T03n0182b_佛說鹿母經

大正藏第 03 冊 No. 0182b 佛說鹿母經

佛說鹿母經

西晉三藏法師竺法護譯

佛言：「昔者，有鹿數百為群，隨逐水草，侵近人邑，國王出獵，遂各分迸。有一母鹿，懷妊獨逝，被逐饑疲，失侶悵怏。時，生二子，舍行求食，煢悸失錯，誤墮獵者弶中，悲鳴欲出，不能得脫。獵師聞聲，便往視之，見鹿心喜，適前欲殺。鹿乃叩頭，求哀自陳：『向生二子，尚小無知，始自濛濛，未曉東西。乞假須臾，暫還視子，將示水草，使得生活，並與二子，盡哀死別。長短命矣！愿垂恕恩，愍及有識。若蒙哀遣，得見子者，誠非鹿獸，所能報謝；天祐有德，福注罔極。見遣之期，不違信誓，旋則就死，獸意無恨。』

「是時，獵者聞鹿所言，且驚且怪，衣毛為豎，其奇能言，識出人情，即問鹿曰：『汝為鬼魅、山林樹神？得無變惑，假借其形。以實告我，令明其故。』鹿即答曰：『吾以先世，貪殘之罪，稟受鹿身。至心念子，故發口能言，非為鬼魅，唯見識憐，生放死還，甘心所全。』

「獵者聞之，信加其言，心懷貪慾，意不肯聽，即告鹿曰：『世人一切，尚無志誠，況汝鹿畜？憐子惜身，尚全求生，從死得去，豈有還期？王命急切，恐必知之，罪吾失鹿，更受重責

現代漢語譯本 佛說：『過去，有幾百隻鹿成群結隊，追逐水草，靠近人類居住的村落。國王出來打獵，鹿群就各自逃散。有一隻母鹿，懷著身孕獨自逃走，被追趕得飢餓疲憊，失去了同伴，心中悵惘。這時，她生下了兩個小鹿，便離開去尋找食物。她驚慌失措，不小心掉進了獵人的陷阱中，悲鳴著想要出來，卻無法脫身。獵人聽到聲音，就前去檢視，看到鹿後心中歡喜，正要上前殺死它。鹿便叩頭，哀求著陳述說：『我剛生下兩個孩子，它們還小，什麼都不知道，剛剛睜開眼睛，還不懂得東西南北。請您允許我一會兒，讓我回去看看孩子，給它們指引水草，讓它們能夠活下去，並和兩個孩子，盡情地哀傷告別。長短的命運啊！希望您能垂憐，寬恕我，可憐我這有知覺的生命。如果能蒙受您的恩惠，讓我見到孩子，我一定不會像鹿獸一樣，會報答您的恩情；上天會保佑有德之人，福報會無邊無際。我被放走後，一定不會違背誓言，一定會回來就死，我作為鹿，心中不會有怨恨。』 當時，獵人聽到鹿說的話，既驚訝又奇怪，身上的汗毛都豎了起來，它竟然能說話，還懂得人情，就問鹿說：『你是鬼怪、山林樹神嗎？是不是變化迷惑，假借了鹿的形體？請你如實告訴我，讓我明白其中的緣故。』鹿回答說：『我因為前世貪婪殘暴的罪過，所以投胎做了鹿。因為一心想著孩子，所以才能開口說話，我不是鬼怪，只是希望您能憐憫我，放我一條生路，我甘心回來赴死。』 獵人聽了，更加相信鹿的話，但心中貪婪的慾望，卻不肯聽從，就對鹿說：『世上的人，尚且沒有真誠的，更何況你這鹿畜？你憐惜孩子，愛惜自己的生命，尚且想求生，從死里逃脫，怎麼會按時回來呢？國王的命令很急，恐怕會知道這件事，怪罪我丟失了鹿，會受到更重的責罰。』

English version The Buddha said: 'In the past, there were hundreds of deer in a herd, following the water and grass, approaching human settlements. The king went out hunting, and the deer scattered. There was a mother deer, pregnant and alone, who was chased, hungry, and tired, and lost her companions, feeling lost and sad. At this time, she gave birth to two fawns, and left to find food. She was flustered and confused, and accidentally fell into a hunter's trap, crying out in distress, unable to escape. The hunter heard the sound and went to check, seeing the deer, he was happy and was about to kill her. The deer then kowtowed, begging and stating: 'I have just given birth to two children, they are still small and ignorant, just opened their eyes, and do not know east from west. Please allow me a moment, let me go back to see my children, guide them to the water and grass, so that they can live, and say a final farewell to my two children. Our fates are short! I hope you can have mercy, forgive me, and pity this sentient being. If I can receive your grace and see my children, I will not be like a deer, I will repay your kindness; heaven will bless the virtuous, and blessings will be boundless. After being released, I will not break my oath, I will return to die, and as a deer, I will have no resentment in my heart.' At that time, the hunter heard what the deer said, and was both surprised and strange, the hair on his body stood up, it could actually speak, and understood human feelings, so he asked the deer: 'Are you a ghost, a forest spirit? Are you transforming and deceiving, borrowing the form of a deer? Tell me the truth, so that I can understand the reason.' The deer replied: 'Because of the sins of greed and cruelty in my past life, I was reborn as a deer. Because I am thinking of my children, I can speak, I am not a ghost, I just hope you can have pity on me, let me live, and I will willingly return to die.' The hunter listened, and believed the deer's words even more, but the greedy desire in his heart, would not listen, so he said to the deer: 'People in the world, do not have sincerity, let alone you, a deer? You pity your children, cherish your own life, and still want to live, escaping from death, how can you return on time? The king's orders are urgent, I am afraid he will find out, blame me for losing the deer, and I will receive a heavier punishment.'

