翠竹影下，年轻的比丘缚悉底跏趺而坐，全神专注于呼吸，不知不觉，一个多小时过去了。其他四百多位习禅者和缚悉底一样，在伟大导师乔达摩的指导下，在竹林中或茅棚里各自习禅，人人都亲切地呼唤他们的导师为“佛陀”。
这片竹林，方圆四十亩。七年前，波斯匿王将之赠送给佛陀和他的僧团，从此被称为竹林精舍。从王舍城向北行，只需三十分钟便可到达这里。寺院四围种满了来自摩揭陀国的不同品种的翠竹，环境十分清静幽雅。
Under the shadows of the green bamboo, the young bhikkhu, Svasti, sat cross-legged, concentrating on his breath. He had been meditating for more than anhour in the Bamboo Forest Monastery, while hundreds of other bhikkhus were also practicing under the shade of the bamboo trees or in their own thatched huts.
The great teacher Gautama, whom people affectionately called the “Buddha,” lived in the monastery with nearly four hundred disciples. Although crowded, it was very peaceful. Forty acres surrounded the monastery, and many varieties of graceful bamboo from all over Magadha were planted there. Just a thirty minutes’ walk north of the capital city of Rajagaha, the Bamboo Forest Monastery had been given to Buddha and his community by King Bimbisara seven years earlier.
揉揉眼睛，缚悉底展颜微笑，当他慢慢地放开腿来，双脚仍是酸麻麻的。今年二十一岁的他，刚在三天前受了比丘戒。戒仪由佛陀的十大弟子之一的舍利弗主持。受戒的仪式当中，缚悉底一头咖啡色的头发被全部剃掉。缚悉底十分庆幸自己可以成为佛陀僧团的一分子。很多比丘都是来自贵族阶层，就像佛陀的弟弟难陀尊者、提婆达多、阿那律和阿难陀等。无须别人正式介绍，缚悉底从远处已经可以辨认出他们来。虽然他们的衲衣破旧褪色，但他们的气质仍十分高雅。
Svasti rubbed his eyes and smiled. His legs were still tender as he slowly uncrossed them. Twenty-one years old, he had been ordained three days earlier by the Venerable Sariputta, one of the Buddha’s senior disciples. During the ordination ceremony, Svasti’s thick brown hair was shaved off.
Svasti was very happy to be part of the Buddha’s community. Many bhikkhus were of noble birth, such as the Venerable Nanda, the Buddha’s brother, and Devadatta, Anuruddha, and Ananda. Although Svasti had not yet been introduced to these men, he had noticed them from afar. Even in faded robes, their noble bearing was unmistakable.
“大概还要过一段日子，我才可以和这些贵族背景的比丘们结交吧。”缚悉底想。
奇怪的是，虽然佛陀也是王者之子，缚悉底却一点也不觉得与他有隔膜。缚悉底属于所谓的“不可接触者”，因他出生自最底层、最贫贱的阶级。这是当时印度阶级体制所导致的歧视。十年以来，他都是以放水牛为生。但这两星期，他可以和其他来自不同背景的出家人一起修行。每个人都对他很好，给他和蔼的笑容和深深的鞠躬。可是他仍觉得很不自在。他相信大概要几年时间，他才可以全面适应和感到舒泰。
“It will be a long time before I can be friends with men of such noble birth,” thought Svasti. And yet, even though the Buddha himself was the son of a king, Svasti felt no gulf between them. Svasti was an “untouchable,” lower than the lowest and poorest caste according to the system of discrimination among the people of India at that time. For more than ten years, he had tended water buffalo, but for two weeks now, he was living and practicing with monks from all castes. Everyone was very kind to him, offering him warm smiles and deep bows, but he did not yet feel at ease. He suspected it might take years before he could feel completely comfortable.
忽然，他从心底里涌出了欢颜，因他这一刻想起佛陀的十八岁的儿子罗睺罗。从十岁开始，罗睺罗已是僧团里的一个沙弥。在这短短的两星期中，他们两人已成了最要好的朋友。虽然罗睺罗仍未成为正式比丘，但却是他教缚悉底怎样随着呼吸坐禅的。虽然罗睺罗未受比丘戒，但他对佛陀的教导已有很深的认识。只要等到满二十岁，他便可以受具足戒，成为正式比丘。
Suddenly, a broad smile emerged from deep within him, as he thought of Rahula, the Buddha’s eighteen-year-old son. Rahula had been a novice in the community since the age of ten, and in just two weeks Rahula and Svasti had become best friends. It was Rahula who taught Svasti how to follow his breath during meditation. Rahula understood the Buddha’s teachings well, even though he was not yet a bhikkhu. He needed to wait until he was twenty before he could receive full ordination.
