T17n0809_佛說乳光佛經

大正藏第 17 冊 No. 0809 佛說乳光佛經

No. 809 [No. 808]

佛說乳光佛經

西晉月氏三藏竺法護譯

聞如是：

一時佛游維耶離梵志摩調音樂樹下，與八百比丘眾、千菩薩俱，國王、大臣、人民及諸天、龍、鬼神共會說經。

時佛世尊適小中風，當須牛乳。爾時維耶離國有梵志，名摩耶利，為五萬弟子作師。復為國王、大臣、人民所敬遇。豪富貪嫉，不信佛法，不喜佈施，但好異道，常持羅網覆蓋屋上及其中庭，欲令飛鳥不侵家中谷食之故。所居處去音樂園不近不遠。

於是佛告賢者阿難：「持如來名，往到梵志摩耶利家，從其求索牛乳湩來。」

阿難受教，著衣，持缽，到其門下。梵志摩耶利適與五百上足弟子欲行入宮與王相見，時即出舍，值遇阿難，因問言：「汝朝來何其早。欲何所求？」

阿難答曰：「佛世尊身小不安隱，使我晨來，索牛乳湩。」

梵志摩耶利默然不報，自思惟：「我若不持乳湩與阿難者，諸人便當謂我慳惜。這持乳與，諸餘梵志便復謂我事瞿曇道。進退惟宜。雖爾，續當指授，與弊惡牛，自令阿難𤚲取其乳。又是瞿曇，喜與我等共諍功德，常欲得其勝，當使是弊惡牸牛抵殺其弟子

【現代漢語翻譯】現代漢語譯本《佛說乳光佛經》

西晉月氏三藏竺法護譯

我聽聞是這樣的：

一時，佛陀在維耶離（Vaishali）的梵志（Brahmin）摩調（Matimat）音樂樹下，與八百比丘眾、千菩薩在一起，國王、大臣、人民以及諸天、龍、鬼神共同集會聽佛說法。

當時，佛陀世尊稍微感到身體不適，需要牛乳。那時，維耶離國有一位梵志，名叫摩耶利（Mayali），是五萬弟子的老師。他又受到國王、大臣、人民的尊敬和待遇。他豪富但貪婪嫉妒，不相信佛法，不喜歡佈施，只喜歡其他道法。他經常用羅網覆蓋在屋頂和庭院中，想要防止飛鳥侵佔家中的穀物。他所居住的地方距離音樂園不遠也不近。

於是，佛陀告訴賢者阿難（Ananda）: 『你拿著我的名義，去梵志摩耶利家，向他求取牛乳。』

阿難接受教誨，穿好衣服，拿著缽，來到摩耶利家門前。梵志摩耶利正與五百名優秀弟子準備入宮去見國王，這時正好走出家門，遇到了阿難，於是問道：『你早上來這麼早，想要做什麼？』

阿難回答說：『佛陀世尊身體稍微有些不適，所以讓我早上來，向你求取牛乳。』

梵志摩耶利沉默不語，心中暗想：『我如果不把牛乳給阿難，人們就會認為我吝嗇。如果把乳給了他，其他的梵志又會認為我信奉喬達摩（Gautama）的道。進退兩難。雖然如此，我還是指使他去取劣質母牛的乳，讓他自己去擠。而且這個喬達摩，喜歡和我們爭論功德，總是想要勝過我們，就讓這頭劣質的母牛抵死他的弟子。』

【English Translation】 English version The Buddha Speaks the Sutra of Milk Light

Translated by Dharmaraksa, a Tripitaka Master from Yuezhi during the Western Jin Dynasty

Thus have I heard:

At one time, the Buddha was dwelling in Vaishali (維耶離), under the Matimat (摩調) music tree of a Brahmin (梵志), together with a gathering of eight hundred Bhikshus (比丘), a thousand Bodhisattvas (菩薩), kings, ministers, people, and various Devas (天), Nagas (龍), and spirits (鬼神), all assembled to hear the Buddha expound the Dharma.

At that time, the World Honored One, the Buddha, was experiencing a slight indisposition and required cow's milk. In the country of Vaishali, there was a Brahmin named Mayali (摩耶利), who was the teacher of fifty thousand disciples. He was also respected and treated well by the king, ministers, and the people. He was wealthy but greedy and jealous, did not believe in the Buddha's Dharma, and did not like to give alms, but favored other paths. He often used nets to cover the roof and courtyard of his house, wanting to prevent birds from encroaching on the grain in his home. The place where he lived was neither near nor far from the music garden.

Thereupon, the Buddha said to the worthy Ananda (阿難): 'Take my name and go to the home of the Brahmin Mayali, and ask him for cow's milk.'

Ananda, receiving the instruction, put on his robes, took his bowl, and went to the gate of Mayali's house. The Brahmin Mayali was just about to enter the palace with five hundred of his top disciples to meet the king when he came out of his house and encountered Ananda. He then asked, 'Why have you come so early in the morning? What do you seek?'

Ananda replied, 'The World Honored One, the Buddha, is slightly unwell, so he sent me this morning to ask you for cow's milk.'

The Brahmin Mayali remained silent and did not respond, thinking to himself: 'If I do not give milk to Ananda, people will think I am stingy. If I give him milk, the other Brahmins will think I am devoted to Gautama (瞿曇)'s path. It's a dilemma. Even so, I will instruct him to take milk from a bad cow and let him milk it himself. Moreover, this Gautama likes to argue with us about merit and always wants to surpass us, so I will have this bad cow kill his disciple.'