。雖心不忍，事不獲已，終不相放。』鹿時惶怖，苦言報曰：『鹿雖賤畜，甘死不恨，求期則返，豈敢違命？人受罪釁，唯乞假祚，為福所種。去則子存，留則子亡，聽往時還，神信我言。夫死何足惜，而違心信？顧念二子，是以懇懇，生不識母，各當沒命，分死全子，滅三痛劇。』

「鹿母低頭鳴噭，口說偈言：

「『我身為鹿獸，　　遊食于林藪， 賤生貪軀命，　　不能故送死。 今來入君弶，　　自分受刀機， 不惜腥臊身，　　但憐二子耳。 唯我前世時，　　暴虐不至誠， 不信生死苦，　　罪福之分明。 行惡自招罪，　　今受畜獸形， 若蒙須臾命，　　終不違信盟。』

「於是，獵者聞鹿言訴之聲，甚嘆其奇！貪利成事，不欲放遣，即告于鹿，責數之曰：『夫巧偽無實，奸詐難信，虛華萬端，狡猾非一，侵暴生種，犯人稼穡，以罪投身，入于吾弶。今當殺送供王廚食，不須妄語欺吾求脫，重身畏死誰能效命？人之無食，猶難為期，而況畜獸？全命免死，豈有還期？但當就死，終不相放。』

「鹿時憶子恐據，前跪兩膝，低頭涕淚，悲訴鳴吟，重說偈言：

「『雖身為鹿畜，　　不識仁義方， 奈何受慈恩，　　得去不復還

現代漢語譯本：『雖然我心裡不忍，但事情已經到了這個地步，我最終不能放你走。』鹿這時非常害怕，苦苦哀求說：『我雖然是低賤的畜生，甘願一死也不怨恨，只求允許我回去一趟，我怎敢違背命令呢？人會因為罪過而受懲罰，我只求您能暫時借給我生命，讓我為我的孩子積福。我去了，我的孩子就能活；我留在這裡，我的孩子就會死。請允許我回去，我一定會回來，請相信我的話。死又有什麼可惜的呢，但違背了誠信就太不應該了。我考慮到我的兩個孩子，所以才如此懇求，他們出生后就不認識母親，都將面臨死亡，我寧願犧牲自己來保全他們，這樣可以減輕三重的痛苦。』 鹿媽媽低下頭，發出悲鳴，口中說著偈語： 『我身為鹿獸，在林間草叢中游蕩覓食，卑微的生命貪戀著軀體，不能白白送死。如今我落入您的陷阱，知道自己難逃一死，不吝惜這腥臭的身體，只是可憐我的兩個孩子。只因我前世，暴虐不誠實，不相信生死輪迴的痛苦，不相信罪與福的報應。作惡自招罪過，今生才受畜生之身，如果能僥倖得到片刻的生命，我終究不會違背誓言。』 於是，獵人聽到鹿的訴說，非常驚奇！但他貪圖利益，不願放走鹿，就對鹿說，責備道：『你巧言偽詐，沒有一句實話，奸猾狡詐，虛情假意，花言巧語，狡猾多端，侵犯生靈，破壞莊稼，因罪落入我的陷阱。現在我應當殺了你，送給國王做食物，不要妄想用謊言欺騙我，求得脫身，誰會爲了怕死而捨棄生命呢？人沒有食物尚且難以活命，更何況是畜生？保全性命免於一死，怎麼可能還會回來？你還是等死吧，我最終不會放你走。』 鹿這時想到孩子，非常恐懼，跪下雙膝，低下頭，流著眼淚，悲傷地哀求，再次說著偈語： 『我雖然身為鹿，不明白仁義的道理，但怎能辜負您的慈悲恩情，如果能讓我回去，我一定不會不回來。』

English version: 『Although my heart cannot bear it, the matter has come to this point, and I ultimately cannot let you go.』 The deer was terrified, pleading bitterly, 『Although I am a lowly animal, I am willing to die without resentment, I only ask to be allowed to return once, how dare I disobey the order? People are punished for their sins, I only ask that you temporarily lend me life, so that I can accumulate blessings for my children. If I go, my children will live; if I stay here, my children will die. Please allow me to return, I will definitely come back, please believe my words. What is there to regret about death, but it is too wrong to violate integrity. I am thinking of my two children, so I beg so earnestly, they will not know their mother after birth, and they will all face death, I would rather sacrifice myself to save them, so that I can reduce the triple pain.』 The deer mother lowered her head, making a mournful cry, and spoke in verse: 『I am a deer, wandering and foraging in the forest and bushes, my humble life is greedy for the body, and I cannot give up my life in vain. Now that I have fallen into your trap, I know that I cannot escape death, I do not cherish this smelly body, but I pity my two children. Only because in my previous life, I was tyrannical and dishonest, I did not believe in the suffering of the cycle of life and death, and I did not believe in the retribution of sin and blessing. Doing evil brings about sin, and in this life I have received the form of an animal, if I can be fortunate enough to get a moment of life, I will never break my oath.』 Then, the hunter heard the deer's plea, and was very surprised! But he was greedy for profit and did not want to let the deer go, so he said to the deer, rebuking it: 『You are full of deceit and falsehood, not a word of truth, cunning and treacherous, hypocritical, full of flowery words, and extremely cunning, you have violated living beings, destroyed crops, and fallen into my trap because of your sins. Now I should kill you and send you to the king as food, do not try to deceive me with lies, and seek to escape, who would give up their life for fear of death? It is difficult for people to survive without food, let alone animals? If you save your life and avoid death, how can you possibly come back? You should just wait to die, I will not let you go.』 The deer was terrified when she thought of her children, knelt down on both knees, lowered her head, shed tears, and pleaded sadly, again speaking in verse: 『Although I am a deer, I do not understand the principles of benevolence and righteousness, but how can I betray your kindness, if you allow me to go back, I will definitely not fail to return.』

。 寧受分裂痛，　　無為虛偽存， 哀傷二子窮，　　乞假須臾間。 宿世罪自然，　　故受畜生體， 為人所不信，　　殃禍自應爾。 猶是招當來，　　欲脫畜生形， 披肝露誠信，　　愿聽重誓言。 若世有惡人，　　斗亂比丘僧， 破塔壞佛寺，　　及殺持戒人， 反逆害父母，　　兄弟與妻子； 設我不來還，　　罪大過於是。 普世之極罪，　　劫盡殃不已， 宛轉更燒煮，　　之彼復到此。 可思之深重，　　受痛無終始， 設我不來還，　　罪大過於是。』