缚悉底回想起两星期前，佛陀来到伽耶附近的小村落优楼频螺，邀请他出家的情形。当佛陀来到他的家里时，缚悉底正和他的弟弟卢培克在外面放水牛，家中只剩下两个妹妹，十六岁的芭娜和十二岁的媲摩。芭娜一望便认出来访者是佛陀。正当她想赶快跑去找缚悉底回来的时候，佛陀告诉她没有必要。他打算和随行的比丘们及罗睺罗一起往河边找她的哥哥。他们找到缚悉底和卢培克时，已将近黄昏了。这兄弟俩正在尼连禅河中替九只水牛洗涤。两个小伙子一见到佛陀，便立刻跑到岸上来，把双手合成莲苞状，然后深深地鞠躬，礼敬佛陀。
Svasti reflected on the time, just two weeks before, when the Buddha came to Uruvela, his small village near Gaya, to invite him to become a monk. When the Buddha arrived at his home, Svasti was out with his brother, Rupak, taking care of the buffaloes. His two sisters, Bala, age sixteen, and Bhima, age twelve, were there, and Bala recognized the Buddha right away. She began to run out to find Svasti, but the Buddha told her it wasn’t necessary. He said that he and the monks traveling with him, including Rahula, would walk to the river to find her brother. It was late afternoon when they came upon Svasti and Rupak scrubbing down their nine buffaloes in the Neranjara River. As soon as they saw the Buddha, the young men ran up the bank of the river, joined their palms to form a lotus bud, and bowed deeply.
“你们长大了很多啊！”佛陀对他俩热情地笑着说。缚悉底并没有回答。看到佛陀那祥和的面孔，亲切又毫不吝啬的笑容，闪耀诱人的目光，缚悉底已被感动得热泪盈眶，不知说什么才好。佛陀穿着一件用很多碎布缝合成田状图案的衲衣。他依然是赤足而行，就像十年前在离这里不远的地方初次遇上缚悉底时一样。那段日子里，他们曾在河畔和菩提树荫下度过了很多时光。
“You’ve grown so much,” the Buddha said, smiling warmly at Svasti and his brother. Svasti was speechless. Seeing the Buddha’s peaceful face, his warm and generous smile, and his brilliant, penetrating eyes, moved him to tears. The Buddha wore a saffron robe made of patches sewn together in the pattern of a rice field. He still walked barefoot as he had ten years before, when Svasti first met him not far from this very spot. Ten years before they had spent hours sitting together on the banks of the Neranjara and beneath the shade of the bodhi tree, just ten minutes’ walk from the riverbank.
十年前，佛陀初次遇上缚悉底。那段日子里，他们曾在河畔和菩提树荫下度过了很多时光，缚悉底更见证了佛陀觉悟的那一刻。
缚悉底望望跟随着佛陀的二十位比丘，见他们个个都是赤着脚，穿着和佛陀一般颜色的衲衣。再看清楚一点，缚悉底才发觉佛陀的衲衣比其他比丘的长了一截，大约长一只手掌的长度。站在佛陀旁边的，是一个直望着他微笑而年纪又和他相若的沙弥。佛陀轻轻地在缚悉底和卢培克的头上拍拍，然后告诉他们，他是在回王舍城的路途中，特地前来探访他们的。他又表示很乐意等他们给水牛洗澡完毕后，和他们一起步行回到缚悉底的茅舍。
Svasti glanced at the twenty bhikkhus behind the Buddha and saw that they, too, were barefoot and clad in patched robes of the same color. Looking more closely, Svasti saw that the Buddha’s robe was a hand-length longer than those of the others. Standing next to the Buddha was a novice about Svasti’s age who looked at him directly and smiled. Buddha gently placed his hands on Svasti and Rupak’s heads and told them he had stopped by to visit on his way back to Rajagaha. He said he would be happy to wait while Svasti and Rupak finished bathing the buffaloes so they could all walk to Svasti’s thatched hut together.