，即可折辱其道，便見捐棄。我可還為眾人所敬。阿難得乳、若不得乳，趣使諸人明我不惜。為牛所殺，不能得乳，我意已達，於我無過。」

梵志摩耶利時謀議是事已，即告阿難：「牛朝已放在彼塹里。汝自往𤚲，取其乳湩。」

摩耶利敕其兒使言：「汝將阿難示此牛處，慎莫為捉取牛乳湩，試知阿難能得乳不？」

時五百弟子聞師說是，悉大歡喜，即復共疑怪阿難曏者所說事，則相謂言：「寂志瞿曇常自稱譽：『我于天上天下最尊，悉度十方老、病、死。』佛何因緣自身復病也？」

五百梵志共說此已，爾時維摩詰來，欲至佛所，道徑當過摩耶利梵志門前，因見阿難，即謂言：「何為晨朝持缽住此？欲何求索？」

阿難答曰：「如來身小中風，當須牛乳，故使我來到是間。」

維摩詰則告阿難：「莫作是語！如來、至真、等正覺身若如金剛，眾惡悉已斷，但有諸善功德共會，當有何病！默然行，勿得效外道誹謗如來。復慎莫復語，無使諸天、龍、神得聞是聲，十方菩薩、阿羅漢皆得聞此言。轉輪聖王以輪在前，用無數德故，常得自在；何況從無央數劫佈施於一切人，如來、至真、等正覺無量福合會成如來身？阿難！莫復使外道、異學、梵志得聞是不順之言！何況世尊身自有

【現代漢語翻譯】『這樣就能貶低他的道行，讓他被眾人拋棄。我還能繼續受人尊敬。阿難（Ananda，佛陀的十大弟子之一）如果能取到牛奶，或者取不到牛奶，都要讓眾人明白我並不吝惜。即使牛被殺死，也取不到牛奶，我的目的已經達到，我沒有過錯。』

梵志摩耶利（Brahmin Mayali）謀劃好這件事後，就告訴阿難（Ananda）: 『牛早上已經被放在那個陷阱里了。你自己去那裡，取它的牛奶吧。』

摩耶利（Mayali）命令他的兒子說：『你帶阿難（Ananda）去那頭牛的地方，小心不要幫他捉牛取奶，試試看阿難（Ananda）能不能取到牛奶？』

當時，五百個弟子聽到老師這樣說，都非常高興，但又懷疑阿難（Ananda）之前所說的事情，於是互相議論說：『寂志瞿曇（Shakyamuni Buddha）常常自稱讚說：『我于天上天下最尊貴，能度脫十方眾生的老、病、死。』佛陀（Buddha）為什麼會生病呢？』

五百個梵志（Brahmins）議論完這些，這時維摩詰（Vimalakirti，一位著名的在家菩薩）來，想要去佛陀（Buddha）那裡，路過摩耶利（Mayali）梵志（Brahmin）的門前，看見阿難（Ananda），就問他說：『你為什麼早上拿著缽站在這裡？想要尋求什麼？』

阿難（Ananda）回答說：『如來（Tathagata，佛陀的稱號之一）身體稍微有些中風，需要牛奶，所以讓我來到這裡。』

維摩詰（Vimalakirti）就告訴阿難（Ananda）說：『不要這樣說！如來（Tathagata）、至真（the truly real）、等正覺（Sammasambuddha，正等覺者）的身體像金剛一樣堅固，一切惡業都已經斷除，只有各種善功德聚集在一起，怎麼會有病呢！默默地走開，不要效仿外道誹謗如來（Tathagata）。也不要再說這樣的話，不要讓諸天、龍、神聽到這些聲音，十方菩薩（Bodhisattvas）、阿羅漢（Arhats）都聽到了這些話。轉輪聖王（Chakravartin，理想的統治者）以輪寶在前引導，因為無數的功德，所以常常得到自在；何況如來（Tathagata）、至真（the truly real）、等正覺（Sammasambuddha）從無數劫以來佈施給一切人，無量的福德匯聚才成就瞭如來（Tathagata）的身體？阿難（Ananda）！不要再讓外道、異學、梵志（Brahmins）聽到這些不順耳的話！何況世尊（Bhagavan，佛陀的稱號之一）的身體自有』

【English Translation】 'That way, his doctrine can be humiliated, and he will be seen as abandoned. I can still be respected by everyone. Whether Ananda (one of the ten principal disciples of the Buddha) gets milk or not, make it clear to everyone that I am not stingy. Even if the cow is killed, and no milk is obtained, my purpose will have been achieved, and I will have no fault.'

After the Brahmin Mayali had planned this, he told Ananda: 'The cow was placed in that pit this morning. Go there yourself and get its milk.'

Mayali ordered his son, saying: 'Take Ananda to where the cow is, but be careful not to help him catch the cow and get the milk. See if Ananda can get the milk or not?'

At that time, the five hundred disciples, hearing their teacher say this, were all very happy, but they also doubted what Ananda had said earlier. So they said to each other: 'Shakyamuni Buddha always praises himself, saying: 'I am the most honored in heaven and on earth, and I deliver all beings in the ten directions from old age, sickness, and death.' Why is the Buddha himself sick?'

After the five hundred Brahmins had discussed this, Vimalakirti (a famous lay Bodhisattva) came, wanting to go to the Buddha. Passing by the door of the Brahmin Mayali, he saw Ananda and said to him: 'Why are you standing here with your bowl in the morning? What are you seeking?'

Ananda replied: 'The Tathagata (one of the titles of the Buddha) has a slight stroke and needs milk, so he sent me here.'