「爾時，獵者重聞鹿言，心益竦然，乃卻嘆曰：『唯睹世間一切人民，稟受宿福，得生為人，愚惑癡冥，背恩薄義，不忠不孝，不信不仁，貪殘無道欺偽茍全，不知非常，識別三尊。鹿但畜生，懇懇辭言，信誓叩叩，有殊於人，情露丹誠，似如分明，識睹其驗，以察其心。便前解弶，放遣假之。』

「於是鹿母，出弶得去，且顧且馳，到其子所，低頭嗅子，舐其身體，一喜一悲，踟躕徘徊，嘆息啼吟，並說偈言：

「『一切恩愛會，　　皆由因緣合， 合會有別離，　　無常難得久。 今我為爾母，　　恒恐不自保， 生世多畏懼，　　命如露著草

寧願承受分裂的痛苦，也不願虛偽地茍活。 哀傷我的兩個孩子遭受困苦，我請求暫時離開一會兒。 前世的罪孽是自然而然的，所以才承受了畜生的身體。 不被人信任，災禍也是自己應得的。 這仍然是招致未來的果報，爲了擺脫畜生的形體。 我剖開肝膽，顯露真誠，希望你們聽我鄭重的誓言。 如果世上有惡人，挑撥離間僧侶， 破壞佛塔，毀壞佛寺，以及殺害持戒的人， 反叛，殘害父母，兄弟和妻子； 如果我不回來，我的罪過比這還要大。 普天之下最極端的罪惡，即使經歷劫數也無法消除， 在痛苦中輾轉反側，反覆煎熬，從那裡到這裡。 可以想像那罪孽的深重，所受的痛苦沒有終結， 這時，獵人再次聽到鹿的話，心中更加震驚，於是感嘆道：『我看到世間所有的人，都因為前世的福報，得以轉生為人，卻愚昧無知，背棄恩情，不忠不孝，不信不義，貪婪殘暴，欺騙茍且，不知道敬畏，不認識佛法僧三寶。鹿只是畜生，卻懇切地陳述，信誓旦旦，比人還要強，真情流露，如同明鏡一般，我看到了它的誠意，也瞭解了它的心。』於是上前解開陷阱，放走了鹿。 於是鹿媽媽，從陷阱中出來后，一邊回頭看，一邊奔跑，到了孩子身邊，低頭嗅著孩子，舔著它們的身體，又喜又悲，徘徊不定，嘆息啼哭，並說了偈語： 『一切恩愛相會，都是因為因緣聚合， 聚合終有離別，無常難以長久。 現在我是你們的母親，常常擔心自己無法保全， 生在世上充滿恐懼，生命如同草上的露水。'

I would rather endure the pain of being torn apart than live a false and hypocritical existence. I grieve for my two children suffering hardship, and I beg for a brief moment of leave. The sins of past lives are natural, thus I bear the body of an animal. Not being trusted by others, the calamity is also what I deserve. This is still inviting future retribution, and to escape the form of an animal, I lay bare my heart and reveal my sincerity, hoping you will hear my solemn oath. If there are evil people in the world, who sow discord among the monks, Destroy pagodas, ruin temples, and kill those who uphold the precepts, Rebel and harm parents, brothers, and wives; If I do not return, my sin will be greater than this. The most extreme sins in the world, even after eons, cannot be eliminated, Rolling in pain, repeatedly tormented, from there to here. One can imagine the depth of that sin, the suffering without end, If I do not return, my sin will be greater than this.』 At that time, the hunter, hearing the deer's words again, was even more shocked, and then sighed: 『I see all the people in the world, who, because of the blessings of past lives, were able to be reborn as humans, yet they are ignorant and foolish, betraying kindness, unfaithful and unfilial, untrustworthy and unrighteous, greedy and cruel, deceitful and opportunistic, not knowing reverence, and not recognizing the Three Jewels of Buddhism. The deer is just an animal, yet it speaks earnestly, with firm vows, even stronger than humans, revealing its true feelings, as clear as a mirror, I have seen its sincerity, and I understand its heart.』 Then he stepped forward to untie the trap and released the deer. Then the deer mother, after getting out of the trap, looked back while running, and went to her children, lowered her head to smell them, licked their bodies, both happy and sad, hesitant and lingering, sighing and crying, and spoke in verse: 『All loving encounters are due to the gathering of causes and conditions, Gatherings will eventually separate, impermanence is difficult to last. Now I am your mother, always worried that I cannot protect myself, Living in the world is full of fear, life is like dew on the grass.』

。』

「於是，鹿母說此偈已，便將二子，入于林藪，為別食稼，示好水草，誡敕叮寧，教生活道。念別子孤，淚下如雨，悲鳴摧傷，說偈別言：

「『前世行欺詐，　　負債著恩愛， 殘暴眾生命，　　自盜教彼殺。 身作如影隨，　　今日當受之， 畢故不造新，　　當還赴彼期。 違佛不信法，　　背戾師父誡， 自用貪無厭，　　放情恣癡意。 罪報為畜生，　　當爲人作飼， 自分不敢怨，　　畢命不復欺。 貪求取非道，　　殺盜於前世， 每生為畜獸，　　宿命所追逮。 結縛當就死，　　恐怖無生氣， 用識三尊言，　　見遣盡恩愛。 吾朝行不遇，　　誤墮獵者弶， 即當就屠割，　　破碎受宿殃。 念汝求哀來，　　今當還就死， 憐汝小雙孤，　　努力自活已。 行當依群類，　　止當依眾里， 食當隨侶進，　　臥當驚覺起。 慎勿子獨遊，　　食走于道邊， 言竟便長別，　　就死不復還。』

