妙法蓮華經方便品第二
The Lotus Sutra: Expedient Chapter 2
妙法蓮華經
Scripture of Lotus Magnificence of Marvelous Law
妙法蓮華經卷第二
Volume ２of Scripture of Lotus Magnificence of Marvelous Law
The translator: Master Kumarajiva, Buddhist monk, A.D. 344-413, born in Kutsi ﹝Kuci(na), Kucha or Kuche (B.C. 272-A.D. 14th century)﹞, which currently is located in Xinjiang of China in 21 century A.D. At that time, the era of state power was the post-Qin period, 384-417 A.D. Master Kumarajiva accepted the emperor's order to translate this Buddhist scripture from Sanskrit into Chinese.
The modern translator: Tao Qing Hsu, Buddhist-at-home, not Buddhist nun, born and living in Taiwan. She has translated this Buddhist scripture from Chinese into English since the year of 2024 A.D.
Notes and explanations are by Tao Qing Hsu
Notes and explanations on related words, placed after the article.
中文翻譯 (從梵文翻譯成中文)：後秦龜茲國三藏法師鳩摩羅什奉詔譯
(西元384至417年)
英文翻譯 (從中文翻譯成英文)：許道清 (Hsu, Tao Qing; Tao Qing Hsu)
白話文及註解: 許道清 (Hsu, Tao Qing; Tao Qing Hsu)
爾時，世尊從三昧安詳而起，告舍利弗：「諸佛智慧，甚深無量，其智慧門，難解難入，一切聲聞、辟支佛，所不能知。所以者何。佛曾親近百千萬億無數諸佛，盡行諸佛無量道法，勇猛精進，名稱普聞。成就甚深未曾有法，隨宜所說，意趣難解。舍利弗，吾從成佛已來，種種因緣，種種譬喻，廣演言教，無數方便，引導眾生，令離諸著。所以者何。如來方便知見波羅蜜，皆已具足。舍利弗，如來知見，廣大深遠，無量無礙。力、無所畏、禪定、解脫三昧，深入無際，成就一切未曾有法。舍利弗，如來能種種分別，巧說諸法，言辭柔軟，悅可眾心。舍利弗，取要言之，無量無邊未曾有法，佛悉成就。」
At that time, the World Venerable One arose from the tranquility of samadhi and told Shariputra: "The wisdom of all Buddhas is extremely profound and immeasurable. The gates of their wisdom are difficult to comprehend and are difficult to enter, and cannot be understood by all voice-hearers and Pratyekabuddhas. The Buddha has gotten close to hundreds of thousands of billions of countless Buddhas, practiced the immeasurable Dao-Law (Path-Law) of all Buddhas, been bravely and dedicated himself to progress, and been named Universally-Heard. He has achieved the extremely profound Law which has never been had before, and which is spoken following any expedient and appropriate, in which the delighted and interested within the meaning is difficult to understand. Shariputra. Since I became a Buddha, various causes and conditions, all kinds of metaphor, extensive performing the speeches and teachings, and countless expedients have been used to guide sentient beings, so as to make them leave all addictions. Why is that? What the paramita of the expedient and insight owned by the Tathagata, all of them have been owned adequately. Shariputra. The Tathagata's insight is vast, great, profound and lasting, immeasurable and unhindered. The power, nothing-fearing, Zen-steady and liberated samadhi, all of them are deep in the limitless, thus to achieve all Laws (Dharma) that have never been had before. Shariputra. The Tathagata is able to make various distinctions, speak various Laws (Dharma) skillfully, and any spoken words and phrases are soft, delighting everyone's hearts. Shariputra. Let me tell you the most important things. There are countless, boundless and never-had-before Laws (Dharma), and which the Buddha has achieved them all.”
「止，舍利弗，不須復說。所以者何。佛所成就第一稀有難解之法，唯佛與佛，乃能究盡諸法實相。所謂諸法，如是相，如是性，如是體，如是力，如是作，如是因，如是緣，如是果，如是報，如是本末究竟等。」
"Stop, Shariputra. There is no need to say it again. Why is that? The Law of the first-most rare and difficult to understand has been achieved by the Buddha, and only the one Buddha and the other Buddha, who can fully understand the true phenomenon of all Laws(Dharma). The so-called all Laws(Dharma) have such phenomena, such nature, such a body, such a force, such an action, such a cause, such a condition, such a result, such a reward(or a retribution), such the original and final of what actually happened, etc.”
爾時世尊欲重宣此義，而說偈言：
At that time, the World Venerable One intended to reiterate this meaning, and spoke verses:
世雄不可量， 諸天及世人， 一切眾生類， 無能知佛者。
The World-Hero cannot be measured. All the heavens and worldly humans, and all sentient beings, no one can understand the Buddha.
佛力無所畏， 解脫諸三昧， 及佛諸餘法， 無能測量者。
The Buddha-power and nothing-fearing, liberation and all samadhis, and Buddha's all remaining Laws(Dharma), all of these things cannot be measured by anyone.
本從無數佛， 具足行諸道。 甚深微妙法， 難見難可了。
The Buddhas were originally following countless Buddhas, and were adequately possessed in practicing all Daos(Paths). The profound and subtle Law (Dharma), it is difficult to see and hard to understand.
於無量億劫， 行此諸道已， 道場得成果， 我已悉知見。
For countless billions of kalpas, the Buddhas had already practiced these all Daos(Paths), and achieved results in Dao-place, all of which I have fully known and seen.
如是大果報， 種種性相義， 我及十方佛， 乃能知是事。
Such as the great result and reward, and the various meanings of nature and phenomenon, only I and the Buddhas of the ten directions, are able to know these matters.
是法不可示， 言辭相寂滅， 諸餘眾生類， 無有能得解，
This Law (Dharma) cannot be demonstrated. Its phenomena of any words and expressions is still and extinguished. All other sorts of sentient beings, there is no one who is able to understand it.
除諸菩薩眾， 信力堅固者。 諸佛弟子眾， 曾供養諸佛，
Except for those who are the masses of Pusas, and those whose faith-power is firm. The masses of disciples of all Buddhas, and those who have ever made offerings to all Buddhas,
一切漏已盡， 住是最後身， 如是諸人等， 其力所不堪。
And those whose Leaks have been exhausted, and those who are dwelling in the last body, like this the all humans, etc., their strength cannot bear it.
假使滿世間， 皆如舍利弗， 盡思共度量， 不能測佛智。
If they were filled with the whole world, all of them were like Shariputra, doing their best to think and altogether measuring this Law(Dharma), they still cannot fathom the wisdom of the Buddha.
正使滿十方， 皆如舍利弗， 及餘諸弟子， 亦滿十方剎，
Even if they were to fill the ten directions, all of them would be like Sariputra. And the other disciples, who would also fill the ten directions.
盡思共度量， 亦復不能知。 辟支佛利智， 無漏最後身，
They tried their best to think and measure it altogether, but they still could not know it. The wisdom of the pratyekabuddha, the without-leaking and the last body,
亦滿十方界， 其數如竹林， 斯等共一心， 於億無量劫，
All of them also filled the ten directions, and their number was like a bamboo forest. They all shared one mind, and for a hundred-million countless aeons.