Vimalakirti then told Ananda: 'Do not say such things! The body of the Tathagata, the Truly Real, the Sammasambuddha (Perfectly Enlightened One) is as strong as diamond. All evil deeds have been cut off, and only various meritorious virtues are gathered together. How could he be sick! Silently leave, and do not imitate the heretics who slander the Tathagata. And do not say such things again, lest the devas, dragons, and spirits hear these words, and the Bodhisattvas and Arhats in the ten directions hear these words. The Chakravartin (ideal ruler) is guided by the wheel in front because of countless merits, so he is always free. How much more so is the body of the Tathagata, the Truly Real, the Sammasambuddha, who has given to all beings for countless kalpas, and whose immeasurable blessings have come together to form the body of the Tathagata? Ananda! Do not let the heretics, non-Buddhists, and Brahmins hear these unpleasant words again! How much more so does the body of the Bhagavan (one of the titles of the Buddha) have its own'

病，不能療愈，何能救諸老、病、死者？如來、至真、等正覺是法身，非是未脫之身。佛為天上天下最尊，無有病，佛病已盡滅。如來身者有無數功德，眾患已除。其病有因緣，不徒爾也。阿難！勿為羞慚索乳。疾行，慎莫多言！」

阿難聞此，大自慚懼，聞空中有聲言：「是阿難！如長者維摩詰所言，但為如來、至真、等正覺出於世間，在於五濁弊惡之世故，以是緣示現，度脫一切十方貪淫、瞋恚、愚癡之行故。時往取乳，曏者維摩詰雖有是語，莫得羞慚！」

阿難爾時大自驚怪，謂為妄聽，即還自惟言：「得無是如來威神感動所為也。」

於是五百梵志，聞空中聲所說如是，即無狐疑心，皆踴躍悉發無上正真道意。

爾時梵志摩耶利內外親屬及聚邑中合數千人，皆隨阿難往觀牛。阿難到，即住牛傍自念言：「今我所事師作寂志者法，不得手自𤚲取牛乳也。」

語適竟，第二忉利天帝座即為動，便從天來，下化作年少梵志被服，因住牛傍。

阿難見之，心用歡喜，謂言：「年少梵志！請取牛乳。」

即答阿難：「我非梵志，是第二忉利天帝釋也。我聞如來欲得牛乳，故舍處所來到此間，欲立本德故。」

阿難言：「天帝位尊，何能近此腥穢之牛？」

帝釋

【現代漢語翻譯】現代漢語譯本：『如果生病了，不能被治癒，又怎麼能拯救那些衰老、生病、死亡的人呢？如來（Tathagata，佛的稱號之一）、至真（the ultimate truth）、等正覺（perfect enlightenment）是法身（Dharmakaya，佛的法性之身），不是尚未解脫的肉身。佛是天上天下最尊貴的，沒有疾病，佛的疾病已經完全滅盡。如來的身體有無數功德，各種疾病都已經去除。佛的生病是有因緣的，不是無緣無故的。阿難（Ananda，佛陀的十大弟子之一）！不要因為羞愧而不敢去取牛奶。快去，不要多說話！』

阿難聽到這些話，感到非常慚愧和恐懼，聽到空中有聲音說：『是阿難！正如長者維摩詰（Vimalakirti，一位著名的在家菩薩）所說，只是因為如來、至真、等正覺出現在世間，處於五濁（five defilements）弊惡的世道中，所以才以此因緣示現生病，爲了度脫一切十方眾生貪淫、瞋恚、愚癡的行為。現在去取牛奶吧，雖然維摩詰說了那些話，不要感到羞愧！』

阿難當時感到非常驚訝，以為自己聽錯了，於是反思自己說：『莫非這是如來的威神感動所致？』

這時，五百位梵志（Brahmin ascetics），聽到空中所說的這些話，立刻消除了狐疑之心，都歡欣鼓舞地發起了無上正真道意（the intention to achieve unsurpassed perfect enlightenment）。

當時，梵志摩耶利（Mayali）的內外親屬以及村落中的數千人，都跟隨阿難前去觀看牛。阿難到達后，站在牛旁邊自言自語：『現在我所侍奉的老師是修習寂靜之法的人，我不能親手擠取牛奶。』

話音剛落，第二忉利天（Trayastrimsa Heaven，佛教欲界六天之一）的帝釋（Indra，忉利天之主）的座位就震動了，於是從天而降，化作年輕的梵志的裝束，站在牛旁邊。

阿難見到他，心裡非常高興，說：『年輕的梵志！請你取牛奶。』

帝釋回答阿難：『我不是梵志，我是第二忉利天的帝釋。我聽說如來想要得到牛奶，所以捨棄自己的處所來到這裡，想要建立功德。』

阿難說：『天帝地位尊貴，怎麼能靠近這腥臭污穢的牛呢？』

帝釋

【English Translation】 English version: 『If one is sick and cannot be healed, how can one save those who are old, sick, and dying? The Tathagata (one of the titles of the Buddha), the ultimate truth, and perfect enlightenment are the Dharmakaya (the body of the Dharma, the nature of the Buddha), not an unliberated physical body. The Buddha is the most venerable in heaven and on earth, without illness; the Buddha's illness has been completely extinguished. The Tathagata's body has countless merits, and all diseases have been removed. The Buddha's illness has a cause and condition; it is not without reason. Ananda (one of the ten great disciples of the Buddha)! Do not be ashamed to ask for milk. Go quickly, and do not speak much!』

Upon hearing this, Ananda felt great shame and fear, and heard a voice in the sky saying: 『O Ananda! As the elder Vimalakirti (a famous lay Bodhisattva) said, it is only because the Tathagata, the ultimate truth, and perfect enlightenment appear in the world, in the evil age of the five defilements, that he manifests illness for this reason, in order to liberate all beings in the ten directions from the practices of greed, anger, and delusion. Go now and get the milk; although Vimalakirti said those words, do not be ashamed!』

At that time, Ananda was greatly astonished, thinking he had misheard, and then reflected to himself: 『Could this be caused by the spiritual power of the Tathagata?』

Then, five hundred Brahmin ascetics, hearing these words spoken in the sky, immediately eliminated their doubts and joyfully generated the intention to achieve unsurpassed perfect enlightenment.

