SA 1249（一二四九） 牧牛者

Thus have I heard:

At one time the Buddha was staying 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, he will not be able to increase the herd, nor will he be able to protect the large herd and bring them peace and happiness. What are the eleven? They are: not knowing the color, not knowing the characteristics, not removing parasites, not being able to cover their wounds, not being able to make smoke, not knowing how to choose the path, not knowing how to choose the place, not knowing how to cross the place, not knowing where to graze, milking them dry, and not being skilled in managing the herd. These are called the eleven qualities that, when possessed, cannot protect the large herd.

In the same way, bhikṣus who possess eleven qualities cannot bring peace to themselves or others. What are the eleven? They are: not knowing the color, not knowing the characteristics, not being able to remove harmful parasites, not covering their wounds, not being able to make smoke, not knowing the right path, not knowing where to stop, not knowing where to cross, not knowing where to graze, milking them dry, and if there are elders who are learned, of long standing in the practice of the holy life, praised by the great teachers, they do not praise their virtues to those who are wise and have practiced the holy life, causing them to respect, serve, and make offerings to them.

What is meant by 'not knowing the color'? All forms, whether the four great elements or what is formed from the four great elements, are called 'color'. Not knowing this is as it truly is.

What is meant by 'not knowing the characteristics'? The characteristics of actions are faults, and the characteristics of actions are wisdom. Not knowing this as it truly is is called 'not knowing the characteristics'.

What is meant by 'not knowing the going worm'? The arising of sensual desire, anger, and harmfulness, which are not abandoned, not realized, and not extinguished, is called 'the going worm'.

What is meant by 'not covering the wound'? It means that when the eyes see forms, they grasp their characteristics, and do not guard the eye faculty. Worldly greed, sorrow, evil, and unwholesome dharmas arise in the mind, and one is unable to guard against them. The same is true for the faculties of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind. This is called 'not covering the wound'.

What is meant by 'not producing smoke'? It means that one is unable to explain and reveal the Dharma one has heard and received to others. This is called 'not producing smoke'.

What is meant by 'not knowing the right path'? The eightfold right path and the holy Dharma and Vinaya are called the path. Not knowing them as they truly are is called 'not knowing the path'.

What is meant by 'not knowing the place of rest'? It means not finding joy, delight, excellence, liberation, and benefit in the Dharma known by the Tathāgata. This is called 'not knowing the place of rest'.

What is meant by 'not knowing the place of crossing'? It means not knowing the Sūtra, Vinaya, and Abhidharma, and not going to them at the right time to ask and receive: 'What is good? What is bad? What is sinful? What is sinless? What kind of practice is superior and not evil?' Not being able to reveal hidden teachings, not being able to ask extensively about revealed teachings, and not being able to extensively proclaim and reveal what one knows of the profound meaning, this is called 'not knowing the place of crossing'.

What is meant by 'not knowing the place of grazing'? The four foundations of mindfulness and the noble Dharma and Vinaya are called the place of grazing. Not knowing them as they truly are is called 'not knowing the place of grazing'.

What is meant by 'milking the cow dry'? When kṣatriyas, brahmins, and householders freely give clothing, food and drink, bedding, medicine, and necessities, if the bhikṣu who receives them does not know moderation, this is called 'milking the cow dry'.

What is meant by 'not causing the elders, the learned, and the wise to be respected, honored, and served by the wise and virtuous'? It means that the bhikṣu does not praise those elders, the learned, and the wise, and does not cause the wise and virtuous to approach them, to serve them with body, speech, and mind, and to respect them. This is called 'not causing the elders, the learned, and the wise to be respected, honored, and served by the wise and virtuous'.

"The cowherd who possesses these eleven qualities is able to make the herd of cows grow, protect them, and bring them joy. What are the eleven? They are knowing the color, knowing the characteristics, as explained in the section on purity, up to being able to lead the herd, and taking care of them at the right time to bring them peace and happiness. These are called the eleven qualities of the cowherd that enable the herd of cows to grow, be protected, and find peace and happiness. In the same way, a bhikṣu who possesses eleven qualities is able to bring peace and happiness to himself and others. What are the eleven? They are knowing the color, knowing the characteristics, up to the eleventh..." as explained in detail in the section on purity, "These are called the eleven qualities of the bhikṣu that enable him to bring peace and happiness to himself and others."

Having spoken this sūtra, the Buddha finished what he had to say. The bhikṣus, having heard what the Buddha said, rejoiced and received it respectfully.