善生经—家庭和社会的关系

ADVICE∵TO∵SIGALA

(Domestic∵and∵Social∵Relations)

(Sigalovada-sutta)

(Abridged)

Thus∵has∵I∵heard.∵The∵Blessed∵One∵was∵once∵staying∵near∵Rajagaha∵at∵the∵Squirrels’∵Feeding∵–ground∵in∵the∵Bamboo∵Wood.

Now∵at∵this∵time∵Sigala,∵a∵householder’s∵son,∵rising∵early,∵went∵our∵of∵Rajagaha.∵With∵wet∵hair,∵wet∵garments∵and∵his∵clasped∵hands∵uplifted,∵he∵performed∵the∵rite∵of∵worship∵to∵the∵several∵quarters∵of∵earth∵and∵sky:∵to∵the∵east,∵south∵west,∵and∵north,∵to∵the∵nadir∵and∵the∵zenith.∵1.

Early∵that∵same∵morning,∵the∵Blessed∵One∵dressed,∵took∵bowl∵and∵robe∵and∵entered∵Rajagaha∵seeking∵aims.∵Haw∵Sigala∵at∵his∵rite∵of∵worship∵and∵spoke∵to∵him∵thus:

‘Why,∵young∵householder,∵do∵you,∵rising∵early∵and∵leaving∵Rajagaha,∵you’re∵your∵hair∵and∵raiment∵wet,∵worship∵the∵several∵quarters∵of∵earth∵and∵sky?

‘Sir,∵my∵father,∵when∵he∵was∵on∵his∵death-bed,∵said∵to∵me∵:∵“Dear∵son,∵you∵should∵worship∵the∵quarters∵of∵earth∵and∵sky.”∵So∵I,∵sir,∵honouring∵my∵father’s∵word,∵reverencing,∵revering,∵holding∵it∵sacred,∵rise∵early∵and,∵leaving∵Rajagaha,∵worship∵in∵this∵way.’

‘But∵in∵the∵Discipline∵of∵the∵Arya∵(Noble∵One),∵young∵house-holder,∵the∵six∵quarters∵should∵not∵be∵worshipped∵in∵this∵way,’

‘How∵then,∵sir,∵in∵the∵Discipline∵of∵the∵Arya,∵should∵the∵six∵quarters∵be∵worshipped∵?∵It∵would∵be∵an∵excellent∵thing,∵if∵the∵Blessed∵One∵would∵so∵teach∵me∵the∵way∵in∵which∵according∵to∵the∵Discipline∵of∵the∵Arya,∵the∵six∵quarters∵should∵be∵worshipped.’

‘Hear∵then,∵young∵householder,∵reflect∵carefully∵and∵I∵will∵tell∵you.’

‘Yes,∵sir.’∵responded∵young∵Sigala.∵And∵the∵Blessed∵One∵said:∵

‘Just∵as,∵young∵householder,∵the∵Aryan∵disciple∵has∵put∵away∵the∵four∵vices∵in∵conduct;∵just∵as∵he∵does∵no∵evil∵actions∵from∵the∵four∵motives;∵just∵as∵he∵does∵not∵make∵towards∵the∵six∵doors∵of∵dissipating∵wealth;∵avoiding∵these∵fourteen∵evil∵things,∵he∵is∵a∵guardian∵of∵the∵six∵quarters,∵is∵on∵his∵way∵to∵conquer∵both∵worlds,∵is∵successful∵both∵in∵this∵world∵and∵in∵the∵next.∵At∵the∵dissolution∵of∵the∵body,∵after∵death,∵he∵is∵reborn∵to∵a∵happy∵destiny∵in∵heaven,

‘What∵are∵the∵four∵vices∵of∵conduct∵that∵he∵has∵put∵away?∵The∵destruction∵of∵life,∵stealing,∵adultery,∵and∵lying.∵These∵are∵the∵four∵vices∵of∵conduct∵that∵he∵has∵put∵away.