At that time, the relatives, both internal and external, of the Brahmin Mayali, and several thousand people from the village, all followed Ananda to see the cow. When Ananda arrived, he stood by the cow and said to himself: 『Now, my teacher, whom I serve, practices the Dharma of tranquility; I cannot personally milk the cow.』

As soon as he finished speaking, the seat of Indra (the lord of Trayastrimsa Heaven) in the second Trayastrimsa Heaven (one of the six heavens of desire in Buddhism) shook, and he descended from the sky, transforming into the attire of a young Brahmin ascetic, and stood by the cow.

When Ananda saw him, he was very happy and said: 『Young Brahmin ascetic! Please take the milk.』

Indra replied to Ananda: 『I am not a Brahmin ascetic; I am Indra of the second Trayastrimsa Heaven. I heard that the Tathagata wanted milk, so I abandoned my abode and came here, wanting to establish merit.』

Ananda said: 『Heavenly Emperor, your position is noble; how can you approach this foul and impure cow?』

Indra

答曰：「雖我之豪，何如如來尊尚不厭倦建立功德，何況小天？我處無常，皆當過去。今不立德，食福將盡，后無所怙。」

阿難報釋：「設欲為我取牛乳者，惟愿用時。」

釋應曰：「諾。」尋即持器前至牛所。時牛靜住，不敢復動。

其來觀者皆驚怪之：「年少梵志有何等急，來為瞿曇弟子而取牛乳？若儻為是弊惡牛所抵踏死，奈何不自令寂志前取牛乳。」

帝釋爾時即為阿難𤚲取牛乳，而說偈言：

「今佛小中風，　　汝與我乳湩，　令佛服之差，　　得福無有量。　佛尊天人師，　　常慈心憂念，　蜎飛蠕動類，　　皆欲令度脫。」

爾時犢母即為天帝釋說偈言：

「此手捫摸我，　　何一快乃爾，　取我兩乳湩，　　置於后餘者。　當持遺我子，　　朝來未得飲，　雖知有福多，　　作意當平等。」

於是犢子便為母說偈言：

「我從無數劫，　　今得聞佛聲，　即言持我分，　　盡用奉上佛。　世尊一切師，　　甚難得再見，　我食草飲水，　　可自足今日。　我作人已來，　　飲乳甚多久，　及在六畜中，　　亦爾不可數。　世間愚癡者，　　亦甚大眾多，　不知佛佈施，　　后困悔無益。　我乃前世時，　　慳貪坐抵突，

【現代漢語翻譯】現代漢語譯本答道：『即使像我這樣有權勢的天神，又怎能比得上如來（Tathagata，佛的稱號）那樣尊貴，永不厭倦地建立功德呢？更何況是我這樣的小天神？我所處的境界是無常的，終將過去。現在不積累功德，享用的福報將要耗盡，以後就沒有可以依靠的了。』

阿難（Ananda，佛陀的十大弟子之一）告訴帝釋（Śakra，佛教的護法神）說：『如果想要為我取牛乳，只希望用新鮮的。』

帝釋（Śakra）答應說：『好的。』隨即拿著器皿來到牛的旁邊。當時牛安靜地站著，不敢再動。

那些前來觀看的人都感到驚訝：『年輕的梵志（Brahmin，古印度教的祭司）有什麼急事，竟然來為瞿曇（Gautama，釋迦牟尼佛的姓）的弟子取牛乳？萬一被這頭兇惡的牛抵踏而死，為什麼不自己先修習寂靜之心，再去取牛乳呢？』

帝釋（Śakra）當時就為阿難（Ananda）擠取牛乳，並且說了偈語：

『現在佛陀（Buddha）得了輕微的中風，你把牛乳給我，讓佛陀（Buddha）服用后痊癒，得到的福報將是無量的。佛陀（Buddha）是尊貴的天人導師，常常以慈悲心憂念著一切眾生，想要讓所有蜎飛蠕動的生命都得到解脫。』

當時母牛就為天帝釋（Śakra）說了偈語：

『這隻手撫摸我，是多麼的快樂啊，取走我的兩乳牛乳，剩下的留給以後吧。應當拿著牛乳留給我孩子，它早上到現在還沒有喝到，即使知道這樣做福報很多，也要注意平等。』

於是小牛就為母牛說了偈語：

『我從無數劫以來，今天才得以聽到佛陀（Buddha）的聲音，就說把我的那份，全部用來奉獻給佛陀（Buddha）吧。世尊（Lokajyestha，對佛的尊稱）是一切眾生的導師，很難再次見到，我吃草喝水，就可以滿足今天的需要了。我自從做人以來，喝乳已經很久了，即使在六畜之中，也是數不清的。世間的愚癡之人，也是非常的多，不知道為佛陀（Buddha）佈施，以後困苦後悔也沒有用。我乃是前世的時候，因為慳貪而遭受牴觸。』

【English Translation】 English version He replied: 'Even with my power, how can I compare to the Tathagata (Buddha's title), who never tires of establishing merit? Moreover, I am but a small deva (god). My realm is impermanent and will eventually pass away. If I do not accumulate merit now, the blessings I enjoy will be exhausted, and I will have nothing to rely on in the future.'

