English
English version: Cai Ming (Cai Ming, a proper noun) knelt down again and said to the Buddha: 'Venerable World-Honored One, you have already accepted the offerings of my parents for four days each. I beseech you to have compassion and accept my offerings for four days.' The Buddha silently consented. His son was respectful and diligent, providing delicious food for four days, just like he would for his parents. Then, he offered a seat worth one hundred thousand gold coins to the World-Honored One, followed by a seat worth ninety thousand, and finally one worth ten thousand gold coins. His daughter-in-law also rose and knelt, saying to the Buddha: 'World-Honored One, you have propagated compassion and have already accepted the offerings of my parents-in-law and husband. I hope you will, as before, accept my offerings for four days.' The Buddha silently consented again. The dishes prepared were the same as before, without any difference, also for four days. She also offered a seat worth one hundred thousand gold coins, followed by a seat worth ninety thousand, and finally one worth ten thousand gold coins, as a donation. The entire family, young and old, sat before the Buddha, receiving instruction. The Buddha expounded for them in detail the Four Noble Truths (suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the path to its cessation), the Eightfold Noble Path (right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration), cutting off the twenty-two fetters of affliction, and attaining the truth. The kings, ministers, elders, laypeople, and all the people of the country of Viyali (Viyali, an ancient Indian city) all had this thought: 'Has the Buddha come to our country only for the sake of Cai Ming alone?' They all harbored resentment, so elephants, horses, chariots, and infantry all came together to Cai Ming's house, wanting to destroy his house and see the World-Honored One. The crowd was agitated, making a loud noise. The Buddha foresaw all of this, so he asked Ananda (Ananda, one of the Buddha's ten great disciples): 'What is that noise outside?' Ananda said to the Buddha: 'The kings, ministers, elders, and people of Viyali all harbor resentment. Since the World-Honored One entered our country, Cai Ming invited the Buddha to his home, and he has been alone at home for sixteen days, and others have not been able to see him. Therefore, they are resentful and have come together, wanting to see the World-Honored One.' The Buddha told Ananda: 'Go out and comfort these people, do not let them harbor resentment. Those who want to see the Buddha, then let them enter.' Ananda proclaimed the Buddha's command, saying to the crowd: 'It has been reported to the Buddha, and you are allowed to enter.' The kings, ministers, and all the people, hearing the Buddha's teachings, immediately extinguished their anger, without any remaining resentment, like rain submerging dust. Then they entered and saw the Buddha, prostrating themselves with their five limbs touching the ground, and bowing their heads at the Buddha's feet. The crowd was vast, and Cai Ming's house could not contain them all. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chinese