欲思佛實智， 莫能知少分。 新發意菩薩， 供養無數佛，
They wanted to think of the Buddha's true wisdom, they could not understand even a tiny bit of it. The newly-intending Pusas(Bodhisattvas), they make offerings to countless Buddhas,
了達諸義趣， 又能善說法， 如稻麻竹葦， 充滿十方剎，
Understand the interests of various meanings, and could speak of the Law (Dharma) well, if they would be like the rice, hemp, bamboo and reeds, to be filled in the ten directions,
一心以妙智， 於恒河沙劫， 咸皆共思量， 不能知佛智。
Using wonderful wisdom with one mind, through countless kalpas of Ganges Sand, all of them contemplated and measured it altogether, yet they could not understand the wisdom of the Buddha.
不退諸菩薩， 其數如恒沙， 一心共思求， 亦復不能知。
All not-retreat Pusas(Bodhisattvas), their number was as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, even if they would contemplate and seek it altogether with one mind, they still could not understand it.
又告舍利弗， 無漏不思議， 甚深微妙法， 我今已具得，
The Buddha also told Shariputra, the without-leaking and the inconceivable, the profound and subtle Law(Dharma), that I have now obtained.
唯我知是相， 十方佛亦然。 舍利弗當知， 諸佛語無異，
Only I know this phenomena, and so do the Buddhas in the ten directions. Shariputra. You should know that the words of all Buddhas are no different(are the same).
於佛所說法， 當生大信力， 世尊法久後， 要當說真實。
In what the Buddha says, you should raise the great faith. After the Buddha's Laws (Dharma) have lasted for a long time, he will speak the truth.
告諸聲聞眾、 及求緣覺乘， 我令脫苦縛， 逮得涅槃者，
I will tell all Voice-Hearers(the Śrāvakas), and those seeking the Pratyekabuddha-boarding, that I will make them free themselves from the bondage of suffering, and enable them to reach and attain Nirvana.
佛以方便力， 示以三乘教， 眾生處處著， 引之令得出。
The Buddha uses expedient strengths, to demonstrate the teaching of the Three Boardings for them. The sentient beings are attached to everything everywhere, the Buddha leads them so as to make them out of their attachments.
爾時大眾中，有諸聲聞、漏盡阿羅漢、阿若憍陳如等，千二百人，及發聲聞辟支佛心、比丘、比丘尼、優婆塞、優婆夷，各作是念：「今者、世尊何故殷勤稱歎方便，而作是言，佛所得法，甚深難解，有所言說，意趣難知，一切聲聞、辟支佛，所不能及。佛說一解脫義，我等亦得此法，到於涅槃，而今不知是義所趨。」
At that time, among the great assembly, there were all voice-hearers, leak-ended arhats(it means those practitioners had eliminated all defilements）, Ajñāta Kauṇḍinya, and etc., those were 1,200 humans, and those who had developed the mind of voice-hearers and pratyekabuddhas, Bhikkhu(Buddhist monks), Bhikkhuni(Buddhist nuns), Upasakas(residence-scholar of male Buddhist), and Upasikas(residence-scholar of female Buddhist). They all thought, "Now, why is the World Venerable One(Tathagata) so earnestly praising the expedient means and saying these things? The law (Dharma) attained by the Buddha is very profound and difficult to understand. What has been spoken and expressed, its interesting meaning is difficult to know. All voice-hearers and pratyekabuddhas cannot reach it. When the Buddha has spoken of the one meaning of liberation, and we have also attained this law (Dharma) and have reached Nirvana, but now we do not know what this meaning leads to."
爾時舍利弗知四眾心疑，自亦未了，而白佛言：「世尊，何因何緣，殷勤稱歎諸佛第一方便、甚深微妙、難解之法。我自昔來，未曾從佛，聞如是說。今者，四眾咸皆有疑。惟願世尊敷演斯事，世尊何故殷勤稱歎甚深微妙難解之法。」
At that time, Shariputra knew that the four congregations of people were doubtful and that he himself had not yet understood it. He then said to the Buddha, "World Venerable One, what causes and conditions do you so earnestly praise the Buddhas' number-one expedient means, the profound and subtle, and the difficult-to-understand law (Dharma)? I have been since the past, and I have never heard such words from the Buddha. Now, all four congregations of people have doubts. We only hope that the World Honored One (Tathagata) will elaborate on this matter. Why does the World Venerable One (Tathagata) so earnestly praise the profound, subtle, and difficult-to-understand law (Dharma)?"
爾時舍利弗欲重宣此義，而說偈言：
At that time, Shariputra wanted to reiterate this meaning, and he said in verse:
慧日大聖尊， 久乃說是法， 自說得如是， 力無畏三昧，
Wisdom-sun-great-saintly Venerable One, he speaks of this law (Dharma) after a long time, he himself says that he has attained like this, the power-fearlessness samadhi,
禪定解脫等， 不可思議法。 道場所得法， 無能發問者。
Meditation and liberation, etc., the inconceivable Laws(Dharma). What Laws (Dharma) are obtained in the place of Dao, yet no one is able to ask questions.
我意難可測， 亦無能問者。 無問而自說， 稱歎所行道，
My mind is hard to fathom, and also no one is able to ask questions. Without any questions but speaking it by myself, praising what the Dao (Way) has been practiced (taken).
智慧甚微妙， 諸佛之所得。 無漏諸羅漢， 及求涅槃者，
Wisdom is very subtle, it is attained by all Buddhas. All without-leak Arhats, and those who seek Nirvana,
今皆墮疑網， 佛何故說是。 其求緣覺者， 比丘比丘尼、
Now they are all trapped in the web of doubt, why does the Buddha say this? Those who seek the pratyekabuddha, and those who are bhikkhus and bhikkhunis,
諸天龍鬼神、 及乾闥婆等， 相視懷猶豫， 瞻仰兩足尊，
All gods, dragons, ghosts, spirits, and Gandharvas, etc., all of them look at each other with hesitation, and look up at the Two-footed Venerable One.
是事為云何， 願佛為解說。 於諸聲聞眾， 佛說我第一。
What is the matter and how to say it? May the Buddha explain it. Among all Voice-hearers（Śrāvakas）, the Buddha said, "I am the Number-One."
我今自於智， 疑惑不能了， 為是究竟法， 為是所行道。
I now in my own wisdom, have doubts about it and cannot understand it, whether this is the ultimate law (Dharma), or whether this is what the Dao to be practiced (whether this is what the Path to be followed).
佛口所生子， 合掌瞻仰待， 願出微妙音， 時為如實說。
The disciples born from the Buddha's mouth, fold their hands and look on while waiting, wishing for a subtle sound to come out(from Buddha), and he would speak anything for such truth at that moment.
諸天龍神等， 其數如恒沙， 求佛諸菩薩， 大數有八萬，
All gods, dragons, and spirits, etc., their number is as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. Of all Bodhisattvas who seek the Buddha, the large number is as many as eighty thousand.
又諸萬億國， 轉輪聖王至， 合掌以敬心， 欲聞具足道。
Also, tens of millions of countries, their wheel-turning holy kings have arrived here, they join their palms in reverence, and wish to hear the abundant-complete Dao(Buddha Path).
爾時佛告舍利弗：「止，止，不須復說。若說是事，一切世間諸天、及人、皆當驚疑。」舍利弗重白佛言：「世尊，惟願說之，惟願說之。所以者何。是會無數百千萬億阿僧祇眾生，曾見諸佛，諸根猛利，智慧明了，聞佛所說，則能敬信。」
At that time the Buddha told Shariputra, "Stop, stop, there is no need to say again. If I say these matters, the heavens and humans of all the worlds will be shocked and suspicious." Shariputra said to the Buddha again, "World Venerable One, I only wish you to talk about it. I only wish you to explain it. Why? This assembly of countless hundreds of thousands of millions of asamkhyeyas (immeasurable) sentient beings, who have seen the Buddhas, have sharp faculties in all roots, and have wisdom to understand, can respect and believe what the Buddha says.