「是時，鹿母說此偈已，與子死別，遲迴再三，低頭俯仰，唱聲感哀，委背而去

於是，鹿母說完這首偈語后，便帶著兩個孩子，進入樹林深處，為它們尋找不同的食物，指明好的水源和草地，告誡叮囑，教導它們生存之道。想到要與孩子分別，眼淚像雨一樣落下，悲傷地哭泣，說著偈語告別： 『前世行為欺詐，揹負著恩情和愛戀，殘害眾多生命，自己偷盜還教唆他人殺生。 身體如同影子跟隨，今日應當承受這些果報，結束舊的過錯不再造新的，應當償還並赴約定的期限。 違背佛陀不相信佛法，背離師父的教誨，自以為是貪得無厭，放縱情慾和愚癡的想法。 罪惡的報應是轉生為畜生，應當成為人類的食物，自己不敢怨恨，直到生命結束也不再欺騙。 貪求不正當的途徑，前世殺生偷盜，每生都轉為畜生，被宿命所追趕。 被束縛應當走向死亡，恐懼沒有生氣，用認識三尊的教誨，看透並捨棄所有的恩愛。 我今天出行不順利，錯誤地落入獵人的陷阱，即將被宰殺，破碎地承受過去的罪孽。 想到你們哀求而來，現在我將要回去赴死，可憐你們這兩個幼小的孤兒，努力自己活下去吧。 行走應當依靠群體，停留應當在人群之中，吃東西應當跟隨同伴，睡覺應當警覺地起身。 千萬不要獨自遊蕩，不要在路邊吃東西和行走，說完這些話就長久地分別了，走向死亡不再回來。』 這時，鹿母說完這首偈語后，與孩子死別，徘徊再三，低頭又抬頭，發出悲傷的叫聲，轉身離去。

Then, after the deer mother spoke this verse, she took her two children into the depths of the forest, seeking different foods for them, pointing out good water sources and grasses, admonishing and instructing them, teaching them the way to survive. Thinking of parting with her children, tears fell like rain, and she cried sadly, speaking a verse of farewell: 'In past lives, I acted deceitfully, burdened with kindness and love, harming many lives, stealing myself and inciting others to kill. The body follows like a shadow, today I should bear these consequences, end the old mistakes and not create new ones, I should repay and go to the appointed time. Disobeying the Buddha and not believing in the Dharma, turning away from the teacher's teachings, being self-righteous and greedy, indulging in desires and foolish thoughts. The retribution for sins is to be reborn as an animal, to become food for humans, I dare not resent it, and until the end of my life, I will not deceive again. Greedily seeking improper paths, killing and stealing in past lives, each life is transformed into an animal, pursued by fate. Being bound, I should go to death, fearful and lifeless, using the teachings of the Three Jewels, seeing through and abandoning all love and affection. Today my journey is not smooth, I mistakenly fell into the hunter's trap, I am about to be slaughtered, brokenly bearing the sins of the past. Thinking of you begging to come, now I will go back to face death, pity you two young orphans, strive to live on your own. When walking, you should rely on the group, when stopping, you should be among the crowd, when eating, you should follow your companions, when sleeping, you should wake up alertly. Never wander alone, do not eat or walk by the roadside, after saying these words, we will part forever, going to death and not returning.' At this time, after the deer mother spoke this verse, she parted from her children in death, hesitated again and again, lowered her head and raised it again, uttered a sad cry, and turned away.

。二子鳴啼，悲泣戀慕，從后追尋，頓弊復起，悲喚叫叫，說訴偈言：

「『貪慾慕恩愛，　　生為母作子， 始來受身形，　　受命賤畜體。 如何見孤背，　　斷命沒終此， 慕母情痛絕，　　乞得並就死。 自念我生來，　　未識東與西， 念母憐我等，　　當報乳養恩。 何忍長生別，　　永世不復存， 念母為我苦，　　不聊獨生全。 無福受畜形，　　薄祐禍害至， 始生於迷惑，　　當早見孤棄。 凡生皆有死，　　早晚當就之， 今日之困窮，　　當與母同時。』

「於是，鹿子說此偈已，其母悲感，低頭號泣，哀悼怨嘆，回頭還顧，抗聲悲鳴，告其子言：『爾還勿來！吾自畢故，以壽當之；無得母子，夭橫並命。吾死甘心；傷爾未識，世間無常，皆當別離。吾自薄命，爾生無祐，何為悲哀，徒益憂患？但當速行，畢債於今。』鹿母復鳴，為子說偈言：

「『吾前坐貪愛，　　今受弊畜身， 世生皆有死，　　無脫不終患。 制意一離貪，　　然後乃大安， 寧就至誠死，　　終不欺殆生。』

「於是鹿子，聞母偈音，益更悲戀，鳴涕相尋，至於弶所，東西求索，乃見獵者，臥于樹下

兩隻小鹿悲鳴啼叫，哀傷地眷戀著母親，從後面追趕，跌倒了又爬起來，悲切地呼喚著，訴說著偈語： 『貪戀情愛，出生為母親的子女，最初來到世上接受這身形，承受這低賤的畜生之軀。怎麼能眼見母親孤身離去，斷送性命而終結於此？思念母親的心情痛苦至極，只求能和母親一同死去。自念我出生以來，還不懂得東西南北，想到母親憐愛我們，應當報答乳養之恩。怎能忍受長久地分別，永世不再相見？想到母親為我們受苦，不願獨自茍活。沒有福分承受這畜生的形體，福薄而禍患降臨，剛出生就陷入迷茫，應當早早地被拋棄。凡是生命都有死亡，遲早都會到來，今日的困境，應當與母親一同承擔。』 於是，小鹿說完這偈語，它的母親悲傷感動，低頭哭泣，哀悼怨嘆，回頭看著，大聲悲鳴，告訴它的孩子說：『你回去吧！我自會結束生命，用我的壽命來償還；不要讓母子倆，橫遭夭折而一同喪命。我死心甘情願；只是傷心你還不懂得，世間無常，一切終將離別。我自認命薄，你出生沒有福佑，為何要悲哀，徒增憂愁？你只應當趕快離開，今天就了結這債。』鹿母親又鳴叫，為孩子說了偈語： 『我之前貪戀情愛，如今承受這低賤的畜生之身，世間生命都有死亡，沒有誰能逃脫最終的災難。控制心意，一旦遠離貪慾，然後才能獲得大安寧，寧願真誠地死去，終不虛偽地茍活。』 於是小鹿，聽到母親的偈語，更加悲傷眷戀，哭泣著追尋，來到陷阱之處，四處尋找，看見獵人，正躺在樹下。

