佛垂般涅槃略說教誡經 1.1

1.1

When Śākyamuni Buddha first turned the wheel of the Dharma, he delivered Ājñāta-kauṇḍinya. At the end [of his teaching career] he explained the Dharma to save Subhadra. Having already delivered those whom he should deliver, the Buddha was [reclining] between the twin śāla trees, about to enter nirvana. The time was the middle of the night, still and soundless. For the sake of his disciples, the Buddha gave a brief account of the essentials of the Dharma.

[The Buddha said,] “You monks, after I am gone, you should honor and respect prātimokṣa, [the discipline that liberates,] as if you have found a light in the darkness, as if you were poor men finding a jewel. You must realize that this will be your great teacher. It will be no different than when I was in the world.

“Those who maintain pure discipline must not engage in commerce and trade. They must not own fields and houses, or keep slaves or domestic animals. They must stay far away from all forms of wealth and property, as if avoiding a fiery pit. They must not cut down plants or till the soil. They must not engage in compounding medicines or doing prognostication and augury. They must not engage in gazing at the constellations or plotting the movements [of the stars] through the sky.

“They should regulate their bodies and eat only at the prescribed time, so that they lead a pure and independent life. They must not get involved in worldly affairs or serve in government posts. They should not use spells or magic or drugs. They should not curry favor with high-ranking people or be on intimate terms with the dissolute and vain.

“[Those who maintain pure discipline] should seek salvation with a