爾時舍利弗欲重宣此義，而說偈言：
At that time, Shariputra wanted to reiterate this meaning, and he said in verse:
法王無上尊， 惟說願勿慮。 是會無量眾， 有能敬信者。
The Law-King and Supreme Venerable One, please just say it and do not worry. There are countless sentient beings in this assembly, and there are those who are able to respect and believe.
佛復止舍利弗：「若說是事，一切世間天、人、阿修羅，皆當驚疑，增上慢比丘，將墜於大坑。」
The Buddha stopped Shariputra again, "If I say these matters, all the heavens, humans, and asuras of all the worlds will be certainly shocked and suspicious, and the increased-up-arrogant bhikkhus, they will fall into a big pit."
爾時世尊重說偈言：
At that time, the World Venerable One reiterated by the following verse:
止止不須說， 我法妙難思， 諸增上慢者， 聞必不敬信。
Stop, stop, there is no need to talk about it. My Law (Dharma) is wonderful and difficult to comprehend. Those who are increased-up-arrogant, they will certainly not respect and believe it when they hear it.
爾時舍利弗重白佛言：「世尊，惟願說之，惟願說之。今此會中，如我等比、百千萬億，世世已曾從佛受化。如此人等，必能敬信，長夜安隱，多所饒益。」
At that time, Sariputra said to the Buddha again, "World Venerable One, I only wish you to talk about it, I only wish you to explain it. There are hundreds of thousands of millions of sentient beings like me in this assembly who have been influenced and reformed by the Buddha in every life. Like these humans and so on, they can certainly have respect and faith, and have long nights of peace and safety, and get many benefits from it."
爾時舍利弗欲重宣此義，而說偈言：
At that time, Shariputra wanted to reiterate this meaning, and he said in verse:
無上兩足尊， 願說第一法， 我為佛長子， 惟垂分別說。
The Supreme and Two-footed Venerable One, I wish you to speak of the First Law(Dharma). I am the Buddha's eldest disciple, so I hope you will speak of it in a way to differentiate.
是會無量眾， 能敬信此法， 佛已曾世世， 教化如是等，
There are countless sentient beings in this assembly, they can respect and believe this Law(Dharma). The Buddha already in each life, had influenced and reformed them like these numbers of sentient beings.
皆一心合掌， 欲聽受佛語。 我等千二百， 及餘求佛者，
They all put their hands together with one mind, wishing to listen to the Buddha's words. I and the thousand and two hundred, and others who seek Buddha,
願為此眾故， 惟垂分別說。 是等聞此法， 則生大歡喜。
For the sake of all these sentient beings, I wish you to speak of it in a way to differentiate. When these sentient beings hear this Law(Dharma), they will thus feel great joy.
爾時世尊告舍利弗：「汝已殷勤三請，豈得不說。汝今諦聽，善思念之，吾當為汝分別解說。」說此語時，會中有比丘、比丘尼、優婆塞、優婆夷、五千人等，即從座起，禮佛而退。所以者何。此輩罪根深重，及增上慢，未得謂得，未證謂證，有如此失，是以不住。世尊默然而不制止。
At that time, the World Honored One told Shariputra, "You have earnestly requested three times, so how can I not tell you? Now listen carefully and think well, and I will explain it to you by differentiating." When he said this, in the assembly, there were monks, nuns, and upasakas and upasikas, all of them in five thousand, etc., who immediately stood up from their seats, bowed to the Buddha and left. Why is that? Such people have deep and serious sin-root and are increased-up-arrogant. What they have not obtained they claim to have obtained. What they have not realized they say they have realized. Because of such faults, they cannot stay. The Buddha remained silent but did not stop it.
爾時佛告舍利弗：「我今此眾，無復枝葉，純有貞實。舍利弗，如是增上慢人，退亦佳矣。汝今善聽，當為汝說。舍利弗言，唯，然，世尊，願樂欲聞。」
At that time, the Buddha told Shariputra, "My assembly now has no more branches and leaves, only pure and real things. Shariputra. It is better for such increased-up-arrogant people to retreat. You should listen carefully, and I will explain it to you. Shariputra said, "Yes, World Venerable One, I am willing to listen with joyfulness."
佛告舍利弗：
The Buddha told Shariputra:
「如是妙法，諸佛如來，時乃說之，如優曇缽華，時一現耳。舍利弗，汝等當信佛之所說，言不虛妄。舍利弗，諸佛隨宜說法，意趣難解。所以者何。我以無數方便，種種因緣，譬喻言辭，演說諸法，是法，非思量分別之所能解，唯有諸佛乃能知之。所以者何。諸佛世尊唯以一大事因緣故，出現於世。舍利弗，云何名諸佛世尊唯以一大事因緣故，出現於世。諸佛世尊欲令眾生開佛知見，使得清淨故，出現於世。欲示眾生，佛之知見故，出現於世。欲令眾生悟佛知見故，出現於世。欲令眾生入佛知見道故，出現於世。舍利弗，是為諸佛以一大事因緣故，出現於世。」
"Such wonderful Law(Dharma), all Buddha and Tathagata speak it from time to time, just like the Udumbara flower, which appears only once. Shariputra. You should believe what the Buddha says, for his words are not false-lying. Shariputra, the Buddhas speak the Law(Dharma) as any appropriate, but in which its meaning-interesting are difficult to understand. Why? I have used countless expedients, various causes and conditions, parables and words to demonstrate and speak the Law(Dharma). This Law(Dharma) cannot be understood by thinking, measuring and differentiating (distinguishing). Only the Buddhas can know it. Why? All Buddha and World Venerable One appear in the world only for one great cause. Shariputra. Why is it said that all Buddha and World Venerable One appear in the world only for one great cause? All Buddha and World Venerable One are for the sake of making sentient beings open the Buddha's knowledge and insight, so as to make them obtain the pure, therefore appearing in the world; and of making sentient beings be notified the Buddha's knowledge and insight, therefore appearing in the world; and of making sentient beings be enlightened the Buddha's knowledge and insight, therefore appearing in the world; and of making sentient beings enter the Dao (path) of the Buddha's knowledge and insight (the Dao (path) of Buddha), therefore appearing in the world. Sariputra. This is what all Buddhas appear in the world for a great cause.
佛告舍利弗：「諸佛如來但教化菩薩，諸有所作，常為一事，唯以佛之知見，示悟眾生。舍利弗，如來但以一佛乘故，為眾生說法，無有餘乘，若二、若三。舍利弗，一切十方諸佛，法亦如是。」
The Buddha told Shariputra, "All the Buddha and Tathagata only teach, influence and reform the Bodhisattvas. All they do is always for one purpose, only using the Buddha's knowledge and insight to notify and enlighten sentient beings. Shariputra. With only One Buddha Boarding, the Tathagata speaks the Law for sentient beings, without any other boardings, whether two or three. Shariputra. All the Buddhas in the ten directions, their Law(Dharma) is also like this."
