The First Converts

13．最早的皈依者

The Blessed One tarried in solitude seven times seven days,
enjoying the bliss of emancipation. [1]

至福者七天之中独处七次，享受着解脱的喜乐。 1

At that time Tapussa and Bhallika, two merchants, came traveling on the road near by,
and when they saw the great samana, majestic and full of peace,
they approached him respectfully and offered him rice cakes and honey. [2]

当时有两个商人跋陀罗斯那和跋陀罗梨，他们旅游经过此地，当他们看到威严、平和的伟大出家人，便满怀敬意走过来送给他米饼和蜂蜜。 2

This was the first food that the Enlightened One ate after he attained Buddhahood. [3]

这是觉悟者成佛之后所吃的第一份食物。 3

And the Buddha addressed them and pointed out to them the way of salvation.
The two merchants, conceiving in their minds the holiness of the conqueror of Mara,
bowed down in reverence and said:
"We take our refuge, Lord, in the Blessed One and in the Dharma." [4]

佛陀向他们讲述佛法，给他们指出解脱之道。两个商人心中理解了这位征服魔王波旬的圣人，他们恭敬地向他鞠躬，说道：“我们在至福者中、在佛法中找到了庇护之所。” 4

Tapussa and Bhallika were the first that became followers of the Buddha
and they were lay disciples. [5]

跋陀罗斯那和跋陀罗梨是佛陀的第一批追随者，他们是俗家弟子。 5