來迎接，請求說：『希望您能留在這裡三個月。』大意就留了下來。國王盡心供養他，提供飲食、衣服、歌妓來娛樂他，過了四十天，大意就向國王辭行。國王拿出珍貴的七寶想要送給他，大意不接受，說：『我不需要這些寶物，聽說您有一顆明月珠，希望您能把它送給我。』

English version: The palaces and pavilions were all made of gold, the seven-jeweled trees played natural music, and the number of celestial maidens and attendants was even greater than before; there was also a poisonous snake that coiled around the city six times, and when it saw Da Yi, it would raise its head to look at him, then sit down again, and the snake would lower its head and sleep. When Da Yi wanted to enter the city, the gatekeeper went in to report to the king, and the king came out to greet him and meet him, requesting, 'I hope you can stay here for three months, so that we can make offerings to you.' Da Yi then stayed, and the king treated him with hospitality, providing food, clothing, celestial maidens, and courtesans to entertain him. After sixty days, Da Yi bid farewell to the king, and the king pleaded with him to stay, but he did not want to stay, so he bid farewell to the king and left. The king then took out precious seven treasures to give to him, but Da Yi refused to accept them, saying, 'I do not like these treasures, I heard that you have a bright moon pearl, I hope you can give it to me.' The king said, 'I dare not be stingy with it, but I am worried that the road is far and dangerous, so I keep it with me.' Da Yi replied, 'Where there is blessing, what difficulties and dangers can there be?' The king then said, 'This pearl has treasures within forty miles following it, now I will offer it to you, hoping that you will attain enlightenment in the future and accept me as your disciple, then your divine powers will be boundless, and I can make offerings to you, exceeding today.' Da Yi happily accepted the pearl and left. Then, Da Yi continued forward and saw another crystal city. The palaces and pavilions were all made of crystal, the seven-jeweled trees played natural music, and the number of celestial maidens and attendants was even greater than before; there was also a poisonous snake that coiled around the city nine times, and when it saw Da Yi, it would raise its head to look at him. Da Yi then sat down, deeply contemplated and entered meditation, and the snake lowered its head and slept. When Da Yi wanted to enter the city, the gatekeeper went in to report to the king, and the king came out to greet him, requesting, 'I hope you can stay here for three months.' Da Yi then stayed. The king wholeheartedly made offerings to him, providing food, clothing, and courtesans to entertain him. After forty days, Da Yi bid farewell to the king. The king took out precious seven treasures to give to him, but Da Yi refused to accept them, saying, 'I do not need these treasures, I heard that you have a bright moon pearl, I hope you can give it to me.'

。』王便報言：『此珠有六十里中寶追之，便以上仁者，若后得道，愿為弟子智慧無比，當復供養，過於今日。』便受珠歡喜而去。

「於是，大意轉前行，復見一琉璃城。宮闕、殿舍皆是琉璃，七寶之樹自然音樂，天女侍從轉倍於前；亦見一毒蛇繞城十二匝，見大意便舉頭視之，大意即復坐，深思惟入定，蛇復低頭睡臥。大意欲進，時守門者入白王，王出迎，請前乞留一時三月，大意即留。王身自供養飲食、衣服、妓樂以娛樂之，乃歷二十日辭王欲去。王即取珍琦七寶以送之，大意不受其珍寶，言：『我聞王有一明月珠，愿以相惠。』王報言：『此珠有八十里中珍寶追之，便以上于仁者，愿后得道時，我為弟子凈意供養，過於今日，令長得智慧。』大意便受珠，歡喜而去。

「大意念言：『吾本來求寶，今已如志，當從是還。』便尋故道欲還本國，經歷大海，海中諸神王因共議言：『我海中雖多眾珍名寶，無有如此輩珠。』便敕使海神要奪其珠。神便化作人，與大意相見，問言：『聞卿得琦異之物，寧可借視之乎？』大意舒手示其四珠，海神便搖其手，使珠墮水中。大意念言：『王與我言時，但道此珠難保。我幸已得之，今為此子所奪，非趣也

