时间：05/31/2025 06/01/2025
地点：星湖禅修中心
主讲：龙示林
佛法修行
老比丘证四果
「佛法宽广，济度无涯；至心求道，无不获果，乃至戏笑，福不唐捐。」
「如果我们想要证得须陀洹果，必须将三界中的见惑断除。」
「这真是不容易的事啊！那三果斯陀含又是如何呢？」
「斯陀含又名一往来，也就是说在天上、人间一往一来，才能证得阿罗汉。」
「据说若证得阿罗汉，可以旷劫寿命……。」
和煦的阳光穿过树荫，徐徐地洒在大殿外的广场。清晨的出坡作务结束后，年少比丘们正兴致勃勃地互相讲说种种关于四种果位的殊胜。这番讨论，恰巧被经过的老比丘给听见了。
「四果是什么啊？听起来很不错的。」老比丘听到年少比丘们的对话，觉得很新鲜，但随即又想：「唉！为什么我等到这么老朽了才来亲近佛法呢？经典看不懂，静坐也使不上力，没有办法像他们一样能知道佛法的道理，更别提是得什么果了。未来的时日也所剩无几…唉！」
老比丘以钦羡的眼光看着年轻比丘们，不自主的在心中喟叹着。
「…我曾经在佛经中读到，证得四果阿罗汉时会说四句话。」
「对对对，就是『我生已尽，梵行已立，所作已办，不受后有。』……」
这时，老比丘再也忍不住了，吃力地迈着步伐，走到年少比丘们的身边，对他们说：「我听见你们在讨论四种果位，听了觉得非常殊胜，我也想得到这四种果，你们可以给我吗？」
正在热烈讨论的比丘们，听了老比丘所提出的特别请求都楞了一下，马上停止了讨论，詑异地看着眼前这位老比丘。
「……欸，他居然以为我们可以给他四果呢！」
「可见他连四果是什么都不清楚，那里有这么随便说给就给的。」
「……既然他都提出请求了，我们来跟他开个小玩笑……。」
年少比丘们听了这般奇怪的请求，觉得很新鲜，决定跟这位老比丘开开玩笑。于是，为首的少年比丘说：「我们可以给你四果，但是你必须先以种种上妙饮食供养我们，我们才可以将这殊胜的四果给你。」
老比丘听了欢喜异常，不到半天光景，就将自己珍贵的衣裳拿去换钱，摆设各种佳肴来斋供年少比丘。等到比丘们用完种种美味珍馐后，老比丘请求：「我已经至诚供养你们上妙饮食了，那么现在是不是可以让我得到四果呢？」
「没问题，但因为这不是件普通的事，所以我们得先讨论一下要用什么方法。」为首的比丘一本正经地回答。于是，年轻比丘们开始计议。
「……你们确定要这么作吗？这样会不会不太好啊？万一传出去……」
「开个玩笑，无伤大雅嘛！」
就这样，少年比丘讨论完以后，就开始了他们「传授四果」的仪式──
他们让老比丘坐在屋内的一个角落，告诉他：「请您将眼睛闭上，摄心专注，现在我们就要给您初果了。」老比丘不疑有他，正身端坐，想到自己这一生的修行，不久就能成就，实在是很欢喜。于是集中心念，等待神圣的一刻。
「让我来好了。」少年比丘中有一人拿起一个球，对着老比丘的头──，咻───砰！球不偏不倚地正中老比丘的脑门。
「哇！好准啊！」众比丘摀着嘴，强憋住笑，对着老比丘喊：「这是须陀洹果，你得到了吗？」
然而，他们却不知道，老比丘因为信心坚定、摄心专注，真的证到了初果。
「再来一球！再来一球！」有比丘已经忍不住了，对旁边的人说：「真是笑死我了，他还真的信以为真哪！」
「咳！咳！」为了怕露出破绽，为首的比丘清清喉咙，示意其他人安静，接着告诉老比丘：「现在你虽然已经得初果了，但是还有七生七死，惑业尚未完全断除，现在你再挪个位子，我们要给你更殊胜的斯陀含果。」
老比丘因为真的获得了初果，信心更加坚固，立刻挪动身子，到另一个角落静坐等待。
「这是二果！」另一个比丘掂了掂球，用迅雷不及掩耳的速度──
「咚！」又一球落在老比丘的头上。
「哈哈哈，你还真是快狠准啊！」比丘们看着这位得「二果」的老比丘居然仍是一脸虔诚的模样，再也憋不住而哄堂大笑起来。
他们笑着对他说：「老比丘啊！您有没有体会到一种殊胜的感觉呢？这就是二果，但是二果还不够圆满，仍然有往来生死的苦，所以我们现在要给你三果。」
同样地，老比丘也真的证到了二果，于是不等比丘们交代，迅速换了另一个位子。
「欸！这次换我，这次换我啦！」年少比丘们的兴致愈发高昂，争相执行这个神圣的任务。
「小心，三果来啰──」
「砰！」老比丘又挨了一球。但是，因为他已得了二果，信心倍增，真的又得到了三果的果位，而这些比丘们仍然不知道，他们已经笑到揉着肚子了呢！
「你已经得到了不还的果位，但在色界、无色界当中，这个有漏的色身，仍会遭到无常坏灭，念念均是苦。为了能使你彻底的出离三界，现在就要给你最高的阿罗汉果。」年少比丘们笑完之后，又再次对着老比丘开示一番。
于是，老比丘再换位子，一心专注，没有丝毫的杂念──
「咚！」皮球从老比丘的身上滚了下来，在地上弹了几下便停住了。「哇哈哈！成阿罗汉啦！」众比丘们戏笑着。但在他们乐不可支的时候，老比丘却已圆满了小乘行者的最高果位。
「恭喜老比丘您今天得到了四果！但是，您可别到处声张自己证了四果，真正的圣人是不会说自己是圣者的。」年少比丘怕他将这个「证四果」的「过程」说出去，连忙吩咐着。
老比丘在证到四果之后，具足神通、智慧，知道这原是一场玩笑，但他还是很感恩这些年少比丘让自己能够得到果位，于是再一次摆上种种上妙肴膳、香花来报答诸比丘们的恩德。
「这还真是不错呢！」年少比丘们用完斋食后，互相分享着心得。
「对啊！对啊！不知道他什么时候会想要证五十二位阶？我们绝对可以再助他一臂之力。」
「你别闹了！……」
在他们兴高采烈的时候，老比丘走了过来，和他们谈论着种种微妙的义理，只听见老比丘沈稳的嗓音不绝于耳：「……四谛是指苦、集、灭、道，『谛』，即是真理，所以四谛也就是四种真实不虚的义理，对于这四种真理能够了达，便能从烦恼当中解脱……」
年少比丘们听了，个个瞠目结舌。「咦？他怎么像换了一个人似的。」「都是你们啦，我就一直觉得这样不太好，这下可好了……。」
