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，世尊告諸比丘：
當修行一法，當廣布一法；修行一法已，便有名譽，成大功德，諸善普至，得甘露味，至無為處，便成神通，除諸亂想，逮沙門果，自致涅槃。云何為一法？所謂念僧。
At that time, the Bhagavaan addressed the bhikshus:
“Practice one dharma,
And widely propagate one dharma.
Having practiced this one dharma,
You will gain renown,
Attain great merits,
Experience all wholesome qualities,
Taste the nectar of liberation,
Reach the unconditioned state,
Attain spiritual powers,
Dispel distracting thoughts,
Achieve the fruits of the Shramana path,
And realize Nirvaana.
What is this one dharma?
It is mindfulness of the Sangha (Sanghaanusmriti).”
3. 佛告諸比丘：
云何修行念僧，便有名譽，成大果報，諸善普至，得甘露味，至無為處，便成神通，除諸亂想，獲沙門果，自致涅槃？
The Budha addressed the bhikshus:
“How does practicing mindfulness of the Sangha lead to renown, great fruits, the arising of all wholesome qualities, the taste of the nectar of liberation, the attainment of the unconditioned state, the realization of spiritual powers, the dispelling of distracting thoughts, the achievement of the Shramana fruits, and the realization of Nirvaana?”
4. 爾時，諸比丘白世尊曰：
諸法之本，如來所說。唯願世尊為諸比丘說此妙義，諸比丘從如來聞已，便當受持。
At that time, the bhikshus addressed the Bhagavaan:
“The source of all dharmas is spoken by the Tathaagata. We beseech the Bhagavaan to explain this profound meaning to the bhikshus. Having heard it from the Tathaagata, we will uphold and practice it.”
5. 爾時，世尊告諸比丘：
諦聽！諦聽！善思念之，吾當為汝廣分別說。
At that time, the Bhagavaan addressed the bhikshus:
“Listen carefully! Listen carefully! Reflect deeply on this, for I will explain it to you in detail.”
6. 對曰：
如是。世尊！
諸比丘前受教已。
The bhikshus replied: “So it is, Bhagavaan.”
The bhikshus then respectfully accepted the teaching.
7. 世尊告曰：
若有比丘正身正意，結跏趺坐，繫念在前，無有他想，專精 念眾。
如來聖眾，善業成就，質直順義，無有邪業，上下和穆，法法成就。
如來聖眾，戒成就，三昧成就，智慧成就，解脫成就，度知見成就。
聖眾者，所謂四雙八輩，是謂如來聖眾，應當恭敬，承事禮順。
所以然者，是世福田故。
於此眾中，皆同一器，亦以自度，復度他人至三乘道，如此之業名曰聖眾。
是謂，諸比丘！
若念僧者，便有名譽，成大果報，諸善普至，得甘露味，至無為處，便成神通，除諸亂想，逮沙門果，自致涅槃。
是故，諸比丘！
常當思惟，不離僧念，便當獲此諸善功德。
如是，諸比丘！
當作是學。
The Bhagavaan said:
“If a bhikshu, with upright body and mind, sits cross-legged, fixes his mindfulness, and is free from distracting thoughts, single-mindedly practicing mindfulness of the Sangha, he will reflect on the Sangha of the Tathaagata, which is accomplished in wholesome deeds, upright and in harmony with the Dharma, free from unwholesome actions, united and harmonious, and accomplished in all aspects of the Dharma.
The Sangha of the Tathaagata is accomplished in:
- Precepts (Shila),
- Meditative Concentration (Samadhi),
- Wisdom (Prajna),
- Liberation (Vimukti),
- Knowledge and Vision of Liberation (Vimukti-jnana-darshana).
The Sangha consists of the four pairs and eight types of noble beings.
This is the Sangha of the Tathaagata, which should be revered, served, and respected. Why?
Because it is the field of merit for the world. In this Sangha, all are of one vessel, liberating themselves and others, leading to the three vehicles of liberation. Such is the work of the Sangha.
Thus, bhikshus, practicing mindfulness of the Sangha leads to renown, great fruits, the arising of all wholesome qualities, the taste of the nectar of liberation, the attainment of the unconditioned state, the realization of spiritual powers, the dispelling of distracting thoughts, the achievement of the Shramana fruits, and the realization of Nirvaana.
Therefore, bhikshus, always reflect and never stray from mindfulness of the Sangha. In this way, you will attain these virtuous qualities.
Thus, bhikshus, you should train yourselves in this manner.”
8. 爾時，諸比丘聞佛所說，歡喜奉行。
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.