Ananda (one of the Buddha's ten principal disciples) told Śakra (a protector deity in Buddhism): 'If you wish to take milk for me, I only ask that it be fresh.'

Śakra (a protector deity in Buddhism) responded: 'Yes.' Immediately, he took a vessel and went to the cow. At that time, the cow stood quietly, not daring to move again.

Those who came to watch were all astonished: 'What is the young Brahmin (a member of the highest Hindu caste) in such a hurry for, that he comes to take milk for the disciple of Gautama (the family name of the Buddha)? If he were to be trampled to death by this fierce cow, why doesn't he first cultivate a mind of tranquility before taking the milk?'

At that time, Śakra (a protector deity in Buddhism) milked the cow for Ananda (one of the Buddha's ten principal disciples) and spoke this verse:

'Now the Buddha (Buddha) has a slight stroke, give the milk to me, so that the Buddha (Buddha) may recover after drinking it, and the merit gained will be immeasurable. The Buddha (Buddha) is the venerable teacher of gods and humans, always with a compassionate heart, concerned for all beings, wishing to liberate all creatures that fly and crawl.'

At that time, the mother cow spoke this verse to Śakra (a protector deity in Buddhism):

'This hand caressing me, how joyful it is, take my milk, leaving the rest for later. You should leave the milk for my calf, it has not had any since morning, even knowing that doing this brings much merit, one should be mindful of equality.'

Then the calf spoke this verse to its mother:

'From countless kalpas (an aeon in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology), today I am able to hear the voice of the Buddha (Buddha), let it be said that my share should be entirely offered to the Buddha (Buddha). The Lokajyestha (an epithet of the Buddha, meaning 'eldest of the world') is the teacher of all beings, it is difficult to see him again, I can be satisfied with eating grass and drinking water today. Since I became a human, I have drunk milk for a very long time, even among the six kinds of animals, it is countless. The foolish people in the world are also very numerous, they do not know to give alms to the Buddha (Buddha), later suffering and regretting is useless. I was in a previous life, because of stinginess, I suffered resistance.'

復隨惡知友，　　不信佛經戒，　使我作牛馬，　　至於十六劫，　今乃值有佛，　　如病得醫藥。　持我所飲乳，　　盡與滿缽去，　令我后智慧，　　得道愿如佛。」

時天帝釋即為阿難取牛乳湩，得滿缽去。阿難得乳，意甚歡喜。

於是梵志從聚邑中來出觀者，悉聞此牛子母所說，皆共驚怪，展轉相謂言：「此牛粗常時弊惡，人不得近。今日何故柔善乃爾？想是阿難所感發耳。瞿曇弟子尚能如此，何況佛功德威神變化？然而我等不信其教。」即時歡喜，信解佛法。梵志摩耶利門室大小、聚邑男女合萬餘人，皆悉踴躍，遠塵，離垢，逮得法眼。

阿難持乳還至佛所。是時世尊適為無數千人說法。阿難即前，更整衣服，長跪叉手，而白佛言：「曏者奉使詣梵志摩耶利家索乳。牛之子母便作人語。我聞其言，大驚怪之。」

佛告阿難：「是牛子母悉說何等，而汝意疑？」

阿難白佛：「此摩耶利有一牛，大弊惡，喜抵踏人。家中人使初不敢近。主雖不得𤚲取乳者，但令產乳。是牛自產犢大且好，勝於余犢百千倍也。梵志密敕兒使，制不得令而我取乳。我自念言：『沙門法不應手自取。』言適竟，第二忉利天帝即來，下化作年少梵志被服，因住牛邊。我言：『倩卿𤚲取牛乳

【現代漢語翻譯】現代漢語譯本：　又因結交惡友，不相信佛經和戒律，　使我輪迴為牛馬，長達十六劫，　如今才遇到佛陀，就像生病得到良藥。　將我所飲的乳汁，全部給予盛滿缽器的人，　愿我將來獲得智慧，證得佛果如佛陀一樣。」

當時天帝釋（Devanam Indra）就為阿難（Ananda）取來牛乳，盛滿缽器給他。阿難（Ananda）得到乳汁，心中非常歡喜。

這時，從村落中出來觀看的人們，都聽到了這頭牛和牛犢所說的話，都感到非常驚訝，互相轉告說：「這頭牛平時非常粗暴兇惡，人們無法靠近。今天為什麼如此溫順善良呢？想必是阿難（Ananda）所感化的吧。瞿曇（Gautama）的弟子尚且能做到如此，更何況佛陀的功德、威神和變化呢？然而我們這些人卻不相信他的教法。」隨即心生歡喜，信解佛法。梵志（Brahmin）摩耶利（Mayali）家中的大小，以及村落中的男女，總共一萬多人，都歡欣踴躍，遠離塵垢，獲得了法眼。

阿難（Ananda）拿著乳汁回到佛陀那裡。當時，世尊（Bhagavan）正在為無數千人說法。阿難（Ananda）立刻上前，整理好衣服，長跪合掌，對佛陀說：「剛才奉命前往梵志（Brahmin）摩耶利（Mayali）家索取乳汁。那頭牛和牛犢竟然說人話。我聽到他們的話，感到非常驚訝。」

佛陀告訴阿難（Ananda）：「那頭牛和牛犢都說了些什麼，讓你感到疑惑呢？」

阿難（Ananda）稟告佛陀：「這個摩耶利（Mayali）家有一頭牛，非常兇惡，喜歡牴觸和踩踏人。家中的人一開始都不敢靠近。主人雖然無法強行擠取它的乳汁，但還是讓它產奶。這頭牛自己生下的小牛犢又大又好，勝過其他小牛犢百千倍。梵志（Brahmin）秘密地囑咐家中的孩子，禁止他們讓我取乳。我心裡想：『沙門（Shramana）的規矩不應該自己動手取乳。』話音剛落，第二忉利天（Trayastrimsa Heaven）的天帝釋（Devanam Indra）就來了，地獄化作年輕的梵志（Brahmin）的裝束，於是站在牛的旁邊。我說：『請你幫我擠取牛乳

【English Translation】 English version: Again, following evil companions, Not believing in the Buddha's scriptures and precepts, Caused me to be born as cattle and horses, For as long as sixteen kalpas (aeons), Now I encounter a Buddha, Like a sick person obtaining medicine. Taking the milk I drink, Give it all to the one with the full bowl, May I in the future gain wisdom, And attain the path like the Buddha.'