‘By∵which∵four∵motives∵does∵he∵do∵no∵evil∵actions?∵Evil∵actions∵are∵does∵from∵motives∵of∵partiality,∵enmity,∵stupidity∵and∵fear.∵But∵as∵the∵Aryan∵disciple∵is∵not∵led∵away∵by∵these∵motives∵he∵does∵no∵actions∵through∵them.∵

‘And∵which∵are∵the∵six∵doors∵of∵dissipating∵wealth?∵Drink;∵frequenting∵the∵streets∵at∵unseemly∵hours;∵haunting∵fairs;∵gambling;∵associating∵with∵evil∵friends;∵idleness.

‘There∵are,∵young∵householder,∵these∵six∵dangers∵of∵drink:∵the∵actual∵loss∵of∵wealth;∵increase∵of∵quarrels;∵susceptibility∵to∵disease;∵an∵evil∵reputation;∵indecent∵exposure;∵ruining∵one’s∵intelligence.∵

‘Six,∵young∵householder,∵are∵the∵perils∵a∵man∵runs∵through∵frequenting∵the∵streets∵at∵unseemly∵hours:∵he∵himself∵is∵unguarded∵or∵unprotected∵and∵so∵too∵are∵his∵wife∵and∵children;∵so∵also∵is∵his∵property∵(wealth);∵in∵addition∵he∵falls∵under∵the∵suspicion∵of∵being∵responsible∵for∵undetected∵crimes;∵false∵rumours∵are∵attached∵to∵his∵name;∵he∵goes∵out∵to∵meet∵many∵troubles.

‘There∵are∵six∵in∵haunting∵fairs:∵A∵man∵keeps∵looking∵about∵to∵see∵where∵is∵there∵dancing?∵Where∵is∵there∵singing?∵Music?∵recitation?∵cymbal∵playing?∵The∵beating∵of∵tam-tams?∵

‘Six,∵young∵householder,∵are∵the∵perils∵of∵gambling:∵if∵the∵man∵wins,∵he∵is∵hated;∵if∵he∵loses,∵he∵mourns∵his∵lost∵wealth;∵waste∵of∵wealth;∵his∵word∵has∵no∵weight∵in∵an∵assembly∵(a∵court∵of∵law);∵he∵is∵despised∵by∵his∵friends∵and∵companions;∵he∵is∵not∵sought∵in∵marriage,∵for∵people∵will∵say∵that∵a∵man∵who∵is∵a∵gambler∵will∵never∵make∵a∵good∵husband.

‘There∵are∵six∵perils∵of∵associating∵with∵evil∵friends:∵any∵gambler,∵any∵libertine,∵any∵tippler,∵any∵cheat,∵any∵swindler,∵any∵man∵of∵violence∵becomes∵his∵friend∵and∵companion.

‘There∵are∵six∵perils∵in∵idleness:∵A∵man∵says,∵it∵is∵too∵cold,∵and∵does∵no∵work.∵He∵says,∵it∵is∵too∵hot,∵and∵does∵no∵work;∵he∵says,∵it∵is∵too∵early…too∵late,∵and∵does∵no∵work.∵He∵says,∵I∵am∵too∵hungry,∵and∵does∵no∵work…too∵full,∵and∵does∵no∵work.∵And∵while∵all∵that∵he∵should∵do∵remains∵undone,∵he∵makes∵no∵money,∵and∵such∵wealth∵as∵he∵has∵dwindles∵away.

‘Four∵persons∵should∵be∵reckoned∵as∵foes∵in∵the∵likeness∵of∵friends:∵the∵rapacious∵person;∵the∵man∵who∵pays∵lip-service∵only∵to∵a∵friend;∵the∵flatterer;∵the∵wastrel.

‘Of∵these∵the∵first∵is∵to∵be∵reckoned∵as∵a∵foe∵in∵the∵likeness∵of∵a∵friend∵on∵four∵grounds:∵he∵is∵rapacious;∵he∵gives∵little∵and∵expects∵much;∵he∵does∵what∵he∵has∵to∵do∵out∵of∵fear;∵he∵pursues∵his∵own∵interests.