在路上，佛陀介绍他的儿子罗睺罗给缚悉底和卢培克认识。原来刚才对他笑得灿烂的沙弥正是罗睺罗。他比缚悉底小三岁，但却和他一般高矮。虽然罗睺罗只是一个沙弥、一个初学者，但他穿的衣服却和其他比丘的无异。罗睺罗行在缚悉底和卢培克中间，把手里的钵交给卢培克，又把自己的双手温和地搭在两个新朋友的肩膀上。他从父亲的口中已听过很多关于缚悉底的事，所以对他已感到很熟络。这两兄弟也正陶醉在罗睺罗这股温暖的情怀里。
During the walk back, Buddha introduced Svasti and Rupak to his son Rahula, the young novice who had smiled so beautifully at Svasti. Rahula was three years younger than Svasti, but they were the same height. Rahula was a samanera, a novice, but he dressed much the same as the older bhikkhus. Rahula walked between Svasti and Rupak, handing his alms bowl to Rupak and placing his arms lovingly around the shoulders of his two new friends. He had heard so much about Svasti and his family from his father that he felt he already knew them. The brothers basked in the warmth of Rahula’s love.
回到缚悉底的家中，佛陀便立刻邀请他加入僧团跟他修学佛法。十年前，缚悉底曾向佛陀表示他有意跟佛陀修学，而佛陀当时也曾答应会收他为徒。现在佛陀再回来，缚悉底已满二十一岁了。佛陀并没有忘记他的承诺。
As soon as they arrived at Svasti’s home, the Buddha invited him to join the bhikkhu community and study the Dharma with him. Ten years earlier, when Svasti had first met the Buddha, he expressed his wish to study with him, and the Buddha had agreed to accept Svasti as a disciple. Now that Svasti was twenty- one, the Buddha had returned. He had not forgotten his promise.
卢培克拉着水牛回到牛主雷布尔庄主的住处。佛陀则坐在缚悉底屋外的一张小凳子上，比丘们都站在他的背后。泥土墙壁，茅草屋盖，缚悉底的房子实在容不下所有的人。芭娜对缚悉底说：“哥哥，请你跟佛陀去吧！卢培克比你当初放牛时还要健壮。我也已经可以打点房子的一切。你已经照顾我们十年多，现在该是我们照顾自己的时候了。”
Rupak led the buffaloes back to Mr. Rambhul, their owner. The Buddha sat outside Svasti’s hut, on a small stool, while the bhikkhus stood behind him. With earthen walls and a thatched roof, Svasti’s tiny home was not large enough for everyone to come inside. Bala told Svasti, “Brother, please go with the Buddha. Rupak is even stronger than you were when you began tending the buffaloes, and I am quite capable of taking care of the house. You have looked after us for ten years, and now we are ready to be on our own.”
媲摩坐在盛放雨水的大木桶旁边，望着她的姐姐，一言不发。缚悉底望望媲摩。她是一个非常可爱的女孩。缚悉底初遇佛陀的时候，芭娜只有六岁，卢培克三岁，媲摩则仍是个婴孩。卢培克在门外玩泥沙时，芭娜就在给全家烧饭。
Sitting next to the rainwater barrel, Bhima looked up at her big sister without saying a word. Svasti looked at Bhima. She was a lovely young girl. When Svasti met the Buddha, Bala was six years old, Rupak three, and Bhima only an infant. Bala cooked for the family while Rupak played in the sand.
他们父亲死后六个月，母亲也因分娩而去世。缚悉底虽然只有十一岁，却已经要当起一家之主。找到放水牛的工作后，缚悉底努力勤奋，足够使全家都能糊口。有时他还可以带一点水牛乳汁给小媲摩享用。
Six months following their father’s death, their mother passed away in childbirth. Just eleven years old, Svasti became the head of the household. He found a job tending water buffaloes, and because Svasti was a good worker, he earned enough to feed his family. He was even able to bring buffalo milk home for little Bhima.