At that time, Devanam Indra (Shakra, the lord of gods) immediately obtained milk for Ananda (one of the principal disciples of the Buddha), filling a bowl for him. Ananda (one of the principal disciples of the Buddha), receiving the milk, was very happy.

Then, those who came out from the village to watch all heard what the cow and its calf said, and they were all astonished. They told each other, saying, 'This cow is usually very rough and wicked, and people cannot get near it. Why is it so gentle and kind today? It must be because of Ananda's (one of the principal disciples of the Buddha) influence. Even a disciple of Gautama (the Buddha's family name) can do this, how much more so the Buddha's merits, majestic power, and transformations? Yet we do not believe in his teachings.' Immediately, they rejoiced and understood the Buddha's Dharma. The Brahmin (a member of the priestly class) Mayali's (name of the Brahmin) household, both young and old, and the men and women of the village, totaling more than ten thousand people, all rejoiced, were freed from dust and defilement, and attained the Dharma eye.

Ananda (one of the principal disciples of the Buddha) took the milk back to the Buddha. At that time, the Bhagavan (the Blessed One, the Buddha) was teaching the Dharma to countless thousands of people. Ananda (one of the principal disciples of the Buddha) immediately stepped forward, adjusted his robes, knelt with his palms together, and said to the Buddha, 'Earlier, I was sent to the Brahmin (a member of the priestly class) Mayali's (name of the Brahmin) house to ask for milk. The cow and its calf actually spoke human language. When I heard their words, I was greatly astonished.'

The Buddha told Ananda (one of the principal disciples of the Buddha), 'What did the cow and its calf say that made you doubt?'

Ananda (one of the principal disciples of the Buddha) reported to the Buddha, 'This Mayali (name of the Brahmin) has a cow that is very wicked, likes to butt and trample people. The people in the house initially dared not approach it. Although the owner could not force it to give milk, he still let it produce milk. The calf that this cow gave birth to is large and good, surpassing other calves a hundred or a thousand times. The Brahmin (a member of the priestly class) secretly instructed the children in the house to forbid them from letting me take the milk. I thought to myself, 'The rules of a Shramana (wandering ascetic) do not allow one to take milk oneself.' As soon as I finished speaking, the Devanam Indra (Shakra, the lord of gods) of the second Trayastrimsa Heaven (Heaven of the Thirty-three Gods) came, descended and transformed into a young Brahmin (a member of the priestly class) in attire, and stood by the cow. I said, 'Please help me milk the cow.'

。』帝釋言：『諾。』便前取乳，即告牛言：『今世尊小中風，當用乳。汝與如來乳者，得福無量。』於是牛語答帝釋言：『取我兩乳，置兩乳湩以遺我子。』犢在母邊，聞世尊名，心大歡喜，便語母言：『持我乳分盡用上佛。如來世尊天人所師，甚難得值。我作人時飲乳大久，作畜生時亦復如是。世間愚癡者甚大，多不知佈施，後世當得其福。我乃前世坐隨惡友，不信經道，喜行抵突。是故使我墮牛馬中十六劫，乃得聞佛聲。悉持余乳用上如來。愿后智慧得道如佛。』牛母、犢子說事如是。」

佛告阿難：「實如牛子母所說。」

佛言：「諦聽我之所言。此牛子母乃昔宿命時曾為長者，大富樂，饒財寶。復慳貪，不肯佈施，不信佛經戒，不知生死本。常喜出錢財，外人來從舉息錢，日月適至，喜多債息，無有道理。既償錢畢，復謾抵人，言其未畢。但坐是故，墮畜生中十六劫。今聞我名歡喜者何？畜生之罪亦當畢，是故聞佛聲，便有慈心，以乳與佛。用此因緣，當得解脫。」

佛爾時笑，五色光從口出，天地為大震動，光照十方，還繞身三匝，分為兩分：一分入臍中，一分從頂入便不復現。

於是阿難即前，長跪叉手，白佛言：「佛不妄笑，會當有緣。」

佛告阿難：「汝所問者大

【現代漢語翻譯】現代漢語譯本：』帝釋（Indra，天神之王）說：『好的。』便上前取乳，隨即告訴牛說：『現在世尊（Bhagavan，佛的尊稱）稍微有些中風，需要用乳。你如果給如來（Tathagata，佛的稱號）乳，得到的福報是無量的。』於是牛回答帝釋說：『取我的兩乳，留下兩乳的乳汁給我的孩子。』小牛犢在母親身邊，聽到世尊的名字，心裡非常歡喜，便對母親說：『把我的乳汁那份全部用來供養佛。如來世尊是天人的導師，非常難得遇到。我做人的時候喝乳喝了很久，做畜生的時候也是這樣。世間愚癡的人太多了，大多不知道佈施，不知道後世會得到福報。我乃是前世因為結交了惡友，不相信經書道理，喜歡爭執抵賴。所以才讓我墮落到牛馬中十六劫，才得以聽到佛的聲音。把剩下的乳汁全部用來供養如來。希望以後有智慧得道成佛。』牛母親、小牛犢說的事情就是這樣。」