容。在外者众，佛悉慈愍，化才明舍令为琉璃，表里清彻，悉通相见。 于是，才明为设床座，氍毹𣰅㲪，种种食具，水精琉璃，金银杂宝，以为器物，大众食讫。于是，才明前白世尊及诸贵宾：“居俭蔬食，枉屈顾临，愿以食器及床座具，以相贡遗。” 时会大众，莫不愕然，皆共叹咤：“长者才明，立名不妄，与德相副。兴设大施，贡遗宝器，莫不周遍。家中财宝，岂可訾计四部弟子及与大众？”心皆怀疑：“长者才明，有何功德？请佛大众，至十六日，及王臣民，供养贡遗，周遍一国，得服甘露。前世福耶？今世德乎？” 阿难即知众会心疑，长跪叉手，前白佛言：“大会怀疑长者才明，于何福田，广植德本？遭何明师，受其教诲，今逮影报，财富无限，心明行净，先服甘露？惟愿世尊，现说本行，决一切疑。” 佛告阿难及诸大会：“一心善听！今当解畅心之所疑。往世有城，名波罗奈。去城不远，山名仙居，山中池水，林树花果，快乐无比。世有佛时，与诸弟子游处其中；若世无佛，缘觉居中。若无缘觉，外学神仙则居其中，初无断绝。以是之故，斯名仙居。 “时有缘觉，在山中止。早起澡漱，法服持钵，出山求食，未至聚落，遇暴风雨。去道不远，有官果园，中有园监 现代汉语译本：外面的人很多，佛陀都慈悲怜悯，感化才明舍弃令他迷惑的事物，使他像琉璃一样，表里清澈，一切都能互相看见。 于是，才明设置床座，铺上精美的地毯，准备各种食物，用以水精、琉璃、金银杂宝等制成的器皿盛放，供大众食用。大众用膳完毕，才明上前禀告世尊和各位贵宾：‘用简朴的蔬菜供养，让各位枉驾光临，希望将这些食器和床座等物，赠送给各位。’ 当时在场的大众，无不惊讶，都赞叹道：‘长者才明，名副其实，与他的德行相称。他兴办如此盛大的布施，赠送珍贵的器物，无不周到。他家中的财宝，哪里可以用数量来估计？’四部弟子以及大众心中都怀疑：‘长者才明，有什么功德？请佛陀和大众，连续十六天，以及王臣百姓，供养和赠送，遍及整个国家，得以享用甘露。这是前世的福报呢？还是今世的德行呢？’ 阿难（Ananda，佛陀的十大弟子之一，以记忆力超群著称）知道大众心中的疑惑，长跪合掌，上前禀告佛陀说：‘大会众人怀疑长者才明，在什么样的福田，广种德本？遇到什么样的明师，接受他的教诲，如今得到如此丰厚的回报，财富无限，心明行净，率先享用甘露？惟愿世尊，现在就讲述他的本行，解除一切疑惑。’ 佛陀告诉阿难（Ananda）以及各位大众：‘专心仔细听！我现在就为大家解开心中的疑惑。过去有个城市，名叫波罗奈（Varanasi，古印度城市）。离城不远，有座山名叫仙居（Xianju，神仙居住的地方），山中池水清澈，林木繁茂，花果飘香，快乐无比。如果有佛出世，就与弟子们在那里游玩；如果世上没有佛，缘觉（Pratyekabuddha，不依师友教导而自行悟道的修行者）就住在那里。如果没有缘觉，外道神仙就住在那里，从来没有断绝过。因为这个缘故，这座山名叫仙居（Xianju）。’ ‘当时有位缘觉（Pratyekabuddha），在山中居住。他早起洗漱，穿上法衣，拿着钵，出山乞食，还没到村落，就遇到了暴风雨。离道路不远的地方，有个官家的果园，里面有个园监（Yuanguan，果园的管理者）。’
English
English version: Those outside are numerous, and the Buddha compassionately cares for them all, transforming Cai Ming (才明, a person's name) to relinquish what confuses him, making him as clear as crystal, inside and out, so that all can see each other. Then, Cai Ming (才明) prepared beds and seats, laid out exquisite carpets, and prepared various foods, using utensils made of crystal, glass, gold, silver, and various treasures to hold them, for the assembly to eat. After the assembly had finished eating, Cai Ming (才明) stepped forward and reported to the World Honored One and the honored guests: 'Offering simple vegetarian food, causing you to condescend to visit, I wish to offer these utensils and bedding as gifts to you all.' At that time, the assembly was astonished, and they all exclaimed: 'Elder Cai Ming (才明), your name is truly fitting, matching your virtue. You have initiated such a grand offering, bestowing precious objects, without leaving anyone out. How can the wealth in your home be estimated?' The fourfold disciples and the assembly all wondered: 'What merits does Elder Cai Ming (才明) possess? Inviting the Buddha and the assembly, for sixteen consecutive days, as well as the king's ministers and the people, offering and bestowing gifts, throughout the entire country, allowing them to partake of the nectar. Is this from past blessings? Or from present virtues?' Ananda (阿难, one of the Buddha's ten principal disciples, known for his exceptional memory) knew the doubts in the assembly's minds, knelt with palms together, and stepped forward to report to the Buddha: 'The great assembly doubts what field of merit Elder Cai Ming (才明) cultivated to plant such virtuous roots? What enlightened teacher did he encounter to receive his teachings, that he now receives such abundant rewards, unlimited wealth, a clear mind and pure conduct, and is the first to partake of the nectar? May the World Honored One now reveal his past deeds, to resolve all doubts.' The Buddha told Ananda (阿难) and the entire assembly: 'Listen attentively! I will now explain and dispel the doubts in your minds. In the past, there was a city named Varanasi (波罗奈, an ancient Indian city). Not far from the city, there was a mountain named Xianju (仙居, a place where immortals reside), with clear ponds, lush forests, fragrant flowers, and abundant fruits, providing unparalleled joy. If a Buddha appeared in the world, he would wander there with his disciples; if there was no Buddha, a Pratyekabuddha (缘觉, a self-enlightened being who attains enlightenment without a teacher) would reside there. If there was no Pratyekabuddha, externalist immortals would reside there, never ceasing. For this reason, this mountain is named Xianju (仙居).' 'At that time, there was a Pratyekabuddha (缘觉) living in the mountain. He arose early, washed, put on his Dharma robes, and carried his bowl to seek alms. Before reaching the village, he encountered a rainstorm. Not far from the road, there was an official's orchard, with a Yuanguan (园监, orchard manager) inside.' --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chinese
。见有烟出，道士往诣，报语主人：‘行遇风雨，幸听入舍，向火曝衣。’即请令入，取薪然火，为曝衣裳，衣干体暖。风雨小歇，着衣欲出。园监问曰：‘惟圣道士！欲何所至？’答曰：‘贤者！一切有形，衣食为命，吾舍家学乞食自存。若不得食，身命不济，诸根不定，不能思道。’园监对曰：‘贫家蔬食，色粗味酸，若垂甘受，幸住勿行。’缘觉答曰：‘学道求食，不着色味，充躯而已，若相许食，便住不行。’ “于是园监，便归取饭，至家问妇：‘饭食办未？’对曰：‘已办。’其国食法，分饭别食。夫语妇曰：‘取吾分来，偶有要客，欲以食之。’妻即念言：‘夫为男子，当执劳役，涉冒寒暑，假令不食，不能执劳。妾为女人，在家闲处，可持妾分，以𠋫此客。’其子又言：‘父母年老，便可自食，以我分与。’其子妇曰：‘公姑及夫以许食客，妾年幼壮，堪忍饥渴，乞以妾分，持用食客。’大人便言：‘汝等各各善心欲施，可共减取众人之分，足以食客。’即便各减己之饭分。 “园监又念：‘道士衣裳裂坏形露。’因问其妇：‘家中少有衣裳调无？’其妻对曰：‘家中惟有一领叠衣，会宾应门，更共衣之，余无所有。’夫答妇言：‘以前世时无所惠施，今守贫贱，不及逮人。今者不施， 看到有烟冒出，道士前去拜访，告诉主人：‘路上遇到风雨，希望能允许我进屋，在火边烤烤衣服。’主人就请他进去，取来柴火点燃，让他烤衣服，衣服干了身体也暖和了。风雨稍微停歇，道士穿上衣服准备离开。园监问道：‘尊贵的道士！您要到哪里去？’道士回答说：‘贤者！一切有形之物，都以衣食为生命，我舍弃家庭，靠乞讨食物来维持生活。如果得不到食物，生命就无法维持，各种感官也无法安定，就不能思考真理。’园监回答说：‘我家贫寒，只有粗糙酸涩的蔬菜，如果您不嫌弃，愿意接受，就请住下不要走了。’缘觉（Pratyekabuddha，独觉或辟支佛）回答说：‘学道之人为了求食，不执着于食物的颜色和味道，只要能充饥就可以了，如果允许我在这里吃饭，我就住下不走了。’ 于是园监就回家取饭，到家后问妻子：‘饭菜准备好了吗？’妻子回答说：‘已经准备好了。’他们国家的饮食习惯是，分开饭食各自吃。丈夫对妻子说：‘把我的那份饭拿来，我临时有个重要的客人，想给他吃。’妻子心想：‘丈夫是男子，应当从事劳作，经历寒暑，如果他不吃饭，就不能劳作。我是女人，在家闲着，可以把我的那份饭拿来，招待这位客人。’儿子又说：‘父母年纪大了，可以自己吃饭，把我的那份饭给客人吃吧。’儿媳说：‘公婆和丈夫已经答应给客人饭吃，我年纪小身体强壮，能够忍受饥渴，请把我的那份饭拿去，给客人吃。’大人便说：‘你们各自都有善心想要布施，可以共同减少大家的一份饭，足够给客人吃了。’于是大家各自减少了自己的饭量。 园监又想到：‘道士的衣服破烂不堪，身体都露出来了。’于是问他的妻子：‘家里有没有多余的衣服可以调换？’他的妻子回答说：‘家里只有一件叠好的衣服，用来会客应门，大家轮流穿，没有其他的了。’丈夫回答妻子说：‘因为前世没有行善布施，所以今生才如此贫贱，无法帮助别人。如果现在还不布施，’