媲摩明白缚悉底想知道她的感受，于是她微微地笑了。再踌躇一会儿，她轻声地说：“哥哥，你就跟佛陀去吧。”她转过头去，想把眼泪藏起来。她曾听过缚悉底无数次提起想跟佛陀修学的愿望，她实在是真心想让他去。但当这一刻将要来临时，她又按捺和掩饰不住内心的悲伤。
Realizing that Svasti was asking her about her feelings, Bhima smiled. She hesitated a moment and then spoke softly, “Brother, go with the Buddha.” She turned her face away to hide the tears. Bhima had heard Svasti mention his wish to study with Buddha so many times and she truly wanted him to go, but now that the moment had arrived she could not hide her sadness.
这时，卢培克从村里回来，刚好听到媲摩说的话。他立刻知道分开的时刻终于来了。他望着缚悉底，然后说：“哥哥，请你随佛陀走吧！”这时，全屋寂静无声。卢培克将视线转向佛陀，又说：“我尊敬的大人，希望你允许我的哥哥追随你学习。我已够年长去照顾这个家了。”卢培克望向缚悉底，极力忍着泪水，再说：“不过，希望哥哥你请佛陀让你有空时回来探望我们。”佛陀站了起来，轻抚着媲摩的头发，然后说：“孩子们，先吃一点东西吧。明天早上，我会回来接缚悉底，然后一起去王舍城。今晚，我和比丘们会在菩提树下度宿一晚。”
Just then, Rupak returned from the village, and hearing Bhima’s words, “Go with the Buddha,” he understood that the time had come. He looked at Svasti and said, “Yes, brother, please go with the Buddha,” and the whole family fell silent. Rupak looked at the Buddha and said, “Venerable Sir, I hope you will permit my brother to study with you. I am old enough to care for our family.” Rupak turned to Svasti and, holding back his tears, said, “But brother, please ask the Buddha if you can come back and visit us from time to time.”
The Buddha stood up and gently stroked Bhima’s hair. “Children, please eat now. Tomorrow morning, I will return for Svasti so we can walk together to Rajagaha. The bhikkhus and I will rest beneath the bodhi tree tonight.”
佛陀行到木闸前，又回过头来对缚悉底说：“明天早上，你不用带任何东西。身上穿着的衣服已经足够。”
As the Buddha reached the gate, he looked back at Svasti and said, “Tomorrow morning, you do not need to bring anything. The clothes you are wearing are enough.”
那天晚上，他们兄弟姐妹四人谈到深夜。就像一个将要远行的父亲，缚悉底给他们做最后的叮嘱，要他们互相关怀，好好地照顾这个家。他轮流拥抱每一个弟妹。当小媲摩被哥哥紧抱在怀里时，她真的再也无法强忍眼泪了。她低声啜泣起来。不过她很快又抬起头来，深呼吸一下，然后望着哥哥微笑。她实在很不想令缚悉底难过。暗淡的油灯已足够令缚悉底看到她的笑容。他明白并感谢小妹妹的心意。
That night the four siblings stayed up late. Like a departing father, Svasti gave them his last advice on taking care of each other and the household. He embraced each of them for a long time. Unable to hold back her tears, little Bhima sobbed while her oldest brother held her. But then she looked up, breathed deeply, and smiled at him. She didn’t want Svasti to feel sad. The oil lamp cast a dim light, but it was enough for Svasti to see her smile, and he appreciated it.
第二天清早，缚悉底的朋友善生也前来与他道别。她前一晚经过河畔时，是佛陀告诉她缚悉底将会出家加入僧团的。其实善生认识佛陀也是在他未证道之前。善生比缚悉底大两岁，是村长的女儿。她带了一小瓶草药送给缚悉底。但他们还没有谈上几句话，佛陀和他的弟子就到了。
Early the next morning, Sujata, Svasti’s friend, came to say goodbye. The evening before, she had seen the Buddha when she was on her way to the riverbank, and he told her that Svasti would be joining the order of monks. Sujata, the daughter of the village head, was two years older than Svasti, and she, too, had met Gautama before he became the Buddha. Sujata gave Svasti a small jar of herbal medicines to take with him. They spoke only briefly, and then the Buddha and his disciples arrived.
