49.1 （一）

Thus have I heard:

At one time, the Buddha was at Anāthapiṇḍada's Park in the Jeta Grove near Śrāvastī.

At that time, the World-Honored One told the bhikṣus, "If a cowherd possesses eleven qualities, the herd will never increase and he will not be able to protect the cows. What are the eleven? Here, the cowherd does not distinguish their colors, does not understand their characteristics, does not groom them when they should be groomed, does not cover their wounds, does not smoke them in a timely manner, does not know where the good grass is, does not know where it is safe, does not know where to cross the cows, does not know the right time, when the cows are to be milked he takes all the milk without leaving any for the calves, and he does not protect the big cows that are useful in a timely manner. These are called, bhikṣus, if a cowherd possesses these eleven qualities, he will not be able to raise the cows and protect their bodies.

Now, the bhikṣus in this assembly are also like this, and will not be able to grow and benefit. What are the eleven? Here, the bhikṣus do not distinguish their colors, do not understand their characteristics, do not groom them when they should be groomed, do not cover their wounds, do not smoke them in a timely manner, do not know where the good grass is, do not know where to cross, do not know where it is safe, do not know the right time, when eating they do not leave any for others, and do not respect the elder bhikṣus.

What is a bhikṣu's ignorance of color? Here, a bhikṣu does not know the four great elements and the form derived from the four great elements. Thus, a bhikṣu does not distinguish their colors.

What is a bhikṣu's failure to distinguish their characteristics? Here, a bhikṣu does not know foolish conduct, nor does he know wise conduct, and does not know them as they really are. Thus, a bhikṣu does not distinguish their characteristics.

What is a bhikṣu's failure to brush and polish? Here, a bhikṣu, when seeing forms with the eye, gives rise to thoughts of forms and various distracting thoughts, and does not guard the eye faculty. With unwholesome attention, he creates various calamities and does not guard the eye faculty. Thus, a bhikṣu, when hearing sounds with the ear, smelling aromas with the nose, tasting flavors with the tongue, touching tangibles with the body, and cognizing dharmas with the mind, gives rise to various distracting thoughts, and also does not guard the mind faculty. He does not change his conduct. Thus, a bhikṣu should brush and polish but does not.

What is a bhikṣu's failure to cover and protect wounds? Here, a bhikṣu gives rise to thoughts of desire and does not abandon them, nor does he remove those thoughts. If he gives rise to thoughts of anger, thoughts of killing, and various evil and unwholesome thoughts, he does not abandon them. Thus, a bhikṣu fails to cover and protect wounds.

What is a bhikṣu's failure to raise smoke in a timely manner? Here, a bhikṣu, with regard to the Dharma he recites, does not teach it to others in a timely manner. Thus, a bhikṣu fails to raise smoke in a timely manner.

What is a bhikṣu's failure to know good fields and fertile grass? Here, a bhikṣu does not know the four foundations of mindfulness as they really are. Thus, a bhikṣu fails to know good fields and fertile grass.

What is a bhikṣu's failure to know the ford? Here, a bhikṣu does not distinguish the eightfold noble path. Thus, a bhikṣu fails to know the ford.

What is a bhikṣu's failure to know what is dear? Here, a bhikṣu does not know the twelve divisions of the sūtras, the gāthās, the prophecies, the verses, the causes and conditions, the origins, the vaipulya, the parables, the birth stories, the teachings, the extensive, and the unprecedented teachings. Thus, a bhikṣu fails to know what is dear.

What is a bhikṣu's failure to know the right time? Here, a bhikṣu goes to the homes of the lowly and gamblers. Thus, a bhikṣu fails to know the right time.

What is a bhikṣu's failure to leave a remainder? Here, when a faithful brāhman or upāsaka comes to invite him, the bhikṣus greedily cling to food and drink without knowing moderation. Thus, a bhikṣu fails to leave a remainder.

What is a bhikṣu's failure to respect senior bhikṣus of high virtue? Here, a bhikṣu fails to give rise to a respectful mind towards those of virtue. Thus, a bhikṣu commits many offenses. This is called a bhikṣu's failure to respect the elders. If a bhikṣu possesses these eleven qualities, he will not be of much benefit in this Dharma.