‘On∵four∵grounds∵the∵man∵who∵pays∵lip-service∵only∵to∵a∵friend∵is∵to∵be∵reckoned∵as∵a∵foe∵in∵the∵likeness∵of∵a∵friend:∵he∵makes∵friendly∵professions∵as∵regards∵the∵past;∵he∵make∵friendly∵professions∵as∵regards∵the∵future;∵the∵only∵service∵he∵renders∵is∵by∵his∵empty∵sayings;∵when∵the∵opportunity∵for∵service∵arises∵he∵shows∵his∵unreliability.

‘On∵four∵grounds∵the∵flatterer∵is∵to∵be∵reckoned∵as∵a∵foe∵in∵the∵likeness∵of∵a∵friend:∵he∵approves∵your∵bad∵deeds,∵as∵well∵as∵your∵good∵deeds;∵he∵praises∵you∵to∵your∵face,∵and∵in∵your∵absence∵he∵speaks∵ill∵of∵you.

‘On∵four∵grounds∵the∵wastrel∵is∵to∵be∵reckoned∵as∵a∵foe∵in∵the∵likeness∵of∵a∵friend∵:∵he∵is∵your∵companion∵when∵you∵go∵drinking;∵when∵you∵frequent∵the∵streets∵at∵untimely∵hours;∵when∵you∵haunt∵shows∵and∵fairs;∵when∵you∵gamble.

‘The∵friends∵who∵should∵be∵reckoned∵as∵good-hearted∵(friends)∵are∵four:∵the∵helper;∵the∵friend∵who∵is∵constant∵in∵happiness∵and∵adversity;∵the∵friend∵of∵good∵counsel;∵the∵sympathetic∵friend.

‘The∵friend∵who∵is∵a∵helper∵is∵to∵be∵reckoned∵as∵good-hearted∵on∵four∵grounds:∵he∵protects∵you∵when∵you∵are∵taken∵unawares;∵he∵protects∵your∵property∵when∵you∵are∵not∵there∵to∵protect∵it;∵he∵is∵a∵refuge∵to∵you∵when∵you∵are∵afraid;∵when∵you∵have∵tasks∵to∵perform∵he∵provides∵twice∵as∵much∵help∵as∵you∵may∵need.

‘The∵friend∵who∵is∵constant∵in∵happiness∵and∵adversity∵is∵to∵be∵reckoned∵as∵good-hearted∵on∵four∵grounds:∵he∵tells∵you∵his∵secrets;∵he∵does∵not∵betray∵your∵secrets;∵in∵your∵troubles∵he∵does∵not∵forsake∵you;∵for∵your∵sake∵he∵will∵even∵lay∵down∵his∵life.

‘The∵friend∵of∵good∵counsel∵is…good-hearted∵on∵four∵grounds:∵he∵restrains∵you∵from∵doing∵wrong;∵he∵enjoins∵you∵to∵(do∵what∵is)∵right;∵from∵him∵you∵learn∵what∵you∵had∵not∵learnt∵before;∵he∵shows∵you∵the∵way∵to∵heaven.

‘The∵friend∵who∵is∵sympathetic∵is∵to∵be∵reckoned∵as∵good-hearted∵on∵four∵grounds:∵he∵does∵not∵rejoice∵over∵your∵misfortunes;∵he∵rejoices∵with∵you∵in∵your∵prosperity;∵he∵restrains∵those∵who∵speak∵ill∵of∵you;∵he∵commends∵those∵who∵speak∵well∵of∵you.

‘And∵how,∵young∵householder,∵does∵the∵Aryan∵disciple∵protect∵(guard)∵the∵six∵quarters?∵2.∵The∵following∵should∵be∵looked∵upon∵as∵the∵six∵quarters:∵parents∵as∵the∵east;∵reachers∵as∵the∵south;∵wife∵and∵children∵as∵the∵west;∵friends∵and∵companions∵as∵the∵north;∵servants∵and∵employees∵as∵the∵nadir;∵recluses∵and∵brahmins∵(the∵religieux)∵as∵the∵zenith.