現代漢語譯本：國王便說道：『這顆寶珠有六十里內的珍寶追隨它，我把它獻給您這位仁者。如果將來您得道，我願做您的弟子，希望您智慧無比，到時我將加倍供養您，超過今天。』大意便高興地接受了寶珠，然後離開了。 於是，大意繼續向前走，又看到一座琉璃城。宮殿樓閣都是琉璃建造的，七寶樹自然發出音樂，侍奉的天女比之前更多。他還看到一條毒蛇繞城十二圈，看到大意就抬起頭看著他，大意立刻坐下，深入思考進入禪定，毒蛇又低下頭睡著了。大意想要進去，這時守門人進去稟告國王，國王出來迎接，請求大意留住一時三月，大意就留了下來。國王親自供養他飲食、衣服、歌舞娛樂，過了二十天，大意向國王辭行。國王就拿出珍奇的七寶送給他，大意沒有接受這些珍寶，說：『我聽說國王有一顆明月珠，希望您能把它送給我。』國王回答說：『這顆寶珠有八十里內的珍寶追隨它，我把它獻給您這位仁者，希望您將來得道時，我能做您的弟子，虔誠地供養您，超過今天，讓您長久獲得智慧。』大意便接受了寶珠，高興地離開了。 大意心想：『我本來是來求寶的，現在已經如願以償，應該從這裡回去了。』於是就沿著原來的路想要回到自己的國家，途中經過大海，海中的諸位神王共同商議說：『我們海中雖然有很多珍貴的寶物，但沒有像這樣的寶珠。』就命令海神去奪取他的寶珠。海神就化作人，與大意相見，問道：『聽說您得到了奇異的寶物，可以借我看看嗎？』大意伸出手給他看四顆寶珠，海神就搖動他的手，使寶珠掉入水中。大意心想：『國王給我寶珠時，就說過這寶珠難以保住。我僥倖得到了它，現在卻被這小子奪走了，這太不應該了。』

English version: The king then said, 'This pearl has treasures within sixty miles following it. I offer it to you, the benevolent one. If you attain enlightenment in the future, I wish to be your disciple, hoping for your boundless wisdom. At that time, I will provide for you even more than today.' Da Yi happily accepted the pearl and then departed. Then, Da Yi continued forward and saw another city made of lapis lazuli. The palaces and pavilions were all made of lapis lazuli, and the seven-jeweled trees naturally produced music. The celestial maidens attending were even more numerous than before. He also saw a venomous snake circling the city twelve times. When it saw Da Yi, it raised its head to look at him. Da Yi immediately sat down, deeply contemplating and entering meditation. The snake then lowered its head and fell asleep. Da Yi wanted to enter, and at this time, the gatekeeper went in to report to the king. The king came out to greet him and requested Da Yi to stay for a while, three months. Da Yi then stayed. The king personally provided him with food, clothing, and entertainment with music and dance. After twenty days, Da Yi bid farewell to the king. The king then took out rare and precious seven treasures to give him, but Da Yi did not accept them. He said, 'I heard that the king has a bright moon pearl. I hope you can give it to me.' The king replied, 'This pearl has treasures within eighty miles following it. I offer it to you, the benevolent one. I hope that when you attain enlightenment in the future, I can be your disciple, sincerely providing for you more than today, so that you may gain lasting wisdom.' Da Yi then accepted the pearl and happily left. Da Yi thought, 'I originally came seeking treasures, and now I have achieved my goal. I should return from here.' So he followed the original path, intending to return to his own country. He passed through the sea, and the various divine kings in the sea discussed together, saying, 'Although there are many precious treasures in our sea, there are none like these pearls.' They then ordered the sea god to seize his pearls. The sea god transformed into a human and met with Da Yi, asking, 'I heard that you have obtained extraordinary treasures. Could you lend them to me for a look?' Da Yi extended his hand to show him the four pearls. The sea god then shook his hand, causing the pearls to fall into the water. Da Yi thought, 'When the king gave me the pearls, he said that they were difficult to keep safe. I was fortunate to have obtained them, but now they have been taken by this fellow. This is not right.'

。』即謂海神言：『我自勤苦，經涉險岨得此珠來，汝反奪我今不相還，我當抒盡海水耳。』海神知之，問言：『卿志何高乃爾？海深三百三十六萬由延，其廣無涯，奈何竭之。譬如日終不墮地，大風不可攬束；日尚可使墮地，風尚可攬束，大海水終不可抒令竭也。』大意笑答之，言：『我自念前後受身生死壞積其骨，過於須彌山，其血流，五河四海未足以喻。吾尚欲斷是生死之根本，但此小海何足不抒？』復說言：『我憶念昔，供養諸佛，誓願言：「令我志行勇於道決所向無難。」當移須彌山、竭大海水，終不退意。』便一其心，以器抒海水。精誠之感達于第一四天，王來下，助大意抒水，三分已抒其二。於是海中諸神王皆大振怖，共議言：『今不還其珠者，非小故也，水盡泥出，子便壞我宮室。』海神便出衆寶以與大意，大意不取，告言：『不用是輩，但欲得我珠耳，促還我珠，終不相置也。』海神知其意感，便出珠還之。