If a cowherd possesses eleven qualities, he can protect his cows, never missing the right time, and bring them benefit. What are the eleven? Here, a cowherd knows their colors, distinguishes their characteristics, grooms them when necessary, protects their wounds, sets up smoke at the right times, knows where the good grass is, knows the fordable places, loves his cows, distinguishes the right times, also knows their natures and behavior, and when the cows are calling, knows to leave a remainder. He also knows how to protect those that are useful. Thus, a cowherd protects his cows. Thus, bhikṣus! If a cowherd possesses these eleven qualities, he will never miss the right time, and will never be defeated.

Thus, bhikṣus! If a bhikṣu possesses these eleven qualities, he will be of much benefit in this present life. What are the eleven qualities? Here, a bhikṣu knows colors, knows characteristics, knows grooming, knows protecting wounds, knows setting up smoke, knows where the good grass is, knows what is loved, knows distinguishing the path, knows the fordable places, knows eating in moderation, and knows respecting and serving senior bhikṣus, paying homage at the right times.

How does a bhikṣu know colors? Here, a bhikṣu knows the four great elements and the colors derived from the four great elements. This is called a bhikṣu knowing colors.

How does a bhikṣu know characteristics? Here, a bhikṣu knows the characteristics of fools and the characteristics of the wise, and knows them as they really are. This is how a bhikṣu knows characteristics.

How does a bhikṣu know polishing? Here, a bhikṣu, when thoughts of desire arise, knows them and abandons them, and does not eagerly pursue them, so that there are no more thoughts of desire. When thoughts of anger, malice, and other evil and unwholesome things arise, he knows them and abandons them, and does not eagerly pursue them, so that there are no more thoughts of anger. This is how a bhikṣu knows polishing.

How does a bhikṣu know covering wounds? Here, a bhikṣu, when seeing forms with the eye, does not give rise to thoughts of forms, is not attached to them, and purifies the eye faculty. He removes sorrow and evil and unwholesome dharmas, and his mind is not delighted. He protects the eye faculty in this way. Similarly, a bhikṣu, when hearing sounds with the ear, smelling aromas with the nose, tasting flavors with the tongue, touching tangibles with the body, and cognizing dharmas with the mind, does not give rise to thoughts of cognition, is not attached to them, and purifies the mind faculty. This is how a bhikṣu knows covering wounds.

How does a bhikṣu know producing smoke? Here, a bhikṣu widely teaches others the Dharma he has heard. This is how a bhikṣu knows producing smoke.

How does a bhikṣu know the place of good fields and lush grass? Here, a bhikṣu truly knows the eightfold noble path. This is called a bhikṣu knowing the place of good fields and lush grass.

How does a bhikṣu know what is loved? Here, if a bhikṣu hears the Dharma treasure spoken by the Tathāgata, his mind will be delighted. This is how a bhikṣu knows what is loved.

How does a bhikṣu choose the path to practice? Here, a bhikṣu chooses to practice the twelve divisions of the sūtras, namely: sūtras, geya, vyākaraṇa, gāthā, nidāna, avadāna, vaipulya, upamā, itivṛttaka, jātaka, adbhuta, and avadāna. This is how a bhikṣu knows to choose the path to practice.

How does a bhikṣu know the place to cross over? Here, a bhikṣu knows the four foundations of mindfulness. This is called a bhikṣu knowing the place to cross over.

How does a bhikṣu know to be content with food? Here, when a faithful brāhman or upāsaka comes to invite a bhikṣu, he is not greedy for food and drink, and is able to be content. This is how a bhikṣu knows to be content.

How does a bhikṣu respectfully serve the elder bhikṣus in a timely manner? Here, a bhikṣu always uses good conduct of body, speech, and mind towards the elder bhikṣus. This is how a bhikṣu respectfully serves the elder bhikṣus in a timely manner. Thus, if one accomplishes these eleven dharmas, one will greatly benefit in this present life.

At that time, the World-Honored One spoke this verse:

The cowherd who is not negligent, the owner obtains his blessings
In six years, the six cows will be multiplied to sixty
The bhikṣu who accomplishes the precepts, attains mastery in meditation, with
the six sense faculties tranquil, in six years attains the six supernormal powers.

"So it is, bhikṣu! If a person can abandon these evil dharmas and accomplish the eleven dharmas that follow, they will greatly benefit in this present life. Thus, bhikṣu! You should train in this way."

At that time, the bhikṣus heard what the Buddha said, and joyfully received and practiced it.