經律異相 22.16

22.16

佛遊舍衛祇樹給孤獨園。時異比丘。有弟子志性溫雅意行仁賢。常侍和上誠謹精進。敬從法教不違師命。壽命短促幼小而亡。生忉利宮觀於天上。但覩大火。本所志願不得如意。與善友不能相守。今捨善師隨逐惡友。於是違遠至尊和上。及阿夷梨眾。諸等類修梵行者。四輩弟子。有一切智。號曰如來。今悉違遠。無央數劫難值難見。興于世間講說經典微妙深奧未曾發言。而安隱開化說諸緣起。各各解了所從有因。無央數劫所未見聞。悉為解決。值此經律。棄家為道。所當興立不得究竟。今反放逸。先詣世尊稽首足下。佛見其心。真正樂道純督在法。說苦集滅道。即便見諦。和上愁念泣涕如雨。佛呼問之。何為憂惱。答曰。弟子終沒。佛言。何故愁憂。答曰。我沙彌弟子甚大賢良。未有究竟而中夭沒。是故憂悒不能自寬。佛言。勿愁已至究竟。得生天上。今日夜半分別聖諦。比丘不復涕泣（出弟子過命經）。

The Buddha was wandering in Śrāvastī, at the Jetavana, Anāthapiṇḍada's park. At that time, a certain monk had a disciple whose disposition was gentle and elegant, and whose thoughts and conduct were benevolent and worthy. He constantly attended on his preceptor with sincere care and diligence, respectfully following the Dharma teachings and not disobeying his master's commands. His lifespan was short and he died young, being born into a palace in Trāyastriṃśa. Looking upon heaven, he saw only a great fire. His original aspirations were not fulfilled as he wished; he could not stay together with his good friends: "Now having abandoned my good master, I follow along with bad companions. Here, I have parted far from the most venerable preceptor, the ācāryas, and the various assemblies of those who practice the brahma-conduct—the fourfold assembly of disciples. There is an Omniscient One named the Tathāgata, from whom I am now completely separated. Through countless kalpas He is difficult to meet and difficult to see; having arisen in the world, He expounds the subtle and profound scriptures, having never uttered [frivolous words], and peacefully instructs and converts, explaining the various dependent originations so that each understands that from which there is a cause. What has not been seen or heard for countless kalpas, He completely resolves. Having encountered this Dharma and Vinaya, I left home for the Way; yet what I was to accomplish has not reached fulfillment, and now on the contrary I am negligent." He first went to the World-Honoured One and bowed his head at His feet. The Buddha saw that his mind was upright and truly delighted in the Way, purely focused upon the Dharma, and expounded suffering, origination, cessation, and the path, whereupon he immediately saw the Truth. The preceptor, grieving in remembrance, wept tears like rain. The Buddha summoned and asked him, "Why are you sorrowful?" He replied, "My disciple has passed away." The Buddha said, "Why do you sorrow?" He replied, "My novice disciple was exceedingly worthy and good; before reaching fulfillment, he died prematurely in his youth. Therefore I am despondent and cannot console myself." The Buddha said, "Do not grieve; he has already reached fulfillment, attained birth in heaven, and this midnight discerned the Noble Truths." The monk wept no more. (Taken from the Dizi guoming jing.)