「大意得珠，過取婆羅門女，還其本國恣意大布施。自是之後，境界無復飢寒窮乏者，四方士民皆去其舊土襁負歸仁。如是佈施歷載，恩逮蜎飛，蚑行蠕動靡不受潤。其後壽終，上為帝釋，或下為飛行皇帝。積累功德，自致成佛三界特尊，皆由宿行，非自然也

現代漢語譯本：於是，大意就對海神說：『我辛辛苦苦，歷經艱險才得到這顆寶珠，你反而搶奪，現在又不歸還，我將要把海水全部舀干！』海神知道后，問道：『你的志向為何如此高遠？大海深三百三十六萬由延，其廣闊無邊，又怎能舀干呢？這就像太陽終究不會墜落到地面，大風無法被捆綁一樣；即使太陽可以墜落到地面，大風可以被捆綁，大海的水終究無法被舀干。』大意笑著回答說：『我想到自己前後受生，生死輪迴，所積累的骨頭，超過了須彌山，所流的血，五河四海都不足以比喻。我尚且想要斷絕這生死的根本，何況這小小的海水又怎能不舀干呢？』他又說：『我回憶起過去，供養諸佛時，曾發誓說：「讓我意志堅定，勇於修行，所向無難。」即使要移動須彌山、舀干大海水，也終不退縮。』於是他一心一意，用器皿舀海水。他的精誠感動了第一四天，天王下凡，幫助大意舀水，已經舀幹了三分之二。於是海中的諸神王都非常恐懼，共同商議說：『現在不歸還他的寶珠，可不是小事啊，水乾了泥土露出，他就會毀壞我們的宮殿。』海神便拿出各種寶物給大意，大意不接受，說道：『我不需要這些東西，我只要我的寶珠，快點還給我，我絕不會罷休。』海神知道他的意志堅定，便拿出寶珠還給了他。 大意得到寶珠后，娶了婆羅門女，回到自己的國家，隨意地大行佈施。從此以後，他的領地再也沒有飢寒貧困的人，四方的百姓都拋棄舊土，揹著孩子前來歸附。這樣佈施了很多年，恩澤遍及飛禽走獸，爬行動物，沒有不受恩惠的。他後來壽終，升爲帝釋天，或者下生為飛行皇帝。他積累功德，最終成就佛果，成為三界至尊，這都是由於他前世的修行，而不是自然而然的。

English version: Then, Great Meaning said to the sea god, 'I toiled hard, braving dangers to obtain this pearl, yet you snatched it away and now refuse to return it. I shall drain the sea dry!' The sea god, upon hearing this, asked, 'Why is your ambition so lofty? The sea is 3,360,000 yojanas deep and boundless in its expanse. How can you possibly drain it? It is like the sun never falling to the earth, or the wind being impossible to bind. Even if the sun could fall to the earth and the wind could be bound, the sea's water could never be drained.' Great Meaning laughed and replied, 'I reflect on my past lives, the cycles of birth and death, the bones I've accumulated, which surpass Mount Sumeru, and the blood I've shed, which the five rivers and four seas cannot compare to. I still seek to sever the root of this cycle of birth and death, so how could I not drain this small sea?' He further stated, 'I recall in the past, when I made offerings to the Buddhas, I vowed, 「May my will be firm, my practice courageous, and may I face no obstacles.」 Even if it meant moving Mount Sumeru or draining the sea, I would never retreat.' Thus, he focused his mind and began to bail out the sea with a vessel. His sincerity moved the first four heavens, and the king descended to help Great Meaning bail out the water, having already drained two-thirds of it. Then, the sea gods were greatly terrified and discussed among themselves, 'If we do not return his pearl now, it is no small matter. When the water is gone and the mud is exposed, he will destroy our palaces.' The sea god then offered various treasures to Great Meaning, but Great Meaning refused, saying, 'I do not need these things, I only want my pearl. Return it to me quickly, and I will not give up.' The sea god, knowing his determination, returned the pearl to him. After obtaining the pearl, Great Meaning married a Brahmin woman and returned to his country, where he generously gave alms. From then on, there was no more hunger or poverty in his land, and people from all directions abandoned their old homes, carrying their children to come and join him. He gave alms for many years, and his kindness extended to all creatures, flying, crawling, and moving, none were left untouched. Later, when his life ended, he ascended to become Indra, or descended to become a flying emperor. He accumulated merit, and eventually attained Buddhahood, becoming the most honored in the three realms. All of this was due to his past practices, not by chance.