缚悉底的弟弟妹妹已经一早起来准备送行。罗睺罗对他们一一轻声嘱咐，鼓励他们要坚强和互相照顾。他更承诺，每当他路经此地，必定会来优楼频螺探访他们。缚悉底一家人与善生跟着佛陀和比丘们一同行到河边。就在这里，他们全部合上掌来，与佛陀、诸比丘、罗睺罗及缚悉底道别。
Svasti’s brother and sisters were already awake to see their brother off. Rahula spoke gently to each of them, encouraging them to be strong and to take care of each other. He promised that whenever he was nearby, he would stop in Uruvela to visit them. Svasti’s family and Sujata walked with the Buddha and the bhikkhus to the riverbank, and there they joined their palms to say goodbye to the Buddha, the monks, Rahula, and Svasti.
缚悉底心里感到既惶恐又喜悦。他紧张得胃里打结。这是他有生以来，第一次离开优楼频螺。佛陀说过，需要十天时间才可以到达王舍城。平常人是可以行得快一点的，但佛陀和他的比丘们行得比较慢，而且十分从容。当缚悉底的步伐放缓，他的心也跟着平静下来。他现在已全心全意地投入到了佛、法、僧之中，而这就是他要行的道路。他再转过头来，深情地看了他唯一熟悉的人和地最后一眼，善生和弟妹渐渐在他的视线中变成尘土般细小，融入了林树的影子里。
Svasti was overcome with both fear and joy. There was a knot in his stomach. This was the first time he had ever left Uruvela. The Buddha said it would take ten days to reach Rajagaha. Most people traveled more quickly, but the Buddha and his bhikkhus walked slowly and with great ease. As Svasti’s pace slowed down, his heart quieted. He was wholeheartedly immersing himself in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, and this was his path. He turned around for one last glimpse of the only land and people he knew, and he saw Sujata and his family as mere specks merging with the shadows of the forest trees.
对缚悉底来说，佛陀的步行就是为享受步行而行的。他似乎全不在乎是否能到达目的地。他的比丘们也是如此，没有一个人呈现些微的紧张和不耐烦，或希望尽快到达目的地。每个人的步伐都是那么缓稳平和。他们就像一起在写意地漫步，没有一点疲态。而每一天，他们都可以行上一段很长的路程。
It seemed to Svasti that the Buddha walked just to enjoy the walking, unconcerned about arriving anywhere at all. So it was with all the bhikkhus. No one seemed anxious or impatient to reach their destination. Each man’s steps were slow, balanced, and peaceful. It was as if they were taking a pleasant stroll together. No one ever appeared tired, and yet they covered a good distance each day.
每天早晨，他们都会到附近的村落中乞食。他们以佛陀为首，长列排行。缚悉底行在最后，紧跟在罗睺罗后面。他们步行时静悄庄严，每踏一步都专注地留意着每一下呼吸。他们会不时停下来接受村民的供养，使村民有机会把食物放进钵内。有些村民恭敬地跪在路旁，等候着供僧。当比丘们接受食物时，他们都默默地为村民诵经祝祷。
Each morning they would stop in the nearest village to beg for food. They walked along the streets in a single line with the Buddha at the head. Svasti came last, just behind Rahula. They walked with quiet dignity, observing each breath and each step. Once in a while, they would stop while villagers placed offerings of food in their bowls. Some villagers knelt by the side of the road in respect. As the bhikkhus received the food, they quietly recited prayers for the people.
乞食完毕，他们就会慢慢地离开村落，找一处树荫草坪坐下来进食。他们围成一个圈子坐下，然后小心地将食物分配到每一个钵中。罗睺罗到附近的溪涧盛一瓶清水回来，恭敬地拿到佛陀跟前。当佛陀双手合上形成莲花状后，罗睺罗便把水慢慢倒在佛陀的手上，让他清洗双手。他同样依次给每人洗净双手，最后才轮到缚悉底。因为缚悉底还没有他自己的钵，于是罗睺罗便把自己一半的食物放到一片大蕉叶上，分给他的好朋友。进食前，比丘们都合掌念诵，然后才默默地吃，留心注意着每一口食物。
When they finished begging, they slowly left the village to find a place beneath some trees or in a grassy meadow where they could eat. They sat in a circle and divided the food equally, careful to fill anyone’s bowl that was still empty. Rahula filled a jug with water from a nearby stream and respectfully carried it to the Buddha. After the Buddha joined his palms together to form what looked like a lotus flower, Rahula poured the water over the Buddha’s hands and rinsed them clean. He did the same for everyone else, coming last to Svasti. As Svasti did not yet have a bowl, Rahula placed half of his own food on a fresh banana leaf and gave it to his new friend. Before eating, the bhikkhus joined their palms and chanted together. Then they ate in silence, mindful of each bite.