The two fawns cried out sadly, yearning for their mother, chasing after her from behind, falling and getting up again, calling out sorrowfully, and reciting a verse: 'Craving love and affection, born as children of the mother, initially coming into this world to receive this form, bearing this lowly animal body. How can I bear to see my mother leave alone, ending her life here? The longing for my mother is extremely painful, I only wish to die together with her. Thinking that since I was born, I do not yet know east from west, thinking of my mother's love for us, I should repay the kindness of her nurturing. How can I bear to be separated for so long, never to meet again in eternity? Thinking of my mother suffering for us, I am unwilling to live alone. I have no blessing to bear this animal form, my blessings are thin and misfortune has befallen me, I was born into confusion, I should have been abandoned early. All lives have death, sooner or later it will come, today's predicament, I should bear it together with my mother.' Then, after the fawn finished reciting this verse, its mother was saddened and moved, lowered her head and wept, mourning and lamenting, looking back, crying out loudly, and telling her child: 'You go back! I will end my life myself, using my lifespan to repay; do not let mother and child, die prematurely together. I am willing to die; I am only saddened that you do not yet understand, that the world is impermanent, and all will eventually be separated. I accept my fate, you were born without blessings, why be sad, only adding to the worry? You should just leave quickly, and settle this debt today.' The mother deer cried out again, and recited a verse for her child: 'I was previously greedy for love and affection, now I bear this lowly animal body, all lives in the world have death, no one can escape the final disaster. Control your mind, once you are away from greed, then you can obtain great peace, I would rather die sincerely, than live falsely.' Then the fawn, hearing its mother's verse, became even more sorrowful and yearning, crying and following, arriving at the trap, searching everywhere, and saw the hunter, lying under a tree.

。鹿母徑就其邊，低頭大聲，以覺獵者，而說偈言：

「『投分全中實，　　畢壽于畜生， 見放不敢稽，　　還就刀幾刑。 向所可放鹿，　　今來還就死， 恩慈于賤畜，　　得見辭二子。 將行示水草，　　為說非常苦， 萬沒無餘恨，　　念恩不敢負。』

「爾時，獵者聞鹿鳴聲說誠信之言，驚覺即起，心動竦然，慈心發中，口未得宣。鹿便低頭，前跪兩膝，重向獵者，喜自陳說，以偈謝言：

「『仁前見放遣，　　德厚過天地， 賤畜被慈育，　　悲意不自勝。 一切悉無常，　　忻然副信死， 滅對畢因緣，　　怨盡從斯已。 仁惠恩難忘，　　感受豈敢違， 雖謝千萬辭，　　不足報慈恩。 唯夫誡精誠，　　受福歸自然， 今日甘心死，　　以子屬仁君。』

「於是獵者，感誠即寐，又重聞鹿說偈，皆微妙之聲，加其篤信，捨生就死，以副盟誓，子母悲啼，相尋而至。『斯鹿之身，必非凡庸，吾睹世士，未能比倫。雖復獸體，心若神靈。吾之無良，殘暴來久

鹿母沿著小路走，低著頭大聲鳴叫，以此來提醒獵人，並說了偈語： 『我全身心地投入，完全是爲了完成作為畜生的壽命， 被放走後不敢停留，還是回到刀俎刑場。 之前可以被放走的鹿，現在又回來等死， 對卑賤的畜生施以恩慈，讓我得以和兩個孩子告別。 臨行前給它們指明水草，告訴它們世事無常的痛苦， 即使萬般無奈也沒有遺憾，感念恩情不敢辜負。』 這時，獵人聽到鹿鳴聲中說出如此誠實的話語，驚醒后立刻起身，心中震動，慈悲之心油然而生，但還未開口說話。鹿便低下頭，雙膝跪在地上，再次面向獵人，高興地陳述，用偈語表達感謝： 『您仁慈地放我走，恩德比天地還厚重， 卑賤的畜生被您慈愛養育，悲傷之情難以自持。 一切都是無常的，我欣然接受信守承諾而死， 結束一切因緣，怨恨從此了結。 您的仁惠恩情難忘，我怎敢違背您的恩情， 即使說千萬句感謝的話，也無法報答您的慈恩。 唯有精誠的告誡，接受福報迴歸自然， 今日我甘心赴死，將孩子託付給仁慈的您。』 於是獵人，被鹿的誠心感動而醒悟，又再次聽到鹿說的偈語，都是微妙的聲音，更加堅定了他的信念，捨生就死，以履行誓言，母子悲傷啼哭，相繼而來。『這隻鹿的身體，必定不是凡庸之輩，我所見過的世人，沒有能與它相比的。雖然是獸身，心卻像神靈一般。我真是太不善良了，殘暴已經很久了。

The deer mother walked along the path, lowered her head and cried out loudly, to alert the hunter, and spoke in verse: 'I fully commit myself, entirely to fulfill my lifespan as a beast, Having been released, I dare not linger, and still return to the executioner's block. The deer that could have been released before, now returns to await death, Your kindness to a lowly beast, allows me to bid farewell to my two children. Before leaving, I show them the water and grass, and tell them of the impermanent suffering, Even with no other choice, I have no regrets, remembering your kindness, I dare not betray it.' At this time, the hunter heard the deer's cry speaking such honest words, startled awake and immediately got up, his heart was shaken, and compassion arose within him, but he had not yet spoken. The deer then lowered her head, knelt on both knees, and faced the hunter again, happily stating, using verse to express her gratitude: 'Your benevolence released me, your virtue is greater than heaven and earth, A lowly beast is nurtured by your love, my sorrow is overwhelming. Everything is impermanent, I gladly accept death to keep my promise, Ending all karmic connections, resentment ends from this point on. Your kindness and grace are unforgettable, how could I dare to disobey your kindness, Even if I say ten thousand words of thanks, it is not enough to repay your kindness. Only with sincere admonition, accepting blessings and returning to nature, Today I willingly face death, entrusting my children to your benevolent care.' Then the hunter, moved by the deer's sincerity, awoke, and again heard the deer's verses, all of which were subtle sounds, further strengthening his belief, sacrificing life for death, to fulfill the oath, the mother and child cried sadly, coming one after another. 'This deer's body, must not be ordinary, the people I have seen in the world, none can compare to it. Although it is a beast, its heart is like a divine spirit. I am truly unkind, my cruelty has been for a long time.'