看着老比丘仍然滔滔不绝地阐述精辟的妙义，从四谛谈到种种道品，乃至无漏功德，众比丘们开始担心起来。
这时，老比丘突然止住了他的阐述，慈祥地对少年比丘们说：「诸位比丘啊！莫要惊怖，在你们的帮助之下，我因为摄念专注，信心坚定，真正地断尽了三界见思惑，证到了四果。」
年少比丘们听到老比丘的这些话，非常讶异！他们的散心戏弄，竟然「无心插柳柳成荫」。眼前站着真实的阿罗汉，再想到先前的戏论，想到因果，简直不知所措……。
「尊敬的圣者啊！请原谅我们先前对您的戏弄，请接受我们至心的忏悔……。」为首的少年比丘惶恐的带着大众向老比丘不断忏悔、顶礼。少年比丘们在顶礼忏悔的当下，也体悟到心念的力量不可思议。眼前这位长者从平凡而入圣位，不就是最好的证明吗？
Date: 05/31/2025 06/01/2025
Location: Star Lake Meditation Center
Teacher: Shilin Long
Dharma Talk
The Old Bhikkhu Attains the Four Fruits
”The Dharma is vast, its power to liberate is boundless; those who sincerely seek the path will inevitably attain its fruits. Even a moment of jest will not render merit in vain.”
”If we wish to attain the fruit of Sotāpanna (Stream-enterer), we must eradicate the delusions of false views within the Three Realms.”
”That is truly not an easy task! And what about the second fruit, Sakadāgāmi (Once-returner)?”
”A Sakadāgāmi, also called a ‘Once-returner,’ is one who will be reborn just once more in the heavenly or human realms before attaining Arhatship.”
”It is said that attaining Arhatship allows one to transcend countless kalpas of rebirths…”
The warm sunlight filtered through the trees, gently casting its golden glow upon the vast courtyard outside the great hall.
Having finished their morning labor duties, a group of young novice monks enthusiastically engaged in discussions about the four stages of enlightenment, marveling at their spiritual significance.
Their conversation happened to be overheard by an old bhikkhu passing by.
”What are these Four Fruits you are talking about? They sound remarkable.”
Hearing the young monks’ discussion, the old bhikkhu found it intriguing. But at the same time, a sorrowful thought arose in his heart:
”Alas! Why did I wait until I was so old before coming to the Buddha’s path? I cannot understand the scriptures, nor can I sit in meditation for long. I cannot comprehend the Dharma as they do, let alone attain any fruitions. And now, my remaining days are numbered… Sigh!”
With eyes full of admiration, the old bhikkhu gazed at the young monks, letting out a deep sigh in his heart.
”…I once read in the scriptures that when one attains Arhatship, they utter four statements.”
”Yes, yes! Those words are: ‘My birth has ended, the holy life has been established, what had to be done has been accomplished, there is no more becoming in the future.'”
