1.聞如是：一時，佛在舍衛國祇樹給孤獨園。
Thus have I heard:
One time, the Budha was staying at Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
2. 爾時，世尊告阿難：「有三善根，不可窮盡，漸至涅槃界。云何為三？所謂於如來所而種功德，此善根不可窮盡。於正法而種功德，此善根不可窮盡。於聖眾而種功德，此善根不可窮盡。是謂，阿難！此三善根不可窮盡，得至涅槃界。是故，阿難！當求方便，獲此不可窮盡之福。如是，阿難！當作是學。」
At that time, the Bhagavaan said to Ananda, “There are three wholesome roots that are inexhaustible and lead gradually to the realm of Nirvana. What are these three?
They are:
(1) planting roots of merit in the Tathaagata—this wholesome root is inexhaustible;
(2) planting roots of merit in the true Dharma—this wholesome root is inexhaustible; and
(3) planting roots of merit in the Sangha—this wholesome root is inexhaustible.
Therefore, Ananda, these three wholesome roots are inexhaustible and lead to the realm of Nirvana. Thus, Ananda, you should seek the means to attain this inexhaustible merit. In this way, Ananda, you should train yourself.”
3. 爾時，阿難聞佛所說，歡喜奉行。
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.