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佛告諸比丘：「大意者，我身是；時居士摩訶檀者，今現悅頭檀是；時母栴陀者，今現夫人摩耶是；時歡樂無憂國王者，即摩訶迦葉是；時婆羅門女者，俱夷是；時女父者，彌勒是；時銀城中王者，阿難是也；時金城中王者，目犍蘭是；時水精城中王者，舍利弗是也；時琉璃城中王者，比丘須陀是也；時第四天王助大意抒海水者，即優陀是也；時奪其珠者，即調達是也；時四城門守者，即須颰、般特、蘇曷披、拘留是；時繞四城毒蛇者，即是共殺酸陀利四臣是也。」

阿難整衣服作，禮白佛言：「是時，大意以何功德，乃致是四寶城，處處得供養？及獲四明月珠？眾寶隨之。」

佛言：「乃昔惟衛佛世，大意嘗以四寶為佛起塔，供養三尊、持齋七日。是時，有五百人同時共起寺，或懸繒然燈者、或燒香散花者、或供養比丘僧者、或誦經講道者，今皆來會此。」

阿難及四輩弟子，聞經歡喜，前為佛作禮

佛陀告訴眾比丘：『當時的大意就是我；當時的居士摩訶檀，現在就是悅頭檀；當時的母親栴陀，現在就是夫人摩耶；當時的歡樂無憂國王，就是摩訶迦葉；當時的婆羅門女，就是俱夷；當時的女子父親，就是彌勒；當時銀城中的國王，就是阿難；當時金城中的國王，就是目犍連；當時水精城中的國王，就是舍利弗；當時琉璃城中的國王，就是比丘須陀；當時第四天王幫助大意舀海水的人，就是優陀；當時奪取寶珠的人，就是提婆達多；當時四城門的守衛，就是須颰、般特、蘇曷披、拘留；當時環繞四城的毒蛇，就是共同殺害酸陀利的四位大臣。』 阿難整理好衣服，向佛陀行禮並說道：『當時，大意憑藉什麼功德，才能得到這四座寶城，處處受到供養？以及獲得四顆明月珠？各種寶物都跟隨他。』 佛陀說：『在過去惟衛佛的時代，大意曾經用四種寶物為佛陀建造佛塔，供養三尊佛，並持齋七日。當時，有五百人同時一起建造寺廟，有的懸掛絲綢點燃燈火，有的燒香散花，有的供養比丘僧，有的誦經講道，現在他們都來這裡聚會了。』 阿難和四眾弟子，聽聞佛經后歡喜，上前向佛陀行禮。

The Buddha told the monks, 'The person named Great Intent was me; the householder Mahadhana at that time is now Yue Tou Tan; the mother Chandha at that time is now Lady Maya; the King of Joy and No Worry at that time was Mahakasyapa; the Brahmin woman at that time was Kuji; the woman's father at that time was Maitreya; the king of the Silver City at that time was Ananda; the king of the Golden City at that time was Maudgalyayana; the king of the Crystal City at that time was Sariputra; the king of the Lapis Lazuli City at that time was the monk Sudha; the fourth heavenly king who helped Great Intent bail out the seawater was Udaya; the one who stole the pearl was Devadatta; the guards of the four city gates were Subhadra, Pantha, Sughapi, and Kurula; the poisonous snakes surrounding the four cities were the four ministers who jointly killed Sundari.' Ananda adjusted his robes, bowed to the Buddha, and said, 'At that time, what merits did Great Intent possess to obtain these four treasure cities, receive offerings everywhere, and acquire the four bright moon pearls? And why did all kinds of treasures follow him?' The Buddha said, 'In the past, during the time of the Buddha Vipasyin, Great Intent once used four kinds of treasures to build a pagoda for the Buddha, made offerings to the three honored ones, and observed a seven-day fast. At that time, five hundred people simultaneously built temples together, some hung silk and lit lamps, some burned incense and scattered flowers, some made offerings to the monks, and some recited scriptures and preached the Dharma. Now they have all come here to gather.' Ananda and the fourfold assembly of disciples, hearing the sutra, rejoiced and stepped forward to bow to the Buddha.

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The Buddha Speaks the Great Meaning Sutra