Now, Sâriputra, even as that man with powerful arms, without using the strength of his

arms, attracts his children out of the burning house by an able device, and afterwards gives

them magnificent, great carts, so, Sâriputra, the Tathâgata, the Arhat, possessed of

knowledge and freedom from all hesitation, without using them, in order to attract the

creatures out of the triple world which is like a burning house with decayed roof and shelter,

shows, by his knowledge of able devices, three vehicles, viz. the vehicle of the disciples, the

vehicle of the Pratyekabuddhas, and the vehicle of the Bodhisattvas. By means of these three

vehicles he attracts the creatures and speaks to them thus: Do not delight in this triple world,

which is like a burning house, in these miserable forms, sounds, odours, flavours, and

contacts. For in delighting in this triple world ye are burnt, heated, inflamed with the thirst

inseparable from the pleasures of the five senses. Fly from this triple world; betake

yourselves to the three vehicles: the vehicle of the disciples, the vehicle of the

Pratyekabuddhas, the vehicle of the Bodhisattvas. I give you my pledge for it, that I shall give

you these three vehicles; make an effort to run out of this triple world. And to attract them I

say: These vehicles are grand, praised by the Âryas, and provided with most pleasant things;

with such you are to sport, play, and divert yourselves in a noble manner. Ye will feel the

great delight of the faculties, powers, constituents of Bodhi, meditations, the (eight) degrees

of emancipation, self-concentration, and the results of self-concentration, and ye will

become greatly happy and cheerful.

Text based on the translation by J H C Kern