English
Seeing smoke rising, the Taoist went to visit and told the host: 'I encountered wind and rain on the road, and I hope you will allow me to enter your house to dry my clothes by the fire.' The host then invited him in, fetched firewood to light a fire, and let him dry his clothes, so that his clothes were dry and his body was warm. When the wind and rain subsided slightly, the Taoist put on his clothes and prepared to leave. The garden supervisor asked: 'Venerable Taoist! Where do you want to go?' The Taoist replied: 'Wise one! All things with form depend on clothing and food for life. I have abandoned my family and rely on begging for food to sustain myself. If I cannot get food, my life cannot be maintained, my senses cannot be stabilized, and I cannot contemplate the truth.' The garden supervisor replied: 'My family is poor and only has coarse and sour vegetables. If you don't mind, and are willing to accept them, please stay and don't leave.' The Pratyekabuddha (独觉 or 辟支佛, Solitary Buddha or one who attains enlightenment on their own) replied: 'A practitioner of the Way seeks food without being attached to the color and taste of food, as long as it can fill the stomach. If you allow me to eat here, I will stay and not leave.' So the garden supervisor went home to get food, and when he got home, he asked his wife: 'Is the meal ready?' His wife replied: 'It is ready.' The eating custom in their country was to separate the food and eat it separately. The husband said to his wife: 'Bring my portion of food, I have an important guest who I want to give it to.' The wife thought: 'My husband is a man and should engage in labor, experiencing cold and heat. If he does not eat, he cannot work. I am a woman and idle at home. I can take my portion of food to entertain this guest.' The son also said: 'My parents are old and can eat by themselves. Let's give my portion of food to the guest.' The daughter-in-law said: 'My parents-in-law and husband have already promised to give food to the guest. I am young and strong and can endure hunger and thirst. Please take my portion of food to feed the guest.' The elder said: 'You all have good intentions and want to give alms. You can reduce everyone's portion of food together, which is enough to feed the guest.' So everyone reduced their own portion of food. The garden supervisor also thought: 'The Taoist's clothes are torn and his body is exposed.' So he asked his wife: 'Do we have any spare clothes at home that we can exchange?' His wife replied: 'We only have one folded garment at home, which is used for meeting guests and answering the door. We take turns wearing it, and there is nothing else.' The husband replied to his wife: 'Because we did not practice charity in our previous lives, we are so poor and humble in this life and cannot help others. If we do not give alms now,' --------------------------------------------------------------------------------