。鹿乃立義，言信不負，可為明教，稽首稟受；豈復當敢，生犯害心？』即時獵者，加肅謙敬，辭謝遣鹿，而說偈言：

「『神鹿信若天，　　言誓志願大， 今我心竦懼，　　豈敢加逆害？ 寧自殺鄙身，　　妻子寸寸分， 何忍向天種，　　有想害靈神。』

「獵者說此偈已，即以慈心遣鹿，重複辭謝，悔心自責。鹿見遣去，出就其子，子望見母，得生出還，強馳走趣，跳𨄈悲鳴。子母相得，俱歡俱喜，一俯一仰，鳴聲呦呦，悲感受活，生蒙大恩，即仰頭謝獵者，而說偈言：

「『賤畜生處世，　　當應充廚宰， 即時分烹俎，　　寬假辭二子。 天人重愛物，　　復蒙放赦原， 德祐積無量，　　非口所能陳。』

「爾時，鹿母說此偈謝已，將率二子，還於深林，鳴群嘯侶，以游以集，安身草澤，以寧峻山。獵者於後，深自惟言：『鹿但畜生，信義祐身，既免即濟，見者加稱。我之為暴，何廣於心？』即時啟寐，散意歸仁，放弩壞弶無復殺心。詣于廟寺請稟沙門，稽首顙面，自歸自陳，奉順慈義，畢志正真。便往白王，具說鹿言。王聞其說，心喜驚歎：『鹿獸有義，我更貪殘。又此鹿慧深達言教，知仰三尊，我國弊冥，事彼妖言，誠可捨棄，以保永全

『鹿能確立道義，言語誠信不欺，可以作為明智的教誨，我恭敬地接受；怎麼還敢，產生加害之心呢？』當時獵人，更加肅穆謙恭，辭謝放走鹿，並說了偈語： 『神鹿的信義如同天道，言語誓願宏大，現在我心中驚恐，怎麼敢再加害於它？寧願自我了斷這卑賤的身體，讓妻子兒女被寸寸分割，又怎能忍心對上天所孕育的生命，產生傷害靈性的想法。』 獵人說完這偈語后，就以慈悲之心放走了鹿，再次辭謝，內心悔恨自責。鹿見被放走，就去尋找它的孩子，孩子望見母親，得以生還，便奮力奔跑過去，跳躍著悲鳴。母子相見，都歡喜快樂，一俯一仰，鳴叫聲呦呦，悲傷地感受著重獲生命，蒙受了巨大的恩情，就抬頭感謝獵人，並說了偈語： 『卑賤的畜生生存在世上，本應被充當廚房的宰殺之物，馬上就要被分割烹煮，寬容地放過了我和我的兩個孩子。天人重視愛護生命，又蒙受了放赦的恩惠，恩德庇佑積累無量，不是言語所能表達的。』 當時，鹿母說完這偈語感謝后，就帶領兩個孩子，回到深林中，呼喚同伴，一起遊玩聚集，在草澤中安身，在峻峭的山上安寧。獵人之後，深深地反思自己：『鹿只是畜生，卻能以信義保佑自身，既然能免於災禍，見到的人都加以稱讚。我如此暴虐，心胸何其狹隘？』當時就醒悟過來，散去殺意，歸於仁慈，放下弓弩，毀壞陷阱，不再有殺戮之心。前往寺廟請求皈依沙門，叩頭禮拜，自我懺悔，奉行慈悲的道義，立志純正。便去稟告國王，詳細說了鹿的話。國王聽了這番話，心中歡喜驚歎：『鹿這種野獸都有道義，我卻更加貪婪殘暴。而且這鹿的智慧深通教誨，知道敬仰三尊，我國的弊端在於愚昧，信奉那些妖言邪說，實在應該捨棄，以保長久平安。』

'The deer can establish righteousness, its words are trustworthy and not deceiving, it can serve as a wise teaching, I respectfully accept it; how could I still dare to harbor a harmful heart?' At that time, the hunter became even more solemn and respectful, he apologized and released the deer, and spoke a verse: 'The divine deer's integrity is like the way of heaven, its words and vows are grand, now my heart is terrified, how could I dare to harm it again? I would rather end this lowly body myself, let my wife and children be cut into pieces, how can I bear to have thoughts of harming the spirit of a life nurtured by heaven?' After the hunter finished this verse, he released the deer with a compassionate heart, apologized again, and felt remorse and self-reproach in his heart. Seeing that it was released, the deer went to find its children, the children saw their mother, and were able to return to life, they ran over with all their might, jumping and crying sadly. Mother and children met, they were all happy and joyful, bowing and raising their heads, their cries were 'yoyo', they felt the sadness of regaining life, and received great kindness, they looked up to thank the hunter, and spoke a verse: 'A lowly animal living in the world, should have been used as food in the kitchen, about to be cut up and cooked, you have generously spared me and my two children. Heaven and people value and cherish life, and we have been granted the grace of release, the accumulated virtue is immeasurable, it cannot be expressed in words.' At that time, after the mother deer finished this verse of thanks, she led her two children back to the deep forest, calling out to her companions, playing and gathering together, settling in the marshes, and finding peace on the steep mountains. Afterwards, the hunter deeply reflected on himself: 'The deer is just an animal, but it can protect itself with integrity, since it can avoid disaster, those who see it praise it. How cruel and narrow-minded am I?' At that time, he woke up, dispelled his murderous intent, returned to benevolence, put down his bow and arrow, destroyed the traps, and no longer had the heart to kill. He went to the temple to request to take refuge in the monks, bowed his head in worship, repented, followed the path of compassion, and resolved to be pure. He then went to report to the king, and told him in detail what the deer had said. The king was delighted and amazed when he heard this: 'Even a beast like a deer has righteousness, but I am even more greedy and cruel. Moreover, this deer's wisdom is profound and understands the teachings, it knows to respect the three treasures, the problem with our country is ignorance, believing in those demonic and heretical words, we should really abandon them, in order to ensure lasting peace.'

