- 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：
「汝等莫畏福報，所以然者，此是受樂之應，甚可愛敬。
所以名為福者，有此大報。
汝等當畏無福。
所以然者，此名苦之原本，愁憂苦惱不可稱記，無有愛樂，此名無福。
比丘！
昔我自念七年行慈心，復過七劫不來此世，復於七劫中生光音天，復於七劫生空梵天處為大梵天，無與等者統百千世界，三十六反為天帝釋形，無數世為轉輪王。
是故，諸比丘！
作福莫惓。
所以然者，此名受樂之應，甚可愛敬，是謂名為福。
汝等當畏無福。
所以然者，苦之原本，愁憂苦惱不可稱記，此名無福。」
At that time, the Bhagavaan said to the Bhikshus: “Do not fear merit, for it is the cause of happiness, most worthy of reverence. It is called ‘merit’ because it bears great reward.
Rather, fear the lack of merit—for that is the root of suffering, bringing immeasurable sorrow, distress, and anguish, devoid of joy. This is called ‘lack of merit.’
O Bhikshus! In the past, I cultivated a mind of loving-kindness for seven years, then passed through seven kalpas without returning to this world.
For another seven kalpas, I dwelt in the Aabhaasvara Heaven, and for yet another seven kalpas, I was born in the Brahma realm as the Great Brahma, unrivaled ruler of a hundred thousand worlds. Thirty-six times I took the form of Shakra, Lord of Devas, and in countless lifetimes, I was a Chakravartin Raja. Therefore, O Bhikshus! Do not weary in cultivating merit.
Why? Because it is the cause of happiness, most worthy of reverence—this is called ‘merit.’ Fear the lack of merit, for it is the root of suffering, bringing immeasurable sorrow. This is called ‘lack of merit.’”
3. 爾時，世尊便說此偈：
「快哉福報， 所願者得， 速至滅盡，
到無為處。
正使億數， 天魔波旬，
亦不能嬈， 為福業者。
彼恒自求，
賢聖之道， 便盡除苦， 後無有憂。
「是故，諸比丘！
為福莫厭。是故，諸比丘！當作是學。」
Then, the Bhagavaan spoke this verse:
“Joyful is merit’s reward—
One attains their wishes,
Swiftly reaching the end of suffering,
The realm of non-action.
Even if countless millions
of Maara’s demonic hosts arise,
They cannot harm
the doer of good deeds.
Such a one ever seeks
the path of the noble ones,
Eradicating all suffering,
free from future sorrow.”
“Therefore, O Bhikshus! Do not grow weary of merit. Thus should you train.”
4. 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.