法苑珠林 33.62

33.62

竊惟尼連河裏非有垢而見除。嵐毘園內實無塵而示蕩。故知洗沐是清昇之本。灌澡為澄潔之原。可謂乘香範於前修。振芳猷於後業。所以東國泛七華之水。以濯一乘之賓。西方瑩八德之池。用滌九品之輩。故使醫王夜念發造溫室之心。長者晨言敬申洗僧之願。遂蒙如來善巧。近說七物之儀。大覺垂慈。遠記五天之報。然今此處摩訶施主某官。斯乃運廣大心行無上業。生生常修佛事。世世常轉法輪。故能信正法於群邪。敬緇徒於像季。深知講宣四句價重隋珠。飯沐一僧田高異道。遂使共相率勵勸課等侶。各捨淨財同崇此福。於是辦七物於嘉時。洗三尊於此日。又能屈請高德某法師。講宣溫室洗浴眾僧經一部。法師乃時稱學海。世號詞宗。出玄義而似雲屯。決眾難而方泉涌。能使俗徒開解。猶朗日之闢重昏。法侶除疑。等嚴霜之卷零葉。今既玄章盡軸。座停雷梵之八音。藻浴時臻。次歎洗僧之七物。一者鴻鑪熾火巨鑊氛氳。密室既已除寒。龍泉自然泛熱。二者輕清德水流湛金池。蕩垢皎若蓮紅。身首霑便玉潤。三者銀光豆屑細滑逼於兜羅。却膩本若雲披潔體方開露日。四者八味酥膏五香芬馥。排風去痺未謝摩祇。瑩質光顏何慚妙藥。五者玉管神灰雪華霜潔。邪風遇便息扇。亂想賴己恬凝。六者青楊細柳綠幹輕條。去熱則口發幽蘭。淨齒則氣合優鉢。七者齊縑魏素持作內衣。蔭患并得身安。蕩報自然光飾。七物並皆精備一心奉上。惟眾慈悲為歎祝願。

I humbly consider that in the Nairañjanā River it was not that dirt existed and was seen to be removed; within the Lumbinī Grove it was not that dust truly existed and was shown to be washed away. Thus we know that bathing is the root of pure ascension, and washing is the source of lucid cleanliness. It may be said to continue the fragrant model of former practitioners and to revitalize the sweet conduct of subsequent endeavors. Therefore, in the eastern lands, water of seven flowers was floated to wash the guests of the One Vehicle; in the western regions, pools of eight virtues were polished to cleanse those of the nine grades. Hence the King of Physicians meditated by night, generating the resolve to construct a warm bathing house; the Elder spoke in the morning, reverently offering the vow to bathe the Saṃgha. Thereupon, receiving the Tathāgata's skillful means, the ritual of the seven articles was recently expounded; the Great Awakened One bestowed compassion, recording afar the retributions across the five Indias. Now, the great donor of this place, Official So-and-so, has aroused an expansive mind and practiced unsurpassable karma, constantly cultivating Buddhist services life after life, and constantly turning the wheel of the Dharma world after world. Therefore, he is able to have faith in the saddharma amidst manifold heterodoxies, and revere the monastics in the semblance age. He deeply knows that explaining four lines has a value greater than the pearl of the Marquis of Sui, and feeding and bathing a single monk creates a field surpassing that of the non-Buddhists. He has thus led and encouraged his peers and companions, each relinquishing pure wealth to jointly venerate this merit. Thereupon, preparing the seven articles in this auspicious season, they bathe the Three Jewels on this day. Furthermore, they have respectfully invited the greatly virtuous Dharma Master So-and-so to expound a copy of the *Sūtra on Bathing the Monastic Assembly in the Bathhouse*. The Dharma Master is acclaimed in his time as an ocean of learning and renowned in his age as a master of eloquence. When putting forth profound meanings, he is like gathering clouds; when resolving various difficulties, he is like a surging spring. He can bring secular followers to understanding, just as a bright sun dispels deep darkness; he can remove doubts for Dharma companions, just as harsh frost strips away fallen leaves. Now, the profound text having been fully rolled to its end, the Eight Sounds of the thunderous Brahmā voice cease at the seat; the time for bathing has arrived, and next we praise the seven articles for bathing the monks. First, the blazing fire in the great furnace and the dense steam from the giant caldron: the inner chamber having eliminated the cold, the dragon spring naturally overflows with heat. Second, the light and pure water of virtues flowing clearly in the golden pool: washing away impurities, it is spotless as a red lotus; once touching body and head, it renders them lustrous as jade. Third, silver-bright bean powder, fine and smooth, approaching tūla-cotton: shedding grime, it is like clouds parting; cleansing the body, it reveals the exposed sun. Fourth, the eight-flavored ghee ointment, fragrant with the five scents: expelling wind and removing paralysis, it yields nothing to Jīvaka; polishing the frame and brightening the complexion, how could it be inferior to wonderful medicine? Fifth, divine ash from jade tubes, pure as snow blossoms and frost: when perverse winds encounter it, their agitation ceases; distracted thoughts rely on it to become tranquil and calm. Sixth, green willow and slender salix, with green boles and light twigs: removing heat, the mouth emits scent like hidden orchids; cleaning teeth, the breath matches the utpala. Seventh, silk of Qi and plain fabric of Wei, kept for undergarments: sheltering from affliction, the body attains peace; washing away karmic retribution, it is naturally adorned with radiance. The seven articles are all exquisitely prepared, and with single mind we offer them up. We pray that the assembly, out of compassion, will bestow praise and prayers of dedication.