佛告訴阿難（Ananda，佛陀的十大弟子之一）說：『確實像牛母親和小牛犢所說的那樣。』

佛說：『仔細聽我說。這牛母親和小牛犢乃是過去宿命時曾經是長者，非常富有，有很多的財寶。但是卻慳吝貪婪，不肯佈施，不相信佛經戒律，不知道生死的根本。經常喜歡把錢財借出去，外人來借錢，按月按日收取利息，喜歡多收利息，沒有道理。等到還錢完畢，又欺騙抵賴別人，說別人沒有還完。就是因為這個緣故，墮落到畜生中十六劫。現在聽到我的名字歡喜是什麼原因呢？畜生的罪業也應當結束了，所以聽到佛的聲音，便有慈悲心，用乳供養佛。用這個因緣，應當得到解脫。』

佛當時笑了，五種顏色的光從口中發出，天地為之大震動，光照耀十方，又環繞身體三圈，分為兩部分：一部分進入臍中，一部分從頭頂進入便不再顯現。

於是阿難上前，長跪合掌，對佛說：『佛不會無緣無故地笑，一定是有什麼因緣。』

佛告訴阿難說：『你所問的事情很大。』

【English Translation】 English version: 』Indra (King of the Gods) said, 『Yes.』 Then he went forward to take the milk, and immediately told the cow, 『Now the World-Honored One (Bhagavan, an epithet of the Buddha) has a slight stroke and needs milk. If you give milk to the Tathagata (Thus Come One, an epithet of the Buddha), you will gain immeasurable blessings.』 Thereupon, the cow answered Indra, 『Take my two udders, but leave the milk in two udders for my calf.』 The calf, being by its mother's side, heard the name of the World-Honored One, and its heart was greatly rejoiced. It then said to its mother, 『Use my share of the milk entirely to offer to the Buddha. The Tathagata, the World-Honored One, is the teacher of gods and humans, and is very difficult to encounter. When I was a human, I drank milk for a long time, and it is the same when I am a beast. The foolish in the world are very many, and most do not know about giving, nor do they know that they will obtain blessings in the next life. I was in a previous life because I associated with bad friends, did not believe in the scriptures and doctrines, and liked to argue and deny. That is why I fell into the realm of cows and horses for sixteen kalpas (aeons), and only then was I able to hear the Buddha's voice. Use all the remaining milk to offer to the Tathagata. May I have wisdom in the future and attain the Way like the Buddha.』 The cow mother and calf spoke of things like this.』

The Buddha told Ananda (one of the ten principal disciples of the Buddha), 『It is indeed as the cow mother and calf have said.』

The Buddha said, 『Listen carefully to what I say. This cow mother and calf were in a past life once elders, very wealthy, with much wealth and treasure. But they were stingy and greedy, unwilling to give, did not believe in the Buddha's scriptures and precepts, and did not know the root of birth and death. They often liked to lend out money, and when outsiders came to borrow money, they charged interest monthly and daily, and liked to collect a lot of interest, without reason. After the money was repaid, they would deceive and deny others, saying that they had not finished repaying. It is because of this reason that they fell into the animal realm for sixteen kalpas. What is the reason for their joy now upon hearing my name? The sins of the animals should also be finished, so upon hearing the Buddha's voice, they have compassion and offer milk to the Buddha. By this cause and condition, they should attain liberation.』

The Buddha then smiled, and five-colored light came out of his mouth, and the heavens and earth greatly shook. The light shone in the ten directions, and circled his body three times, dividing into two parts: one part entered his navel, and one part entered from the top of his head and then disappeared.

Thereupon, Ananda stepped forward, knelt with palms together, and said to the Buddha, 『The Buddha does not smile without a reason, there must be some cause and condition.』

The Buddha told Ananda, 『What you ask is a great matter.』

善！何以故？此牛子母卻後命盡，七反生兜術天及梵天上，七反生世間，當爲豪富家作子，終不生三惡道。所在常當通識宿命，當供養諸佛，為懸繒、幡、蓋，散華，燒香，受持經法。牛母從是因緣，最後當值見彌勒佛作沙門，精進不久，當得羅漢道。犢子亦當如是，上下二十劫竟，當得作佛，號曰乳光，國土當名幢幡光明。乳光如來得作佛時，當度天上、天下萬民及蜎飛蠕動之類，其數當如恒沙數。爾時國中人民皆壽七千歲，被服、飲食譬如北方尊上天下。佛在世間教授四萬歲，般泥洹后經法住止萬歲乃盡。」

佛告阿難：「牛之子母以好心、善意佈施與如來乳湩，俱得度脫。如畜生尚有善心，何況作人？六情完具，能別知好、丑，而不信明生所從來、死所趣向，復不知佛經戒，不信佈施後世當得其福。人但坐慳貪故，還自欺身，心念惡、口言惡、身行惡。愚癡之人，皆由是不得解脫。」