‘A∵child∵should∵minister∵to∵his∵parents∵as∵the∵eastern∵quarter∵in∵five∵ways∵(saying∵to∵himself):∵Once∵I∵was∵supported∵by∵them,∵now∵I∵will∵be∵their∵support;∵I∵will∵perform∵those∵duties∵they∵have∵to∵perform;∵I∵will∵maintain∵the∵lineage∵and∵tradition∵of∵my∵family;∵I∵will∵look∵after∵my∵inheritance;∵and∵I∵will∵give∵alms∵(perform∵religious∵rites)∵on∵behalf∵of∵them∵(when∵they∵are∵dead).∵

‘Parents∵thus∵ministered∵to∵by∵their∵children∵as∵the∵eastern∵quarter,∵show∵their∵love∵for∵them∵in∵five∵ways:∵they∵restrain∵them∵from∵evil;∵they∵direct∵them∵towards∵the∵good;∵they∵train∵them∵to∵a∵profession;∵they∵arrange∵suitable∵marriages∵for∵them;∵and∵in∵due∵time,∵they∵hand∵over∵the∵inheritance∵to∵them.

‘In∵this∵way∵the∵eastern∵quarter∵is∵protected∵and∵made∵safe∵and∵secure∵for∵him.

‘A∵pupil∵should∵minister∵to∵his∵teachers∵as∵the∵southern∵quarter∵in∵five∵ways:∵by∵rising∵(from∵his∵seat,∵to∵salute∵them);∵by∵waiting∵upon∵them;∵by∵his∵eagerness∵to∵learn;∵by∵personal∵service;∵and∵by∵respectfully∵accepting∵their∵teaching.

Teachers,∵thus∵ministered∵to∵as∵the∵southern∵quarter∵by∵their∵pupil,∵show∵their∵love∵for∵their∵pupil∵in∵five∵ways:∵they∵train∵him∵well;∵they∵make∵him∵grasp∵what∵he∵has∵learnt;∵they∵instruct∵him∵thoroughly∵in∵the∵lore∵of∵every∵art;∵they∵introduce∵him∵to∵their∵friends∵and∵companions;∵they∵provide∵for∵his∵security∵everywhere.

‘In∵this∵way∵the∵southern∵quarter∵is∵protected∵and∵made∵safe∵and∵secure∵for∵him.

‘A∵wife∵as∵western∵quarter∵should∵be∵ministered∵to∵by∵her∵husband∵in∵five∵ways:∵by∵respecting∵her;∵by∵his∵courtesy;∵by∵being∵faithful∵to∵her:∵by∵handing∵over∵authority∵to∵her;∵by∵providing∵her∵with∵adornment∵(jewellery,∵etc.).

‘The∵wife∵ministered∵to∵by∵her∵husband∵as∵the∵western∵quarter,∵loves∵him∵in∵these∵five∵ways:∵by∵doing∵her∵duty∵well;∵by∵hospitality∵to∵attendants,∵etc.;∵by∵her∵fidelity;∵by∵looking∵after∵his∵earnings;∵and∵by∵skill∵and∵industry∵in∵all∵her∵business∵dealings.

‘In∵this∵way∵the∵western∵quarter∵is∵protected∵and∵made∵safe∵and∵secure∵for∵him.

‘In∵five∵ways∵a∵member∵of∵a∵family∵should∵minister∵to∵his∵friends∵and∵companions∵as∵the∵northern∵quarter:∵by∵generosity;∵by∵courtesy;∵by∵benevolence;∵by∵equality∵(treating∵them∵as∵be∵treats∵himself);∵and∵by∵being∵true∵to∵his∵word.

‘Thus∵ministered∵to∵as∵the∵northern∵quarter,∵his∵friends∵and∵companions∵love∵him∵in∵these∵five∵ways:∵they∵protect∵him∵when∵he∵is∵in∵need∵of∵protection;∵they∵look∵after∵his∵property∵when∵he∵is∵unable∵to;∵they∵become∵a∵refuge∵in∵danger;∵they∵do∵not∵forsake∵him∵in∵his∵troubles;∵and∵they∵respect∵even∵others∵related∵to∵him.

