註四十二章經 1.280

1.280

佛問諸沙門：「人命在幾間？」對曰：「在數日間。」佛言：「子未能為道。」復問一沙門：「人命在幾間？」對曰：「在飯食間去。」「子未能為道。」復問一沙門：「人命在幾間？」對曰：「呼吸之間。」佛言：「善哉！子可謂為道者矣！」

The Buddha asked the śramaṇas: "How long is a human lifespan?" One replied: "It is a matter of a few days." The Buddha said: "You have not yet comprehended the Way." He asked another śramaṇa: "How long is a human lifespan?" He replied: "The space of a meal." [The Buddha said:] "You have not yet comprehended the Way." He asked yet another śramaṇa: "How long is a human lifespan?" He replied: "Between an inhalation and an exhalation." The Buddha said: "Excellent! You may be said to be one who comprehends the Way!"