「舍利弗，過去諸佛，以無量無數方便、種種因緣、譬喻言辭、而為眾生演說諸法，是法，皆為一佛乘故。是諸眾生，從諸佛聞法，究竟皆得一切種智。舍利弗，未來諸佛，當出於世，亦以無量無數方便、種種因緣、譬喻言辭、而為眾生演說諸法，是法，皆為一佛乘故。是諸眾生，從佛聞法，究竟皆得一切種智。舍利弗，現在十方無量百千萬億佛土中，諸佛世尊，多所饒益，安樂眾生，是諸佛，亦以無量無數方便、種種因緣、譬喻言辭、而為眾生演說諸法，是法，皆為一佛乘故。是諸眾生，從佛聞法，究竟皆得一切種智。舍利弗，是諸佛，但教化菩薩，欲以佛之知見，示眾生故，欲以佛之知見，悟眾生故，欲令眾生入佛之知見故。舍利弗，我今亦復如是，知諸眾生有種種欲，深心所著，隨其本性，以種種因緣、譬喻言辭、方便力、而為說法。舍利弗，如此，皆為得一佛乘、一切種智故。」
"Shariputra. The Buddhas of the past used countless expedients, various causes and conditions, parables and words to act and speak all Law(Dharma) to sentient beings. This Law(Dharma) is all one Buddha Boarding. All sentient beings who heard this Law(Dharma) from the Buddhas ultimately obtained all Seed-Wisdom (all kinds of wisdom; the root-wisdom). Shariputra. The future Buddhas will appear in the world and will also use countless expedients, various causes and conditions, parables and words to perform and speak the Law(Dharma) to sentient beings. This Law(Dharma) is all one Buddha Boarding. All who hear this Law(Dharma) ultimately obtain all Seed-Wisdom (all kinds of wisdom; all root-wisdom). Shariputra. In the immeasurable hundreds of thousands of millions of Buddha lands in the ten directions, all Buddha and World Venerable One have greatly benefited and brought peace and happiness to sentient beings. These Buddhas have also used countless expedients, various causes and conditions, parables and words to perform and speak the Law(Dharma) to sentient beings. This Law (Dharmas), all is One Buddha Boarding. All sentient beings who hear the Law(Dharma) from the Buddha ultimately obtain all Seed-Wisdom (all kinds of wisdom; all root-wisdom). Shariputra. All these Buddhas only teach, influence and reform the Pusas (Bodhisattvas; Bosas), intend to use the Buddha's knowledge and insight to notify sentient beings, and intend to use the Buddha's knowledge and insight to enlighten sentient beings, and intend to make them enter the Buddha's knowledge and insight. Shariputra. I am also like this now. I know that sentient beings have various desires and what attachment by their deep mind. According to their nature, I perform and speak the Law(Dharma) for them with various causes and conditions, parables, words, and expedient powers. Shariputra. This is all for the purpose of obtaining the One Buddha Boarding and the all Seed-Wisdom (all kinds of wisdom; all root-wisdom).
「舍利弗，十方世界中，尚無二乘，何況有三。舍利弗，諸佛出於五濁惡世，所謂劫濁、煩惱濁、眾生濁、見濁、命濁。如是舍利弗，劫濁亂時，眾生垢重，慳貪嫉妒，成就諸不善根故，諸佛以方便力，於一佛乘、分別說三。舍利弗，若我弟子，自謂阿羅漢、辟支佛者，不聞不知諸佛如來、但教化菩薩事，此非佛弟子，非阿羅漢，非辟支佛。」
"Shariputra. In the ten direction worlds, there are not even two Boardings (Vehicles) (the Large Boarding (Mahayana) and the Little Boarding (Hinayana)), let alone three (Three Boarding : Voice-hearer Boarding, Pratyekabuddha Boarding and Bodhisattva Boarding). Shariputra. The Buddhas came from the evil world of the five turbidites, namely, the turbidity of the kalpa, the turbidity of afflictions, the turbidity of living beings, the turbidity of views, and the turbidity of life. It is like this. Shariputra. In the turbid and chaotic times, sentient beings were heavily stained, greedy, jealous, and cultivated all kinds of unwholesome roots. Therefore, the Buddhas, with the expedient powers, in the One Buddha Boarding(Vehicle), speak the Three Boardings separately. Shariputra. If my disciples called themselves Arhats or Pratyekabuddhas, and they did not hear and did not know that all Buddhas and Tathagatas, but they only teach, influence and reform the matters of Bodhisattvas, then he is not a disciple of the Buddha, nor an Arhat, nor a Pratyekabuddha.
「又、舍利弗，是諸比丘、比丘尼、自謂已得阿羅漢，是最後身，究竟涅槃，便不復志求阿耨多羅三藐三菩提，當知此輩皆是增上慢人。所以者何。若有比丘、實得阿羅漢，若不信此法，無有是處。除佛滅度後，現前無佛。所以者何。佛滅度後，如是等經，受持讀誦解義者，是人難得。若遇餘佛，於此法中，便得決了。舍利弗，汝等當一心信解受持佛語。諸佛如來，言無虛妄，無有餘乘，唯一佛乘。」
"Moreover, Shariputra. Those bhikkhus and bhikkhunis who claim that they have attained the arhat hood, are the last body, and are in the ultimate nirvana, therefore they no longer aspire to attain the supreme right-equility-and-right-enlightenment(anuttara-samyak-sajbuddha), you should know that such people are the humans of increased-up-arrogant. Why? If there are bhikkhus who have attained the state of arhathood, but do not believe in this Law(Dharma), there is no such place (it is impossible to attain the Buddhahood). Except after the extinction of the Buddha, and there is no Buddha now. Why? After the extinction of the Buddha, such sutras, those who uphold, read, recit, understand and explain them, such a person is hard to encounter. If he meets other Buddhas, he will be able to understand this Law(Dharma). Shariputra. All of you should believe, understand and uphold the Buddha's words with one heart. The words of the Buddhas are not false-lying. There are no other Boardings(Vehicle), only the Buddha Boarding(Vehicle)."
爾時世尊欲重宣此義，而說偈言：
At that time the World Venerable One wished to reiterate this meaning, and uttered the following verse:
比丘比丘尼， 有懷增上慢， 優婆塞我慢， 優婆夷不信，
If there are bhikkhus and bhikkhunis, who are increased-up-arrogant, or upasakas who are self-conceited, upasikas who are unbelieving,
如是四眾等， 其數有五千， 不自見其過， 於戒有缺漏，
Such people of four congregations,etc., there are five thousand, who do not see their own faults, and have omissions in the precepts,
護惜其瑕疵。 是小智已出， 眾中之糟糠， 佛威德故去，
Protect and cherish their flaws. All these small wisdomers have been went out, are the dregs among the crowd, they leave because of the Buddha's mighty and virtue,
斯人鮮福德， 不堪受是法。 此眾無枝葉， 唯有諸貞實。
These persons lack blessings and virtues, and cannot accept this law (Dharma: One Buddha Boarding (Vehicle)). In these four congregations, there are no longer branches and leaves, only all virtuous fruits.
舍利弗善聽， 諸佛所得法， 無量方便力， 而為眾生說。
Sariputra. You listened carefully. What the Law(Dharma) all Buddhas have attained, the infinite expedient power has been used, so as to speak it to sentient beings.
眾生心所念， 種種所行道， 若干諸欲性， 先世善惡業。
What the thoughts in the sentient beings are, what the various paths they take, what their various desires are, and what the good and bad karma of their past lives are.
佛悉知是已， 以諸緣譬喻， 言辭方便力， 令一切歡喜。
The Buddhas know all this, and use various conditions and parables, words and expedient powers(means), so as to make everyone joyful.