‘In∵this∵way∵the∵northern∵quarter∵is∵protected∵and∵made∵safe∵and∵secure∵for∵him.

‘A∵master∵ministers∵to∵his∵servants∵and∵employees∵as∵the∵nadir∵in∵five∵ways:∵by∵assigning∵them∵work∵according∵to∵their∵capacity∵and∵strength;∵by∵supplying∵them∵with∵food∵and∵wages;∵by∵tending∵them∵in∵sickness;∵by∵sharing∵with∵them∵unusual∵delicacies;∵and∵by∵giving∵them∵leave∵and∵gifts∵at∵suitable∵times.

‘In∵these∵ways∵ministered∵to∵by∵their∵master,∵servants∵and∵employees∵love∵their∵master∵in∵five∵ways:∵they∵wake∵up∵before∵him;∵they∵go∵to∵bed∵after∵him;∵they∵take∵what∵is∵given∵to∵them;∵they∵do∵their∵work∵well;∵and∵they∵speak∵well∵of∵him∵and∵give∵him∵a∵good∵reputation.

‘In∵this∵way∵is∵the∵nadir∵protected∵and∵made∵safe∵and∵secure∵for∵him.

‘A∵member∵of∵a∵family∵(a∵layman)∵should∵minister∵to∵recluses∵and∵brahmins∵(the∵ueligieux)∵as∵the∵zenith∵in∵five∵ways:∵by∵affectionate∵acts;∵by∵affectionate∵words;∵by∵affectionate∵thoughts;∵by∵keeping∵open∵house∵for∵them;∵by∵supplying∵them∵with∵their∵wordly∵needs.∵

‘In∵this∵way∵ministered∵to∵as∵the∵zenith,∵recluses∵and∵brahmins∵show∵their∵love∵for∵the∵members∵of∵the∵family∵(laymen)∵in∵six∵ways:∵they∵keep∵them∵from∵evil;∵they∵exhort∵them∵to∵do∵good;∵they∵love∵them∵with∵kindly∵thoughts;∵they∵teach∵them∵what∵they∵have∵not∵learnt;∵they∵correct∵and∵refine∵what∵they∵have∵learnt;∵they∵reveal∵to∵them∵the∵way∵to∵heaven.

‘In∵this∵way∵is∵the∵zenith∵protected∵and∵made∵safe∵and∵secure∵for∵him.’

When∵the∵Blessed∵One∵had∵thus∵spoken,∵Sigala∵the∵young∵householder∵said∵this:∵‘Excellent’∵Sir,∵excellent!∵It∵is∵as∵if∵one∵should∵set∵upright∵what∵had∵been∵turned∵upside∵down,∵or∵reveal∵what∵had∵been∵hidden∵away,∵or∵show∵the∵way∵to∵a∵man∵gone∵astray,∵or∵bring∵a∵lamp∵into∵darkness∵so∵that∵those∵with∵eyes∵might∵see∵things∵there.∵In∵this∵manner∵the∵Dhamma∵is∵expounded∵by∵the∵Blessed∵One∵in∵many∵ways.∵And∵I∵take∵refuge∵in∵the∵Blessed∵One,∵in∵the∵Dhamma∵and∵in∵the∵Community∵of∵Bhikkhus.∵May∵the∵Blessed∵One∵receive∵me∵as∵his∵lay-disciple,∵as∵one∵who∵has∵taken∵his∵refuge∵in∵him∵from∵this∵day∵forth∵as∵long∵as∵life∵endures.’