。』普國人民，無不聞知，畜獸行義，現獲信證，大道之化，無隱不彰。於是，國王即請會群臣，宣令國民：『吾之為闇不別真偽，啟受邪師，言畏偽神，妖祭無道，殘暴眾生；不如鹿畜，明識三尊。自今已后，普國率民，廢彼邪宗，皆歸正真。』詣于佛寺請受聖眾，冀以後世，長獲其福。臣下群僚，國民大小，皆信三尊，奉五戒十善，為期三年。國豐太平，民皆壽樂，鹿之祐矣。」

佛語賢者阿難：「唯吾善權，累劫行恩，恩救眾生其信如是。爾時，鹿母者，我身是也。二子者，羅云及朱離母𧵛是，國王者，舍利弗是。獵者，阿難是。界上民走白王者，調達是。」

佛時說已，于鹿腨腸放大光明，遍照東西南北、四隅、十方各千佛剎。吾其光明所之，各有化導師子座及寶蓮華，或為法師比丘現肉體者，或為帝王及長者子者，或凡人黎庶現卑賤者，或人群生為畜獸者，各各以光明導御說法。爾時，所說鹿母信誓功德，以為法訓，法音入心，莫不信受其者，皆歸無上正真之道。佛即回光，等接遍照閻浮提內，悉令普徹，其蒙光者逮安隱想

現代漢語譯本：全國人民，沒有不知道的，連畜生都知道行義，現在得到了證明，大道的教化，沒有什麼是不能彰顯的。於是，國王就召集大臣們，向全國人民宣告：『我因為昏庸不能分辨真假，聽信了邪師，說害怕虛假的鬼神，用妖邪的祭祀，殘害眾生；還不如鹿，能明白三尊的道理。從今以後，全國人民都要廢除那些邪教，都歸向正道。』他到佛寺請求接受聖眾的教誨，希望以後能長久獲得福報。臣子們，官員們，全國人民，都信奉三尊，遵守五戒十善，期限為三年。國家富強太平，人民都長壽快樂，這都是鹿的保佑啊。 佛告訴賢者阿難：『這是我善巧方便，累世行善，恩澤救度眾生，他們的信仰就是這樣。當時，鹿母就是我的前身。兩個兒子，就是羅雲和朱離母𧵛，國王就是舍利弗，獵人就是阿難，邊界上跑去告訴國王的人，就是調達。』 佛說完這些，從鹿的腿腸中放出大光明，遍照東西南北、四隅、十方各個千佛剎。凡是光明照到的地方，都有化身導師的獅子座和寶蓮花，有的化身為法師比丘顯現肉身，有的化身為帝王和長者子，有的化身為普通百姓顯現卑賤的身份，有的化身為畜生，各自用光明引導說法。當時，所說的鹿母的信誓功德，作為教誨，法音入心，沒有不信奉接受的，都歸向無上正道。佛隨即收回光明，平等地照耀整個閻浮提，讓光明普遍照徹，凡是受到光照的人都獲得了安穩的念想。

English version: There was no one in the entire country who did not know that even animals could practice righteousness, and now there was proof. The teachings of the Great Path were revealed without concealment. Therefore, the king summoned his ministers and proclaimed to the people: 'I was foolish and could not distinguish between truth and falsehood. I listened to evil teachers, spoke of fearing false gods, used wicked sacrifices, and harmed living beings. I was not as wise as the deer, which understood the Three Jewels. From now on, all the people of the country must abandon those evil religions and return to the true path.' He went to the Buddhist temple to request to receive the teachings of the holy assembly, hoping to gain lasting blessings in the future. The ministers, officials, and all the people of the country believed in the Three Jewels, observed the Five Precepts and Ten Virtues, for a period of three years. The country became prosperous and peaceful, and the people lived long and happy lives. This was all due to the deer's blessing. The Buddha said to the wise Ananda: 'This is my skillful means, having practiced kindness for countless eons, and my grace has saved sentient beings, and their faith is like this. At that time, the deer mother was my former self. The two sons were Rahula and Zhu Li Mu 𧵛, the king was Shariputra, the hunter was Ananda, and the person who ran to tell the king from the border was Devadatta.' After the Buddha finished speaking, he emitted great light from the deer's leg intestines, illuminating the east, west, south, north, four corners, and ten directions of each thousand Buddha lands. Wherever the light reached, there were manifested guide's lion thrones and precious lotus flowers. Some transformed into Dharma master monks appearing in physical form, some transformed into emperors and sons of elders, some transformed into ordinary people appearing in humble forms, and some transformed into animals. Each used the light to guide and preach the Dharma. At that time, the merit of the deer mother's vow of faith was used as a teaching. The Dharma sound entered their hearts, and there was no one who did not believe and accept it. All returned to the supreme true path. The Buddha then withdrew the light, equally illuminating the entire Jambudvipa, allowing the light to pervade everywhere. Those who received the light attained a sense of peace and security.