进食后，一些比丘会修习行禅，另一些则修习坐禅，更有一些会午睡一会儿。等到日间最热的时候过后，他们才再次动身，继续旅程，直至入黑。他们一边行，一边留意有什么地方可以歇宿，而最理想的地方，当然就是那些不会受骚扰的森林了。每一个比丘都有自己的坐垫。他们多半是先跏趺静坐半个晚上，再铺好衲衣躺下来睡。每个比丘都有两件衲衣。一件是身穿的，另一件是用来避寒的。缚悉底像其他的比丘一般跏趺静坐，又学会了用树根作枕，睡在泥土地上。
When they finished, some bhikkhus practiced walking meditation, some did sitting meditation, and others took a short nap. When the hottest part of the day had passed, they took to the road again, and they walked until it was nearly dark. The best places to rest for the night were undisturbed forests, and they walked until they found a good place. Each bhikkhu had his own cushion, and many sat cross-legged in the lotus position for half the night before spreading out their robes and going to sleep. Each bhikkhu carried two robes, the one he was wearing and another to use as protection against wind and cold. Svasti sat in meditation like the others and learned to sleep upon the earth using a tree root for a pillow.
当缚悉底第二天早上醒来，已看到佛陀和很多比丘都在平静地禅坐。他们全都散发着安详和威严。太阳一出来，各人收拾好地上的衲衣，拾起钵，再准备开始新一天的旅程。
When Svasti awoke the next morning, he saw the Buddha and many of the bhikkhus already sitting peacefully in meditation, radiating profound calm and majesty. As soon as the sun rose over the horizon, each bhikkhu folded his extra robe, picked up his bowl, and began the day’s journey.
就这样日行夜息，他们终于行了十天才到达摩揭陀国的都城王舍城。这是缚悉底第一次见到城市。马车在布满房舍的街道上疾驰而过。到处都回响着喧闹和欢笑声。但比丘们的行列，就如他们在河边和田间行走时一样，依然是那么平静地缓步而行。几个城里住的人停了下来看他们。又有几个认得佛陀的，恭敬地作揖顶礼。比丘们继续他们平和的行列，直至抵达位于城外的竹林精舍。
Walking by day and resting by night, it was ten days before they reached Rajagaha, the capital of Magadha. It was the first time Svasti had seen a city. Horse carts pressed through streets lined with crowded dwellings; shouts and laughter echoed everywhere. But the silent procession of the bhikkhus continued, as peacefully as when they strolled along the quiet riverbanks or between country rice fields. A few of the city dwellers paused to watch them, and a few, recognizing the Buddha, bowed deeply to show their respect. The bhikkhus continued their calm procession until they reached the Bamboo Forest Monastery, just beyond the city.
佛陀回来的消息很快传遍寺院。不到几分钟，近四百个比丘已齐集欢迎他回来。佛陀没有说太多，只是问问他们的近况和禅定的修习情形。他交托舍利弗照顾缚悉底，罗睺罗也是依止舍利弗的。舍利弗是寺院里沙弥的主导师，负责看管超过五十个年轻的初学者。他们全部都是参加僧团未超过三年的。寺院的常住则是一个名叫憍陈如的比丘。
News spread quickly throughout the monastery that the Buddha had returned, and within moments, nearly four hundred bhikkhus gathered to welcome him back. The Buddha did not say much but asked about everyone’s well-being and meditation practice. He entrusted Svasti to Sariputta, who was also Rahula’s spiritual instructor. Sariputta was the novice master of Bamboo Forest Monastery and watched over the studies of nearly fifty young monks, all of whom had been in the community for less than three years. The abbot of the monastery was a monk named Kondanna.