(Digha-Nikaya,∵No.∵31)

1.∵Performing∵the∵rite∵of∵worship∵of∵the∵different∵quarters∵of∵the∵external∵world,∵invoking,∵for∵protection,∵the∵mighty∵spirits∵or∵gods∵inhabiting∵them,∵was∵an∵old∵ritual∵according∵to∵the∵Vedic∵tradition∵.∵The∵Buddha,∵who∵disapproves∵and∵condemns∵such∵superstitious,∵old∵practices,∵gives∵them∵new∵meanings∵and∵interpretations,∵according∵to∵the∵persons∵to∵whom∵he∵speaks.∵Of∵.’The∵Parable∵of∵the∵Piece∵of∵Cloth’∵where∵be∵speaks∵to∵a∵brahmin∵of∵the∵‘inner∵bath’∵instead∵of∵‘sacred∵baths∵in∵holy∵rivers’.(p.∵108)∵∵

2.∵Now∵the∵Buddha∵explains∵to∵Sigala∵what∵the∵six∵quarters∵are∵and∵bow∵to∵‘worship’∵them∵according∵to∵the∵‘Discipline∵of∵the∵Arya∵(Noble∵One)’∵by∵way∵of∵performing∵one’s∵duties∵and∵obligations∵towards∵them,∵instead∵of∵performing∵the∵ritual∵worship∵according∵to∵the∵old∵Brahmanic∵tradition.∵If∵the∵‘six∵quarters’∵are∵‘protected’∵in∵this∵way,∵they∵are∵made∵safe∵and∵secure,∵and∵no∵danger∵would∵come∵from∵there.∵Brahmins∵too∵worshipped∵the∵quarters∵of∵the∵external∵world∵to∵prevent∵any∵danger∵coming∵from∵the∵spirits∵or∵gods∵inhabiting∵them.∵∵

善生经

家庭和社会关系

[∵摘要∵]

如是我闻:当时,世尊正住在王舍城(Rajagaha)附近、一个竹林内的松鼠饲养埸。

一次,一个管家的儿子名叫施嘉那。他很早起床,走出王舍城。当时,他的头发

衣服都湿了。他高举合十的手掌,向东方、向南方、向西方、向北方,以及天底和天顶膜拜∵注1。

那天清早,世尊穿了衣服、拿着衣钵,正要进入王舍城去乞讨布施,看见施嘉那还在膜拜,于是对施嘉那说:

“年轻的管家,为什么你要那么早走出王舍城,使到头发、衣服都湿了地向天地各方膜拜呢?

“∵先生,当家父弥留的时候,他对我说:‘亲爱的儿子,你一定要膜拜天地各方。’先生,为了实践家父的嘱咐,所以我便恭恭敬敬地这样子很早起床,走出王舍城向天地各方膜拜。”

“年轻的管家,按照雅利安贵族的规律,天地各方是不能这样膜拜的。

“先生,那么按照雅利安贵族的规律,天地各方应该怎能样膜拜呢?如果圣者可以指导我按照雅利安贵族的规律,天地各方应该怎能样膜拜,就好极了!”

“那么,年轻的管家,好好地聆听和考虑。我要开始啦!”年青的施嘉那响应∵“好啊,先生!”

世尊说了以下的话:“年轻的管家,就像雅利安贵族规律的子弟已经舍弃了行为中四类恶习;没有做由四类动机引发出来的恶行;也没有走向挥霍的六度门;一位雅利安子弟能够避开这十四种恶行,他其实已经是这六度门的看守人,已经踏上征服两个世界的大道,也可以在这个和未来那个世界都能够取得成就。当他死后,躯体融化时,他已再生到天堂的极乐。

“什么是他已经舍弃的行为中四类恶习呢?自杀、偷窃、通奸、说谎,这些就是他已经舍弃的行为中四类恶习。

“他没有做恶行,什么是引发这些恶行的四类动机呢?恶行被偏袒、敌意、愚昧、恐惧引发出来。既然这位雅利安子弟没有让这些动机诱惑,所以他没有做由它们引发出来的恶行。

“而什么是走向挥霍的六度门昵?饮酒、不适时在街上留连、耽溺欢场、赌博、结交损友、懒散。∵∵

“年轻的管家,饮酒可以带来六种危害:财产的实际损失、争吵的增加、疾病的感染、名誉的损坏、猥亵的暴露、智力的损毁。

“六种,年轻的管家,总共有六种危害,如果一个人不适时在街上留连:不但自己没有保障,连妻儿,以致财产都没有保障;而且会被怀疑与未侦破的罪案有关连;自己的名字与谣言牵连;也碰上很多麻烦。

“这些就是因为耽溺欢场而带来的危害:一个人不断地打听看看那里有跳舞?那里有唱歌?音乐?说书?玩铙钹?打锣鼓?