爾時，眾中有八百比丘，意志四道以證道跡，聞說鹿母于畜生之中發起大意，以信成道，感悟變化即時反悔，前白佛言：「愿立信誓為菩薩道，唯佛加哀助利我等，當以建行荷負眾生，救濟一切至死不離，即時逮得僧那僧涅弘誓之鎧。」

爾時，阿難整服長跪，白世尊言：「此諸比丘網惑大乘不受正諦，如今開悟逮得法證，離淵越塹何其疾也，誠非小道所能信明！大會有疑。唯愿世尊！說其緣由，以釋將來。」

佛言：「善哉，阿難！汝問快也。斯承先識非今所造，是諸比丘乃昔鹿游國民，信受王命奉順三寶，加鹿即感，皆愿無上正真意。中間癡闇，不復習行，雖以遇我得作沙門，忽棄本願迷於大乘。今聞我說前世本末，閉結疑解，得無想安隱，是其宿命識神使然。」

佛說是時，八百比丘皆得阿惟越致。力士聚中有八千人，見證心解，除放逸行，皆發無上正真之道，逮得入信聲尋獲安隱無想之定。天、龍、世人七億二千，皆發無上正真道意。

佛語阿難：「我作畜生之時，以不忘菩薩弘濟之心，應行導利逮於今者，但為眾生勤苦無極。假使一人亡本沒流未拯拔者，終不捨放。諸欲求安逮是功德疾成佛者，皆當盡心中誠歸信三尊，世世不廢如我今日現般泥洹，誠信所致也

當時，在場的八百位比丘，他們憑藉四種道法已經證得了道果，聽到鹿母在畜生道中發起了宏大的志願，通過信仰成就了道業，感悟到變化后立即反悔，走到佛前稟告說：『我們願意立下誓言，行菩薩道，懇請佛陀慈悲加持，幫助我們利益眾生，我們將以實際行動承擔起救度眾生的責任，至死不渝，絕不放棄，當下就獲得了僧那僧涅弘誓的鎧甲。』 當時，阿難整理好衣袍，長跪在佛前，對世尊說：『這些比丘之前被大乘的迷惑所困擾，不接受正道真理，如今開悟，獲得了法理的證明，脫離深淵，跨越障礙，如此迅速，實在不是小道所能理解和相信的！大會上的人都有疑惑。懇請世尊！說明其中的緣由，以解除未來的疑惑。』 佛說：『好啊，阿難！你問得很好。這是他們前世的因緣，不是今生才有的。這些比丘在前世是鹿游國的國民，他們信奉國王的命令，恭敬地侍奉三寶，加上鹿的感應，都發愿要成就無上正等正覺的意願。中間因為愚癡黑暗，不再修行，雖然遇到了我，出家做了沙門，卻拋棄了本來的願望，迷失於大乘。現在聽我說起前世的因緣，解開了心中的疑惑，獲得了無想的安穩，這是他們宿命的意識和精神所致。』 佛陀說完這些話的時候，八百位比丘都獲得了阿惟越致的果位。力士聚中有八千人，見證了這一切，內心解脫，除去了放逸的行為，都發起了無上正等正覺的道心，獲得了入信的果位，很快就獲得了安穩無想的禪定。天、龍、世人共有七億二千人，都發起了無上正等正覺的道心。 佛告訴阿難：『我做畜生的時候，因為沒有忘記菩薩弘揚救濟眾生的心願，所以才能引導利益眾生，直到今天。只是爲了眾生，我勤勞辛苦，沒有止境。假如有一個人喪失了根本，沉溺於生死輪迴，沒有被救拔，我終究不會放棄。那些想要獲得安穩，成就這種功德，快速成佛的人，都應當盡心盡力，真誠地歸信三寶，世世代代不放棄，就像我今天示現涅槃一樣，都是因為誠信所致。』

At that time, among the assembly, there were eight hundred monks who had attained the path through the four ways of understanding, and upon hearing that the Deer Mother had initiated a great aspiration in the animal realm, achieved the path through faith, and repented immediately after realizing the change, they came before the Buddha and said, 'We wish to make a vow to walk the Bodhisattva path. We beseech the Buddha to compassionately assist us in benefiting beings. We shall take on the responsibility of saving all beings through our actions, never abandoning them until death. Immediately, we have attained the armor of the Samghata Samghata great vow.' At that time, Ananda adjusted his robes, knelt before the World Honored One, and said, 'These monks were previously confused by the delusions of the Mahayana, not accepting the true teachings. Now they have awakened and attained the proof of the Dharma, escaping the abyss and crossing the barriers so quickly. It is truly not something that can be understood or believed by the lesser path! The assembly has doubts. We beseech the World Honored One to explain the reasons, to dispel future doubts.' The Buddha said, 'Excellent, Ananda! Your question is well asked. This is due to their past connections, not something created in this life. These monks were once citizens of the Deer Roaming Kingdom. They believed in the king's orders and respectfully served the Three Jewels. With the addition of the deer's influence, they all vowed to achieve the unsurpassed, true, and correct intention. In between, due to ignorance and darkness, they ceased their practice. Although they met me and became monks, they abandoned their original vows and were lost in the Mahayana. Now, upon hearing me speak of their past lives, their doubts are resolved, and they have attained the peace of no-thought. This is due to their past life's consciousness and spirit.' When the Buddha finished speaking, all eight hundred monks attained the level of Avaivartika. Among the assembly of strong men, eight thousand people witnessed this, their minds were liberated, they removed their lax behavior, and all initiated the unsurpassed, true, and correct path. They attained the level of entering faith and quickly achieved the stable and no-thought samadhi. Seven hundred and twenty million beings, including gods, dragons, and humans, all initiated the intention for the unsurpassed, true, and correct path. The Buddha told Ananda, 'When I was an animal, because I did not forget the Bodhisattva's heart of spreading salvation, I was able to guide and benefit beings until today. It is only for the sake of beings that I work tirelessly without end. If even one person loses their foundation and is submerged in the cycle of birth and death, and has not been saved, I will never give up. Those who wish to attain peace, achieve this merit, and quickly become Buddhas, should all wholeheartedly and sincerely take refuge in the Three Jewels, never abandoning them in any lifetime, just as I am now manifesting Nirvana. This is all due to faith and sincerity.'

。阿難！汝當受持廣宣此經無令滅絕。」

阿難即前稽首作禮，受持諷誦

現代漢語譯本：阿難！你應當接受並廣泛宣揚這部經，不要讓它斷絕。 阿難立刻上前，頂禮叩拜，接受並背誦這部經。

English version: 'Ananda! You should receive and widely propagate this scripture, do not let it be extinguished.' Ananda immediately stepped forward, bowed his head in reverence, and received and recited this scripture.

The Buddha Speaks of the Deer Mother Sutra