說經已，會中五百長者子悉發無上正真道意。三千八百梵志本不信佛法，聞經踴躍歡喜，應時得須陀洹道。五百人本不信生死罪福，見佛變化，悉受五戒為清信士。

佛說經已，比丘、眾長者、梵志、人民，皆大歡喜，稽首佛足而退。

佛說乳光佛經

【現代漢語翻譯】現代漢語譯本『善哉！』這是什麼緣故呢？這頭母牛和它的牛犢死後，將七次轉生到兜率天（Tushita Heaven，欲界天之一）和梵天（Brahma Heaven，色界天之一），七次轉生到人間，將投生到豪富之家做兒子，最終不會墮入三惡道（地獄、餓鬼、畜生）。他們所到的地方常常能夠通曉宿命，應當供養諸佛，懸掛綵繒、幡幢、寶蓋，散花，燒香，受持佛經。這頭母牛從這個因緣出發，最終將會遇到彌勒佛（Maitreya Buddha，未來佛）並出家為沙門（Shramana，佛教出家修行者），精進修行不久，就將證得阿羅漢道（Arhat，斷盡煩惱，證入涅槃的聖者）。這頭牛犢也將如此，上下經歷二十劫（Kalpa，極長的時間單位）后，將證得佛果，佛號為乳光（Dugdhaprabha），國土的名字將叫做幢幡光明（Dhvajapataka-prabha）。乳光如來成佛時，將度化天上、天下無數的民眾以及所有蜎飛蠕動之類，其數量將如恒河沙數一般。那時，國中的人民都將壽命七千歲，他們的衣著和飲食將如同北方尊上天下的人民一樣。佛在世間教化四萬歲，般涅槃（Parinirvana，佛陀的最終涅槃）后，經法住世一萬年才會滅盡。』

佛陀告訴阿難（Ananda，佛陀的十大弟子之一）: 『這頭母牛和它的牛犢以美好的心意和善念佈施給如來乳汁，都得以解脫。像畜生尚且有善心，更何況是人呢？六根（眼、耳、鼻、舌、身、意）完備，能夠分辨好壞、美醜，卻不相信自己從何處來、死後往何處去，又不知道佛經戒律，不相信佈施在後世會得到福報。人只是因為慳吝貪婪的緣故，反而欺騙自己，心中想著惡事、口中說著惡語、身體做著惡行。這些愚癡的人，都是因為這樣才不能得到解脫。』

說完這部經后，法會中有五百位長者（長老）的兒子都發起了無上正真道意（Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi-citta，無上正等正覺之心）。三千八百位婆羅門（Brahmin，古印度僧侶階層）原本不相信佛法，聽了這部經后踴躍歡喜，當即證得了須陀洹道（Srotapanna，預流果，佛教四果位之初果）。五百位原本不相信生死罪福的人，見到了佛陀的神變，都受了五戒（不殺生、不偷盜、不邪淫、不妄語、不飲酒）成為優婆塞（Upasaka，在家男居士）。

佛陀說完這部經后，比丘（Bhikkhu，出家男眾）、眾位長者、婆羅門、人民，都非常歡喜，頂禮佛足後退下。

佛說乳光佛經

【English Translation】 English version 『Excellent!』 What is the reason for this? This cow and her calf, after their lives end, will be reborn seven times in the Tushita Heaven (one of the heavens in the Desire Realm) and the Brahma Heaven (one of the heavens in the Form Realm), and seven times in the human world. They will be born as sons in wealthy families and will ultimately not fall into the three evil paths (hell, hungry ghosts, animals). Wherever they are, they will often be able to know their past lives, and they should make offerings to all Buddhas, hanging banners, streamers, and canopies, scattering flowers, burning incense, and upholding the scriptures. From this cause, the cow will eventually encounter Maitreya Buddha (the future Buddha) and become a Shramana (a Buddhist renunciate). With diligent practice, she will soon attain the state of Arhat (a perfected being who has extinguished all defilements and entered Nirvana). The calf will also be like this, and after twenty kalpas (extremely long units of time), he will attain Buddhahood, with the name Dugdhaprabha (Milk Light), and his land will be called Dhvajapataka-prabha (Banner and Streamer Light). When the Tathagata Dugdhaprabha attains Buddhahood, he will liberate countless beings in the heavens and on earth, as well as all kinds of flying and crawling creatures, their number being like the sands of the Ganges River. At that time, the people in his country will all live for seven thousand years, and their clothing and food will be like those of the honored ones in the upper regions of the north. The Buddha will teach in the world for forty thousand years, and after his Parinirvana (final Nirvana), the Dharma will remain for ten thousand years before it disappears.』

The Buddha told Ananda (one of the ten great disciples of the Buddha): 『This cow and her calf, with good hearts and intentions, gave milk to the Tathagata, and both were liberated. Even animals have good hearts, how much more so should humans? With the six senses (eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, mind) complete, able to distinguish between good and bad, beautiful and ugly, yet they do not believe where they come from or where they go after death, nor do they know the precepts of the Buddhist scriptures, nor do they believe that giving will bring blessings in the next life. People only deceive themselves because of their stinginess and greed, thinking evil thoughts, speaking evil words, and doing evil deeds. These foolish people are unable to attain liberation because of this.』

After the sutra was spoken, five hundred sons of elders in the assembly all aroused the mind of Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi-citta (the mind of unsurpassed, right, and perfect enlightenment). Three thousand eight hundred Brahmins (ancient Indian priestly class) who originally did not believe in the Buddha's teachings, rejoiced upon hearing the sutra and immediately attained the state of Srotapanna (stream-enterer, the first of the four stages of enlightenment). Five hundred people who originally did not believe in the blessings and consequences of life and death, saw the Buddha's transformations and all took the five precepts (not to kill, not to steal, not to commit sexual misconduct, not to lie, not to consume intoxicants) and became Upasakas (lay male devotees).

After the Buddha finished speaking the sutra, the Bhikkhus (ordained monks), the elders, the Brahmins, and the people were all very happy, bowed at the Buddha's feet, and withdrew.

The Sutra of the Buddha Dugdhaprabha