“六种,年轻的管家,总共有六种因为赌博而带来的危害,如果一个人赢了、他被人憎恨;如果输了、他感到哀痛而又虚耗了财富;在法庭里,他的话再不被人看重;他被朋友和伙伴鄙视;无人会嫁他,因为所有人都说赌徒永远做不成好丈夫。

“结交损友带来六种危害:任何赌徒、无赖、酒鬼、骗子、冒名者、暴徒变成他的朋友和伙伴。

“懒散带来六种危害:他说:天气太冷了,他便什么也不做。他说:天气太热了,他便什么也不做。太早了……太迟了,他便什么也不做。他说:太饿了,他便什么也不做……太饱了,他便什么也不做。当他发觉所有应该做的,他都没做,也没赚钱。于是他的财产便渐渐减少。

“有四种人,他们看来好像朋友,其实却是敌人:贪婪的人、口惠而实不至的人、拍马屁的人、挥霍无度的人。

“其中,可以从四个角度去确定谁是第一个看来好像朋友,其实却是敌人:他贪婪,付出少、需索却多,做什么都是因为惧怕、他只追求自己的兴趣。

“可以从四个角度去确定口惠而实不至的人是看来好像朋友,其实却是敌人:谈及以前,他装作很熟络;谈及将来,他装作很熟络;但能够帮忙的只是空言;当真正需要他的帮忙时,他便露出靠不住。

“可以从四个角度去确定拍马屁的人是看来好像朋友,其实却是敌人:他赞同你的坏行为、以及好行为;他就在你的面前称赞你、却在你不在的时候诋毁你。

“可以从四个角度去确定挥霍无度的人是看来好像朋友,其实却是敌人:他陪你去饮酒、不适时在街上留连、耽溺欢场以至赌博。

“有四种人,他们是善良的朋友:乐于助人的人、不论在顺境或逆境都能保持稳定的人、提出忠告的人、有同情心的人。

“可以从四个角度去确定谁是乐于助人的朋友:当你冷不防被人乘机时,他会保护你。当你不能在场保护财物时,他会保护它。当你害怕的时候,他给你慰藉。当你需要执行任务时,他会给你需要帮忙的两倍。

“可以从四个角度去确定谁是不论在顺境或逆境都能保持稳定的朋友:他告诉你他的秘密、他不会出卖你的秘密、当你有困难时,他不会离弃你、为了你,他会牺牲自己的生命。

“可以从四个角度去确定谁是提出忠告的朋友:他防止你做坏事、他叮嘱你去做好事、从他的身上,你可以学到以前没学过的东西、他指示你通去天堂的路。

“可以从四个角度去确定谁是有同情心的朋友:他不会向你幸灾乐祸、他为你的成功而欢欣、他防止别人诽谤你、他表扬称赞你的人。

“年轻的管家,雅利安子弟是怎样看守那六个方位呢∵注2.?这些应该看作六个方位:双亲作东方、老师作为南方、妻儿作为西方、朋友和伙伴作为北方、雇员作为天底、隐士和婆罗门作为天顶。

“子女应该用五种方法奉侍双亲作为东方(对自己说):他们曾经养育我、现在我会供养他们,他们应该执行的职责、我会代他们执行,我会维系家族的嫡系和传统,(当他们过世后)我会以他们的名义捐献(作宗教礼仪)。

“双亲既由子女奉侍作为东方,双亲应该用五种方法表达他们的慈爱:防止他们做坏事;指导他们向善;给他们专业训练;为他们安排适合的配偶;而且在适当的时候,把家产传袭给他们。