罗睺罗被安排指导缚悉底有关寺院的生活规仪，包括行住坐卧，与别人交往，修习行禅、坐禅、细观呼吸等。他又要教缚悉底怎样穿衲衣、乞食、诵经和清洗他的钵。连续三天，为了好好学会这些，缚悉底没有离开过罗睺罗身边半步。罗睺罗也全心全意地教导缚悉底。不过，缚悉底知道自己如要将这一切做得自然自在，非要多年的磨炼不可。经过这一番基本指引后，缚悉底被舍利弗邀请到他的房子里，讲解有关比丘的戒条。
Rahula was asked to introduce Svasti to the ways of monastery life—how to walk, sit, stand, greet others, do walking and sitting meditation, and observe his breathing. He also showed Svasti how to wear the monk’s robe, beg for food, recite prayers, and wash his bowl. For three continuous days, Svasti did not leave Rahula’s side, so that he could learn these things well. Rahula put his whole heart into instructing Svasti, yet Svasti knew it would take years of practicing before he would be able to do these things in a relaxed and natural way. After this basic instruction, Sariputta invited Svasti into his hut and explained the precepts of a bhikkhu.
一个比丘离开家庭，是为着以佛陀为师，以佛法为开悟之道，以僧团为修行上的支援。一个比丘的生活简单纯朴。乞食除能助长谦卑之外，更成为与外界接触的机会，借此使一般人体会到佛陀对爱心和体恤的教导。
A bhikkhu was one who left his family in order to follow the Buddha as a teacher, the Dharma as the path which leads to awakening, and the Sangha as the community that supports one along the path. A bhikkhu’s life was simple and humble. Begging for food helped foster humility and was also a means to be in contact with others and help them see the Way of Love and Understanding which the Buddha taught.
十年前，在菩提树下，缚悉底和他的朋友曾听过佛陀解释说，开悟之道就是爱与宽容之道。所以他现在很容易便领悟到舍利弗所说的。虽然舍利弗的外貌严肃，但他的目光和笑容都散发着无限的温暖和慈悲。他告诉缚悉底将会举行一个受戒仪式，来正式接受他加入僧团。
他也同时教缚悉底背诵一些在仪式上要说的字句。
Ten years earlier beneath the bodhi tree, Svasti and his friends had listened to the Buddha speak about the path of awakening as the path of love and understanding, so it was easy for him to grasp all that Sariputta told him. Though Sariputta’s face appeared serious, his eyes and smile radiated great warmth andcompassion. He told Svasti that there would be a precepts ceremony to formally accept him into the community of bhikkhus, and he taught Svasti the words he would need to recite.
舍利弗是戒仪的主持。有二十多个比丘参加这个仪式。看到佛陀和罗睺罗在旁观礼，缚悉底倍添欢喜。舍利弗默念一首偈语后，便将缚悉底头上几撮头发剃下。跟着，他把剃刀交给罗睺罗去把缚悉底剩下的头发剃掉。舍利弗给缚悉底三件僧衣、一只乞钵和一个滤水器。因为经过了罗睺罗的指导，缚悉底很轻易便将衲衣穿上。跟着，他向佛陀及在场众比丘顶礼，以表示他深切的谢意。
Sariputta himself presided over the precepts ceremony. About twenty bhikkhus attended. The Buddha and Rahula were there, adding to Svasti’s happiness. Sariputta silently recited a gatha, and then shaved off several locks of Svasti’s hair. He then gave the razor to Rahula, who completed the task of shaving Svasti’s head. Sariputta gave Svasti three robes, a bowl, and a water filter. Because he had already been taught by Rahula how to wear the robe, Svasti put it on without difficulty. He bowed before the Buddha and the other bhikkhus present to express his deep gratitude.
将近午间时分，缚悉底第一次正式以比丘的身份练习行乞。竹林精舍的全部比丘分成数个小队，分别步往王舍城。缚悉底跟着舍利弗带领的一队。行出寺院不到数步，他就提醒自己，乞食也是修行的一种方法。他集中观察着自己的呼吸，静心留意前行的每一步。罗睺罗行在他的后面。虽然缚悉底现在已是一个比丘，但他很明白自己的经验比罗睺罗少得多。他真诚坚决地发心要好好地栽培自己内在的谦卑和美德。
Later that morning, Svasti practiced begging for the first time as an ordained bhikkhu. The monks of Bamboo Forest Monastery walked into Rajagaha in several small groups, and Svasti was part of the group led by Sariputta. After taking just a few steps out of the monastery, Svasti reminded himself that begging was a vehicle to practice the Way. He observed his breathing and took each step quietly and in mindfulness. Rahula walked behind him. Although he was now a bhikkhu, Svasti knew that he had considerably less experience than Rahula. He resolved with all his heart to nurture humility and virtue within himself.
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