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：「有三不牢要。云何為三？身不牢要、命不牢要、財不牢要。是謂，比丘！有此三不牢要。於此，比丘！三不牢要中，當求方便，成三牢要。云何為三？不牢要身，求於牢要；不牢要命，求於牢要；不牢要財，求於牢要。
At that time, Bhagavaan addressed the bhikshus, saying, “There are three things that are unreliable. What are the three?
The body is unreliable, life is unreliable, and wealth is unreliable.
Thus, O bhikshus, there are these three unreliable things.
In regard to these three unreliable things, one should strive to achieve three things that are reliable. What are the three?
From an unreliable body, seek what is reliable; from an unreliable life, seek what is reliable; and from unreliable wealth, seek what is reliable.
3.「云何不牢要身，求於牢要？所謂謙敬禮拜，隨時問訊。是謂不牢要身，求於牢要。
“How does one seek what is reliable from an unreliable body?
By being humble, respectful, and courteous, and by greeting others appropriately. This is seeking what is reliable from an unreliable body.
4.「云何不牢要命，求於牢要？於是，若有善男子、善女人，盡形壽不殺生，不加刀杖，常知慚愧，有慈悲心，普念一切眾生；盡形壽不盜，恒念惠施，心無悋相；盡形壽不淫，亦不他淫；盡形壽不妄語，常念至誠，不欺世人；盡形壽不飲酒，意不錯亂，持佛禁戒。是謂命不牢要，求於牢要。
“How does one seek what is reliable from an unreliable life?
Here, if a virtuous man or woman refrains from killing throughout their life, does not harm others with weapons, always feels shame and remorse, and has a compassionate mind, thinking of all beings; if they refrain from stealing throughout their life, always think of generosity, and are free from stinginess; if they refrain from sexual misconduct throughout their life and do not engage in improper sexual behaviour; if they refrain from lying throughout their life, always speak truthfully, and do not deceive others; if they refrain from drinking alcohol throughout their life, keeping their mind clear and upholding the precepts of Budha—this is seeking what is reliable from an unreliable life.
5.「云何財不牢要，求於牢要？若有善男子、善女人，常念惠施與沙門、婆羅門、諸貧匱者，須食者與食，須漿與漿，衣被、飲食、床敷臥具、病瘦醫藥、舍宅、城郭，所須之具悉皆與之。如是，財不牢要，求於牢要。
“How does one seek what is reliable from unreliable wealth?
If a virtuous man or woman always thinks of giving to shramanas, brahamanas, and the poor—providing food to those who need food, drink to those who need drink, clothing, bedding, medicine for the sick, shelter, and other necessities—this is seeking what is reliable from unreliable wealth.
6.「是謂，比丘！以此三不牢要，求此三牢要。」
“Thus, O bhikshus, from these three unreliable things, seek these three reliable things.”
7.爾時，世尊便說此偈：
「知身不牢要， 命亦不牢固，
財貨衰耗法， 當求牢要者。
人身甚難得， 命亦不久停，
財貨磨滅法， 歡喜念惠施。」
At that time, Bhagavaan spoke this verse:
“Knowing that the body is unreliable, and life is also unstable,
and that wealth is subject to decay, one should seek what is reliable.
A human life is hard to obtain, and life does not last long.
Wealth is subject to destruction, so rejoice in the thought of generosity.”
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.