或說修多羅， 伽陀及本事， 本生未曾有。 亦說於因緣，
Or he said that Sutaras(Scriptures), Gathas and the Original Matters (the other stories of their past lives), the Original Generating (the Buddha said what the matters of the past lives that the Buddha himself practiced in the Path of Bodhisattva.) and What Has Never Happened(the Buddha said what the rare and miraculous stories of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are). Also he spoke of the Cause and Condition,
譬喻並祇夜， 優波提舍經。 鈍根樂小法， 貪著於生死，
Parable and Peace Night(Recite the teachings of the Sutra in verses), Upatisa Sutra. The blunt-root (dull-witted) people delight in Minor Law(Minor Dharma), and are attached to birth and death.
於諸無量佛， 不行深妙道， 眾苦所惱亂， 為是說涅槃。
In the place of countless Buddhas, they do not practice the profound and wonderful Dao(path), and they are troubled and harassed by many sufferings, I therefore speak of Nirvana.
我設是方便， 令得入佛慧， 未曾說汝等， 當得成佛道。
I have devised this expedient, to enable them to enter the Buddha's wisdom. I have never told you that you will be able to attain the path to Buddhahood.
所以未曾說， 說時未至故， 今正是其時， 決定說大乘。
Why it has not been spoken before, because the time for speaking it has not yet come. Now it is the right time, and I have the decision to speak of the Great Boarding (Mahayana).
我此九部法， 隨順眾生說， 入大乘為本， 以故說是經。
These nine parts of Law(Dharma) in mine, which are spoken in accordance with sentient beings, enter the Great Boarding(Mahayana) as the base, and that is why I have spoken of this Scripture(Sutra).
有佛子心淨， 柔軟亦利根， 無量諸佛所， 而行深妙道。
There are Buddha's disciples whose hearts are pure, gentle, soft and sharp-root. In the places of countless Buddhas, they practice the profound and subtle Dao (taking and following the profound and wonderful Path; Dao means Path).
為此諸佛子， 說是大乘經。 我記如是人， 來世成佛道，
For all these Buddha's disciples, I have spoken of this Great Boarding Scripture (Mahayana Sutra). I give the record-conferring to such people, which are the people who will attain the result of Fo-Dao (Buddha-Path;Buddhahood) in their next life.
以深心念佛， 修持淨戒故。 此等聞得佛， 大喜充遍身。
Because of their chanting the Buddha with a deep heart, and of their practicing and holding the pure precepts, when such people hear the Buddha (Buddha's names and words), great joy fills their bodies.
佛知彼心行， 故為說大乘。 聲聞若菩薩， 聞我所說法，
The Buddha knows their mind and behavior, so I speak of the Great Boarding(the Mahayana) for them. If they were the Voice-Hearers (Śrāvakas) or the Bodhisattvas, when they had heard the Law (Dharma) what I have said,
乃至於一偈， 皆成佛無疑。 十方佛土中， 唯有一乘法，
Even if it is just one verse, there is no doubt that they can attain Buddhahood. In the Buddha Lands of the ten directions, there is only One-Boarding-Law (the Buddha Boarding).
無二亦無三。 除佛方便說， 但以假名字， 引導於眾生，
There are no Two nor Three. Except for the Buddha's expedient speakings, which only use fake (dummy) nouns and words (characters) （only make use of nouns and characters）, so as to guide sentient beings,
說佛智慧故。 諸佛出於世， 唯此一事實， 餘二則非真，
For speaking of the Buddha's wisdom. All Buddha's appear in the world, this is the only fact, the remaining two are not true.
終不以小乘， 濟度於眾生。 佛自住大乘， 如其所得法，
The Buddha actually never uses the Small-Boarding (the Hinayana), to succor(save;help;support) and transport (ferry;pass through) all living beings. The Buddha himself abides in the Great-Boarding(Mahayana), that is according to the Law (Dharma) what he has obtained,
定慧力莊嚴， 以此度眾生。 自證無上道， 大乘平等法，
Which is adorned with the power of stability and wisdom, so as to ferry (save) all living beings with it. The Buddha realized the supreme Path by himself, which is the Great-Boarding(Mahayana) Equality-Law.
若以小乘化， 乃至於一人， 我則墮慳貪， 此事為不可。
If I use the Small-Boarding(the Hinayana) to influence and reform people, even to one person, I would fall into stinginess and greed. This is not acceptable.
若人信歸佛， 如來不欺誑， 亦無貪嫉意， 斷諸法中惡。
If people believe in and return to the Buddha, the Tathagata will not take advantage of and not deceive them, nor will he have the mind of greed or jealousy, and he will cut off the evil in all Laws (Dharmas).
故佛於十方， 而獨無所畏。 我以相嚴身， 光明照世間，
That is why the Buddha is in the ten directions, and is the only one who has nothing to fear. I adorn my body with my appearance, and my light shines on the world.
無量眾所尊， 為說實相印。 舍利弗當知， 我本立誓願，
I am revered by countless sentient beings, and I speak of the seal of true phenomenon for them. Shariputra. You should know that, I have made a vow in the original(beginning),
欲令一切眾， 如我等無異。 如我昔所願， 今者已滿足，
Intending to make all sentient beings, to be the same as and no different from me. As I wished in the past, now I have fulfilled my wish.
化一切眾生， 皆令入佛道。 若我遇眾生， 盡教以佛道，
To influence and reform all sentient beings, and to lead them to enter the Fo-Dao (Buddha-Path). If I meet sentient beings, I will teach them all the Path of Buddha to the utmost.
無智者錯亂， 迷惑不受教。 我知此眾生， 未曾修善本，
No-wisdomers are in disorder, and are bewildered so as unable to accept the taught. I know these sentient beings, who have never cultivated the good originals( beginnings).
堅著於五欲， 癡愛故生惱。 以諸欲因緣， 墜墮三惡道，
They are firmly attached to the Five Desires, and are because of infatuation and love so as to generate any affliction. By their all desires and thus causes and conditions, they fall into the Three Evil Path,
輪迴六趣中， 備受諸苦毒， 受胎之微形， 世世常增長。
To reincarnate in the Six Toward-Going, thus to fully experience all kinds of suffering poisons, the tiny form of the being impregnated fetus, which always grows in each life after each past life.
薄德少福人， 眾苦所逼迫， 入邪見稠林， 若有若無等。
Those people with little virtue and few blessings, who are constrained and oppressed by many sufferings, and who enter the dense forest of evil views, which seems to have something or seems to have nothing, etc..
依止此諸見， 具足六十二， 深著虛妄法， 堅受不可捨，
They are dependent on and stop on these all views, which fully have sixty-two, and they are deeply attached to false-and-lying Laws (Dharmas), firmly accepting them and unable to abandon them,
我慢自矜高， 諂曲心不實， 於千萬億劫， 不聞佛名字，
Being ego-arrogant and self-conceited to be the High, being flattering and heart-dishonest, for thousands of millions of kalpas, they thus have not heard the Buddha's names.
亦不聞正法， 如是人難度。 是故舍利弗， 我為設方便，
They also have not heard the true Law(Dharma) either. Such people are difficult to ferry (save;help;support;transport;pass through). Therefore, Shariputra. I have devised the expedient(means or Laws) for them.
說諸盡苦道， 示之以涅槃。 我雖說涅槃， 是亦非真滅，
I tell them all of how to end the Path of Suffering, and demonstrate Nirvana for them. Although I speak of Nirvana, it is not a true extinction.