“就这样这位雅利安子弟已好好地保护东方,使它变得安全和稳固。

“学生应该用五种方法尊敬老师作为南方:(从座位)起立(并致敬礼)、服侍、认真学习、照顾起居、恭敬地接受教诲。

“老师既由学生尊敬作为南方,老师应该用五种方法表达他们的慈爱:好好地训练他;使他好好地掌握学到的东西;教他透彻地认识每个学科;给他介绍朋友和伙伴;处处给他提供保障。

“就这样这位雅利安子弟已好好地保护南方,使它变得安全和稳固。

“丈夫应该用五种方法照顾妻子作为西方,尊敬她、礼待她、忠于她、给她权力、送她首饰。

“妻子既由丈夫照顾作为西方,妻子应该用五种方法表达她的亲爱:好好地实践责任;善待仆从;忠贞;小心管理他的收入;技巧和勤奋地处理交易。

“就这样这位雅利安子弟已好好地保护西方,使它变得安全和隐固。

“在家人应该用五种方法照顾朋友和伙伴作为北方:慷慨、有礼、善心、公平(对待他们一如自己)、守信。

“朋友和伙伴既由在家人照顾作为北方,朋友和伙伴应该用五种方法表达他们的敬爱:有需要时保护他;他当他不能照顾自己的财物时,为他照顾财物;当他有危难时,给他庇护;当他有麻烦时,不会舍弃他;尊敬他的亲人。

“就这样这位雅利安子弟已好好地保护北方,使它变得安全和稳固。

“雇主应该用五种方法照顾雇员作为天底:因应他们的能力安排工作、给他们供应食物和薪水、当他们病了,给他们照料、与他们分享特别的奇珍、经常给他们假期和礼物。

“雇员既由雇主这样照顾作为天底,雇员应该用五种方法表达他们的敬爱:比他更早起床;比他更迟上床;接受所有供给他的东西;为他说好话;给他一个好名誉。

“就这样这位雅利安子弟已好好地保护天底,使它变得安全和稳固。

“一个普通人应该用五种方法供养隐士和婆罗门作为天顶:温柔的动作、温柔的说话、温和的想法、为他们看守家门,因为他们的家是大开中门的、供应他们一切所需。

“隐士和婆罗门既由普通人这样照顾作为天顶,隐士和婆罗门应该用五种方法表达他们的敬爱:保障他们免受邪恶威胁;劝勉他们做好事;为爱护,所以关怀他们;教导他们未懂的事情;改善他们已懂的事情,向他们显露到天国的路。

“就这样这位雅利安子弟已好好地保护天顶,使它变得安全和稳固。

当世尊说法完毕,年青的管家施嘉那立即对世尊说:“真好,先生,真好!这番说法就像扶正倒下了的东西、显现遮蔽了的东西、指引迷了途的人、带盏灯到黑暗的地方,好使有视力的人能够看见。就这样,圣者用各种方法说明佛法。我要归依到圣者、佛法、信徒团体那里去。请圣者接纳我作为在家信徒,就像一个人自此受到庇护直至躯体能够延续。”

(∵长部∵∵31.)

注1.∵∵膜拜外方世界的各个方位以祈求住在那里的神灵保护他们,这是很古老的吠陀(Vedic)习俗。佛陀不赞同这习俗,更谴责它是迷信、古老。佛陀为不同的对象把它赋与新的阐释。就像(布的寓言)里,向一位婆罗门讲解∵‘内心洗净’,而不是∵‘在圣河洗澡’。

注2.∵∵佛陀向施嘉那解释六个方位是什么,如何按照雅利安贵族的规律,‘礼拜’∵它们。其实应该做自己的职责,而不是依照古老的婆罗门习俗去做崇拜仪式。如果那∵‘六个方位’∵这样∵‘保护’,它们已经变得安全和稳固,再不会有什么危害。婆罗门教徒膜拜外方世界的各个方位;因为常有危害来自住在那里的神灵,所以教徒祈求避免它们。∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵∵

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