At that moment, the old bhikkhu could no longer contain himself. With slow and laborious steps, he approached the young monks and said:
”I heard you discussing the Four Fruits, and they sound truly marvelous. I also wish to attain these Four Fruits. Can you grant them to me?”
Hearing the unexpected request, the young monks paused in astonishment, their lively discussion coming to an abrupt halt as they stared at the old bhikkhu in disbelief.
”Wait… he actually thinks we can give him the Four Fruits?”
”He clearly doesn’t understand what the Four Fruits are. How could they possibly be given so easily?”
”Since he asked so sincerely, why don’t we have a little fun with him…?”
Finding his request amusing, the young monks decided to play a little joke on the old bhikkhu.
The leading young monk pretended to be serious and said:
”We can indeed give you the Four Fruits, but you must first offer us the most exquisite food and delicacies. Only then can we bestow upon you these sacred attainments.”
Upon hearing this, the old bhikkhu was overjoyed. Without hesitation, he sold his precious robes, used the money to prepare an exquisite feast, and offered it to the young monks.
After the monks had eaten to their heart’s content, the old bhikkhu eagerly asked:
”I have sincerely offered you the finest food. Now, may I receive the Four Fruits?”
”Of course! But since this is no ordinary matter, we must first discuss the proper method.”
The young monks huddled together, pretending to deliberate.
”Are we really going through with this? Isn’t this going too far?”
”It’s just a harmless joke!”
After their “serious discussion,” they began their “ceremony” to confer the Four Fruits—
They led the old bhikkhu to a corner of the hall and instructed him:
”Close your eyes, still your mind, and focus. We are about to bestow upon you the first fruit, Sotāpanna.”
Without a second thought, the old bhikkhu sat upright, closed his eyes, and wholeheartedly concentrated. He was filled with joy, thinking:
”At last, in this lifetime, my practice will soon bear fruit!”
One of the young monks picked up a ball, aimed at the old bhikkhu’s forehead, and—
Whoosh—BANG!
The ball struck his forehead perfectly.
”Wow! What precision!”
Suppressing their laughter, the young monks called out:
”This is the first fruit, Sotāpanna! Have you attained it?”
However, they had no idea—due to his unwavering faith and deep concentration, the old bhikkhu actually attained the first fruit, Sotāpanna, at that very moment.
”Another one! Another one!”
One of the young monks giggled, saying, “I can’t believe he’s actually taking this seriously!”
”Ahem!”
Clearing his throat to maintain composure, the leading monk continued:
”Now, although you have attained the first fruit, you still have seven rebirths remaining before final liberation. To help you progress, we shall now grant you the second fruit, Sakadāgāmi.”
With unwavering faith, the old bhikkhu repositioned himself in another corner, awaiting the next “blessing”.
”This is the second fruit!”
Another young monk weighed the ball in his hand and—
Thud!
Another perfect hit on the old bhikkhu’s head.
”Hahaha! That was perfect!”
Still oblivious, the young monks continued their mischief, while the old bhikkhu had actually attained the second fruit, Sakadāgāmi.
”You have now attained the ‘Once-returner’ fruit, but you still have one more rebirth ahead. Let us now grant you the third fruit, Anāgāmi!”
Hearing this, the old bhikkhu, now even more faithful and determined, swiftly moved to another spot, preparing for the third fruit.
”Hey! My turn! Let me do it this time!”
”Careful now—here comes the third fruit!”
”BANG!”
With even greater conviction, the old bhikkhu truly attained the third fruit, Anāgāmi.
Yet, the young monks remained unaware, continuing to laugh uncontrollably.
”You have now attained the third fruit, but as long as you dwell in the realms of form and formlessness, this conditioned body remains subject to impermanence and suffering. To free you completely from the Three Realms, we shall now grant you the highest fruit—Arhatship!”
For the final “bestowal,” the old bhikkhu took his seat, his mind completely absorbed in deep concentration.
”BANG!”
The ball hit his body, rolled to the ground, and bounced a few times before stopping.
”Hahaha! He’s an Arhat now!”
The young monks laughed hysterically, unaware that the old bhikkhu had actually attained the highest fruit—Arhatship.
After their laughter subsided, they warned:
”Now that you have attained Arhatship, you must not tell anyone about it. A true saint never declares himself a saint.”
But the old bhikkhu, now possessing divine knowledge and wisdom, understood everything.
Instead of feeling resentful, he felt deeply grateful for the young monks’ unintended guidance.
Thus, he prepared another magnificent feast as an offering of gratitude.
At that moment, the young monks finally realized the gravity of what had transpired—they had unknowingly guided an old bhikkhu to Arhatship through sheer jest!
Shocked and ashamed, they prostrated before him, sincerely repenting.
The old bhikkhu, now a true Arhat, simply smiled and said:
”Even in jest, merit is never wasted. The power of the mind is truly inconceivable.”