諸法從本來， 常自寂滅相。 佛子行道已， 來世得作佛，
All laws (Dharma) from the original(beginning), they are constantly in a phenomenon of Silence-Extinction by themselves. After the Buddha's disciples have practiced the Way (Buddha-Path;Fo-Dao), they will become Buddhas in their next life.
我有方便力， 開示三乘法。 一切諸世尊， 皆說一乘道，
I have the expedient power, open and demonstrate the Three Boardings(Śrāvakayāna, Pratyekabuddhayana, Bodhisattvayāna; Hinayana and Mahayana). All the World Venerable One (Buddhas), they speak of the One-Boarding Path (the Path of One-Boarding; Buddhayana).
今此諸大眾， 皆應除疑惑， 諸佛語無異， 唯一無二乘。
Now, all of you in this great assembly, should put aside your doubts. The words of all Buddhas are no different (are the same), that there is only One Boarding (Buddhayana) without Two Boardings(Śrāvakayāna, Pratyekabuddhayana).
過去無數劫， 無量滅度佛， 百千萬億種， 其數不可量。
In the countless kalpas of the past, there were countless extinct-ferried Buddhas, there were hundreds of thousands of millions of types, and their number is immeasurable.
如是諸世尊， 種種緣譬喻， 無數方便力， 演說諸法相。
Such World Venerable Ones, they use various kinds of conditions and parables, and countless expedient powers, so as to expound all phenomena of Law (Dharmas).
是諸世尊等， 皆說一乘法， 化無量眾生， 令入於佛道。
All of these World Venerable Ones and others, all of them speak of the One-Boarding Law (Dharma), influencing and reforming countless living beings, and leading them to enter the Buddha-Path (Fo-Dao).
又諸大聖主， 知一切世間， 天人群生類， 深心之所欲，
Moreover, all of these great saints, who know the worlds of all, the sorts of heavens, humans and living beings, and what the desires are in their deepest hearts.
更以異方便， 助顯第一義。 若有眾生類， 值諸過去佛，
They furthermore use the different expedients, to assist to demonstrate the First Meaning (the ultimate truth). If there are sentient beings, who have met the Buddhas of the past,
若聞法布施， 或持戒忍辱、 精進禪智等， 種種修福慧。
And if they had heard the generous of giving the Law (giving the Law (Dharma) for all living beings), or they had held the precepts, had endured the humiliation, or had dedicated themselves to progress, or had done the Zen, or had aroused the wisdom, etc., had cultivated blessings and wisdom in these various ways,
如是諸人等， 皆已成佛道。 諸佛滅度已， 若人善軟心，
All such humans, etc., have all achieved the Buddha-Path(attained Buddhahood;Fo-Dao). After the Buddhas have been in the extinct-ferried, if a person had a kind and soft heart,
如是諸眾生， 皆已成佛道。 諸佛滅度已， 供養舍利者，
All such sentient beings, who will have achieved the Buddha-Path (attained Buddhahood). After the Buddhas have been in the extinct-ferried, those who keep and support relics,
起萬億種塔， 金銀及玻璃、 硨磲與瑪瑙、 玫瑰琉璃珠，
Build pagodas of trillion types, use gold, silver, glass, clamshell, agate, rose, or glass beads,
清淨廣嚴飾， 莊校於諸塔。 或有起石廟， 栴檀及沈水，
to clearly, widely and solemnly decorate them, and make solemn silence in all pagodas. Or some build stone temples, with sandalwood and agarwood,
木蜜並餘材， 塼瓦泥土等。 若於曠野中， 積土成佛廟。
Wood honey and other materials, bricks, tiles, soil, etc. If in the wilderness, someone piles up earth to build a Buddhist temple.
乃至童子戲， 聚沙為佛塔。 如是諸人等， 皆已成佛道。
Even when children play, they gather sand to make a Buddhist pagoda. All such humans, etc., who will have all achieved the Buddha-Path(attained Buddhahood; Fo-Dao).
若人為佛故， 建立諸形像， 刻雕成眾相， 皆已成佛道。
If, for the sake of Buddha, people create various images, and carve various forms of living beings, they will have already achieved the Buddha-Path(attained Buddhahood;Fo-Dao).
或以七寶成， 鋀石赤白銅、 白鑞及鉛錫， 鐵木及與泥，
Or they use seven treasures to form various images, or use tungsten, stone, red copper, white copper, pewter, lead, tin, iron, wood, and mud.
或以膠漆布， 嚴飾作佛像， 如是諸人等， 皆已成佛道。
Or they use glue, lacquer, or cloth, to solemnly adorn and make Buddha statues. All such humans, etc., who will have all achieved the Buddha-Path(attained Buddhahood; Fo-Dao).
彩畫作佛像， 百福莊嚴相， 自作若使人， 皆已成佛道。
Color painting so as to make the Buddha statues, with a hundred auspicious and solemn appearances, whether they make them themselves or make others do it, all of them will have achieved the Buddha-Path(attained Buddhahood; Fo-Dao).
乃至童子戲， 若草木及筆， 或以指爪甲， 而畫作佛像，
Even when children play, or they use plants, wood, and brushes, or use fingernails to draw Buddha images,
如是諸人等， 漸漸積功德， 具足大悲心， 皆已成佛道。
All such humans, etc., who will have gradually accumulated merits and virtues, will be completely filled with great compassion, and all of them will have achieved the Buddha-Path(attained Buddhahood; Fo-Dao).
但化諸菩薩， 度脫無量眾。 若人於塔廟， 寶像及畫像，
But only influencing and reforming all the Bodhisattvas, and ferrying and liberating countless living beings. If a person in a pagoda or temple (regarding Buddha), in the front of precious statue or picture (about Buddha),
以華香幡蓋， 敬心而供養。 若使人作樂， 擊鼓吹角貝，
He uses flowers, incense, banners and canopies, to provide for them with a respectful heart. If he lets humans make music, beat drums and blow the horn shell,
簫笛琴箜篌、 琵琶鐃銅鈸， 如是眾妙音， 盡持以供養。
Flute, zither, harp, pipa, cymbals, such all wonderful sounds, all are holded to provide for them.
或以歡喜心， 歌唄頌佛德， 乃至一小音， 皆已成佛道。
Or if someone with a joyful heart, sings and chants the Buddha's virtues, even a tiny sound, it has achieved the Buddha-Path(the attainment of Buddhahood; Fo-Dao).
若人散亂心， 乃至以一華， 供養於畫像， 漸見無數佛。
If people with a distracted mind, even using one flower, provide for the painted image (Buddha image), they will gradually see countless Buddhas.
或有人禮拜， 或復但合掌， 乃至舉一手， 或復小低頭，
Some people may bow, or just put their hands together, or even raise one hand, or slightly bow their heads,
以此供養像， 漸見無量佛。 自成無上道， 廣度無數眾，
By making offerings to the statue in these ways, they will gradually see countless Buddhas. They will realize the supreme Path by themselves, broadly ferry countless living beings,(Ferry means saving or supporting or helping living beings. It is a metaphor and means to ferry living beings on board a ship from one shore of suffering to another shore of peace, safety and joy.)
入無餘涅槃， 如薪盡火滅。 若人散亂心， 入於塔廟中，
Enter into without-remainder Nirvana, like the extinguishing of fire when the firewood is exhausted. If people with a distracted mind, enter a pagoda or temple,
一稱南無佛， 皆已成佛道。 於諸過去佛， 在世或滅後，
By chanting Namo Buddha once, all of them will have attained Buddhahood. Of all the past Buddhas, whether they are alive or after extinguished,
若有聞是法， 皆已成佛道。 未來諸世尊， 其數無有量，
If people have heard this Law(Dharma), all of them will have attained Buddhahood. All World Venerable Ones (Buddhas)in the future, Their number is immeasurable.
是諸如來等， 亦方便說法。 一切諸如來， 以無量方便，
These all Tathagatas and others, also speak of this Law (Dharma) by expedient means. All Tathagatas, use infinite expedients,
度脫諸眾生， 入佛無漏智， 若有聞法者， 無一不成佛。
To ferry and liberate all living beings, and enable them to enter the Buddha's without-leak wisdom (unobstructed wisdom). If anyone hears this Law(Dharma), no one would not become Buddha. (It means that such people will all become Buddhas).
諸佛本誓願， 我所行佛道， 普欲令眾生， 亦同得此道。
The original vow of all Buddhas, what the Buddha Path I practice, it is universally to enable all living beings, identically to also attain this Path (Buddha-Path).
未來世諸佛， 雖說百千億， 無數諸法門， 其實為一乘。
All Buddhas in the future Times, although there will be hundreds of billions of them. All countless Law Gates (Dharma Doors), all of them are actually One-Boarding.
諸佛兩足尊， 知法常無性， 佛種從緣起， 是故說一乘。
All Buddhas who are the Two-footed Venerable Ones, know that the Law (Dharma) is always without nature, and that the Buddha's seed arises from causes and conditions, that is why the One-Boarding is spoken. (All Laws and all matters arise from causes and conditions and their nature is emptiness. It means the nature of Buddha's seed. From this seed, it generates them all. That is, emptiness and havingness are unify.)
是法住法位， 世間相常住， 於道場知已， 導師方便說。
This Law (Dharma) dwells in its Law (Dharma) position. Worldly phenomena are often dwelled. When it is known (by all Buddhas）in the Dao-place (Path-place), The guide-teacher speaks of it in convenience. (The guide-teacher means Buddha here.)
天人所供養， 現在十方佛， 其數如恒沙， 出現於世間，
The guide-teacher is supported and offered by gods and humans. The present ten-direction Buddhas, whose numbers are as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, appear in the world.
安隱眾生故， 亦說如是法。 知第一寂滅， 以方便力故，
For the sake of pacifying and stabilizing all living beings, they also speak of this Law(Dharma). Because these Buddhas understand the Number-One Silence-Extinction, that is why they use the power of expedient,
雖示種種道， 其實為佛乘。 知眾生諸行， 深心之所念，
Although they demonstrate various Paths, those are actually the Buddha Boarding (Boarding on the board of Buddha transportation or ship so as aiming and toward to become Buddha. It is a kind of metaphor). They know all actions of living beings, what the thoughts are in their deepest hearts,
過去所習業， 欲性精進力， 及諸根利鈍， 以種種因緣，
What their past habit-karma are, and what their desire-nature and their power of dedicating themselves to progress are, and whether their all roots are sharpness or dullness, therefore the Buddhas by various causes and conditions,
譬喻亦言辭， 隨應方便說。 今我亦如是， 安隱眾生故，
And by parables and words, speak it according to convenience. Now I am also like this, for pacifying(tranquilizing) and stabilizing all living beings,
以種種法門， 宣示於佛道。 我以智慧力， 知眾生性欲，
Using various Law Gates (Law Methods), so as to propagate and demonstrate the Buddha Path. I use my wisdom-power, therefore, to know the natural desires of all living beings,
方便說諸法， 皆令得歡喜。 舍利弗當知， 我以佛眼觀，
I speak of all Law(Dharma) in expedient ways, all these make everyone joyfull. Shariputra. You should know that, I perceive with the Buddha's eyes,
見六道眾生， 貧窮無福慧， 入生死險道， 相續苦不斷，
Seeing the sentient beings of Six Paths, they are poor and without blessings and wisdom, and entering the dangerous path of birth and death, which being continuously and its suffering never being cut,
深著於五欲， 如犛牛愛尾， 以貪愛自弊， 盲瞑無所見。
They are deeply attached to the five desires, it is like a yak loving its tail, to conceal and evil the self with greedy-love, as if being blind or closing the self-eyes, so as nothing can be seen.
不求大勢佛， 及與斷苦法， 深入諸邪見， 以苦欲捨苦。
They do not seek the grand mighty Buddha, nor the Law(Dharma) of cutting suffering. They go deep into various evil views, and use the sufferings to intend to abandon the sufferings.
為是眾生故， 而起大悲心。 我始坐道場， 觀樹亦經行，
For the sake of these sentient beings, I have great compassion. I began to sit in the Dao-Place (Path-Place), perceiving the trees and also walking often.
於三七日中， 思惟如是事。 我所得智慧， 微妙最第一。
During the three seven days, I contemplated such things. The wisdom I have gained, which is subtly wonderful and extremely Number-one.
眾生諸根鈍， 著樂癡所盲， 如斯之等類， 云何而可度，
All roots of living beings are dull, attaching to pleasure and blinded by their infatuation. Like this are the same, how can such beings be ferried (saved)?
爾時諸梵王， 及諸天帝釋， 護世四天王， 及大自在天，
At that time, the Brahma kings, the Ability-Heaven- Gods, the four guardian kings of protecting worlds, and the Great-Ease-Heaven(Mahadeva),
並餘諸天眾， 眷屬百千萬， 恭敬合掌禮， 請我轉法輪。
And all other living beings of the remaining heavens, their relatives numbering in the hundreds of thousands, respectfully join their palms in greeting, and request me to turn the Law Wheel (Dharma Wheel).
我即自思惟， 若但讚佛乘， 眾生沒在苦， 不能信是法，
I then thought to myself, if all only praise the Buddha Boarding, sentient beings will not be in suffering. If they are unable to believe in this Law(Dharma).
破法不信故， 墜於三惡道。 我寧不說法， 疾入於涅槃。
Because of breaking the Law(Dharma) and not having faith in this, they fall into the Three Evil Paths. I would rather not speak of this Law (Dharma) and quickly enter Nirvana.
尋念過去佛， 所行方便力， 我今所得道， 亦應說三乘。
Seeking and thinking of the past Buddhas, what the expedient strength (means) they used, what the Dao(Path;Buddha-Path) I have attained at present, I should also talk about the Three Boardings.
作是思惟時， 十方佛皆現， 梵音慰喻我， 善哉釋迦文，
When I am thinking like this, all the Buddhas of the ten directions appear, and their Sanskrit voices comforted me. Well done, Shakyamuni.
第一之導師， 得是無上法， 隨諸一切佛， 而用方便力。
The guide-teacher of the Number One, you have obtained this supreme Law(Dharma), have followed all the Buddhas, and have used expedient power(means).
我等亦皆得， 最妙第一法， 為諸眾生類， 分別說三乘。
We such-like also have all obtained this, the most wonderful Number-one Law. For the sake of all sentient beings, we have separately expounded the Three Boarding.
少智樂小法， 不自信作佛， 是故以方便， 分別說諸果。
Those with little wisdom like minor Law (Dharmas), and do not have the self-confidence in becoming Buddhas. Therefore, we use the expedient, to separately speak of the various results.
雖復說三乘， 但為教菩薩。 舍利弗當知， 我聞聖師子，
Although we speak of the Three Boardings again, but for the purpose of teaching Bodhisattvas. Shariputra. You should know that, I have heard the Holy Lion(Holy Master),
深淨微妙音， 喜稱南無佛。 復作如是念， 我出濁惡世，
With deep, pure and subtle sound, to happily chant Namo Buddha. I have such a thought again, I have come out from this evil world,
如諸佛所說， 我亦隨順行。 思惟是事已， 即趨波羅奈，
As what the Buddhas have said, I will also follow them to act. After thinking about this, I went to Varanasi.
諸法寂滅相， 不可以言宣。 以方便力故， 為五比丘說。
Silence-extinction-phenomena of all Law (Dharmas), which cannot be expressed and propagated in words. By the expedient power (means), I expound it to the five monks.
是名轉法輪， 便有涅槃音， 及以阿羅漢， 法僧差別名。
This is called Turning the Wheel of Law (Dharma), and then there is the sound of Nirvana, as well as the Arhats, and the different names of Law(Dharma) and Monk(Sangha).
從久遠劫來， 讚是涅槃法， 生死苦永盡， 我常如是說。
From the long-far (earliest) eons, I have praised the Law(Dharma)of Nirvana, the sufferings of birth and death thus have ended completely. I have always said this.
舍利弗當知， 我見佛子等， 志求佛道者， 無量千萬億，
Shariputra. You should know that, I have seen Buddha's disciples and so on, who have the aspiration to seek the Buddha's Path, like this are countless thousands and millions of them.
咸以恭敬心， 皆來至佛所， 曾從諸佛聞， 方便所說法。
All of them with a reverent heart, come to the Buddha's Place, and have heard from the Buddhas, what the Law(Dharma) is spoken by the expedient.
我即作是念， 如來所以出， 為說佛慧故， 今正是其時。
I then thought, the reason why the Tathagata came out, for the sake of speaking of the Buddha's wisdom, and now is the right time.
舍利弗當知， 鈍根小智人， 著相憍慢者， 不能信是法。
Shariputra. You should know that those people who are dull-root, have little wisdom, are attached to phenomena and are arrogant, cannot believe in this Law(Dharma).
今我喜無畏， 於諸菩薩中， 正直捨方便， 但說無上道。
Now I am joyful and feel fearlessness. Among all the Bodhisattvas, I rightly speak the truth, directly abandon the expedient, and only speak of the supreme Path.
菩薩聞是法， 疑網皆已除， 千二百羅漢， 悉亦當作佛。
When the Bodhisattvas heard this Law(Dharma), all their doubts were removed, and the 1,200 Arhats, they were all destined to become Buddhas.
如三世諸佛， 說法之儀式， 我今亦如是， 說無分別法。
Just as the Buddhas of the three ages, the ceremony of preaching Law(Dharma), I now also do the same, speak of the without-discrimination Law(Dharma).
諸佛興出世， 懸遠值遇難， 正使出於世， 說是法復難，
The Buddhas flourish and appear in the world, the time is so long and it is far away to hardly encounter them. Even if they appear in the world, it is also difficult for them to speak of this Law(Dharma).
無量無數劫， 聞是法亦難， 能聽是法者， 斯人亦復難。
Even after countless kalpas, it is difficult to hear this Law(Dharma). Those who can hear this Law(Dharma), such people are also difficult to be existent (Those who can hear this Law are rare).
譬如優曇花， 一切皆愛樂， 天人所稀有， 時時乃一出。
For example, the Udumbara flower, it is loved by all. It is rare among heavens and humans, and only blooms once in a while.
聞法歡喜讚， 乃至發一言， 則為已供養， 一切三世佛，
Those who are hearing this Law(Dharma) and praising it with joy, or even speaking of a single word, are considered as making an offering to all the Buddhas of the past, present, and future.
是人甚稀有， 過於優曇花。 汝等勿有疑， 我為諸法王，
Such people are extremely rare, even rarer than the Udumbara flower. All of you do not doubt me, I am the King of all Law(Dharmas).
普告諸大眾， 但以一乘道， 教化諸菩薩， 無聲聞弟子。
I universally tell all the sentient beings, that only by the One Boarding Path, which is used to teach, influence and reform all Bodhisattvas, and there are no voice-hearer disciples (Śrāvaka disciples).
汝等舍利弗， 聲聞及菩薩， 當知是妙法， 諸佛之秘要。
You all and Shariputra, the Voice-hearer and the Bodhisattvas, you should know this wonderful Law(Dharma), which is the secret importance of all Buddhas.
以五濁惡世， 但樂著諸欲， 如是等眾生， 終不求佛道。
In this evil age of the five turbidities, sentient beings are only happily obsessed with all desires. Such beings will never seek the Buddha's path.
當來世惡人， 聞佛說一乘， 迷惑不信受， 破法墮惡道。
When there will be evil people in the future, they will hear the Buddha speak of the One Boarding, but will be confused and not believe it, and will break the Law(Dharma) and fall into the evil paths.
有慚愧清淨， 志求佛道者， 當為如是等， 廣讚一乘道。
If there are people who are ashamed and pure, and aspire to seek the Buddha's Path, I should do such things for such people and etc., to widely praise the One Boarding Path.
舍利弗當知， 諸佛法如是， 以萬億方便， 隨宜而說法，
Shariputra. You should know that, the Law(Dharma) of all Buddhas is like this, and with thousands of the expedient, according to the circumstances so as to speak of this Law(Dharma).
其不習學者， 不能曉了此。 汝等既已知， 諸佛世之師，
Those who do not learn it, who cannot understand it. You all already know it, all Buddhas are the teachers of the world,
隨宜方便事， 無復諸疑惑， 心生大歡喜， 自知當作佛。
All of them are according to the circumstances to do all convenient matters. You should no longer have any doubts, should feel great joy in your heart, and self-know that you will become a Buddha.
妙法蓮華經卷第二
Note:
1. Boarding means to get on a vehicle, go by, travel by, or ride. In Buddhism, the word Boarding is used as the meaning of saving.
2. Small Boarding means Hinayana in Sanskrit. Small Boarding means to travel by a small ship, usually it can only carry on a person. That is, it only ferries a person from one shore of suffering to the other shore of peace and safety. Small Boarding means one gate of the Law of Buddhism, which is spoken by Buddha. When the sentient beings hear, think and practice the Small Boarding, it would lead them to achieve the voice-hearer or the Arhat. If they want to achieve the Path of Bodhisattva or Buddha, they have to give up the Law of Small Boarding, and return to and depend on the Great Boarding.
3. Great Boarding means Mahayana in Sanskrit. Great Boarding means to travel by a big ship, so as to ferry a lot of sentient beings from one shore of suffering to the other shore of peace and safety. Great Boarding means one gate of the Law of Buddhism, which is spoken by Buddha. When the sentient beings hear, think and practice the Great Boarding, it would lead them to achieve the Path of Bodhisattva, to attain the Bodhisattva hood.
4. Buddha Boarding means Buddhayana in Sanskrit. Buddha Boarding means to travel by a big ship, so as to ferry a lot of sentient beings from one shore of suffering to the other shore of peace and safety. What the difference from the Great Boarding is that Buddha Boarding is directly by the expedient way so as toward the aim to become Buddha. Buddha Boarding is also one gate of the Law of Buddhism, which is spoken by Buddha. When the sentient beings hear, think and practice the Buddha Boarding, it would lead them to achieve the Path of Buddha, to attain the Buddha hood.
5. One Boarding is Buddha Boarding.
