早期基督教艺术和贤者的数字

修罗瞳

Early Christian Art and the Number of Magi
早期基督教艺术和贤者的数字


A painting in the cemetery of Saint Peter and Saint Marcellinus shows two;
一幅圣彼得和圣麦可林尼斯墓地的画是代表“二”；

A painting in the Lateran Museum, shows three;
一幅拉特兰宫的画是代表“三”；
A painting in the cemetery of Domitilla, shows four;
一幅多米提拉墓地的画是代表“四”；
A vase in the Kircher Museum, shows eight (Paris, 1899).
一幅柯切博物馆的画是代表“八”（巴黎，1899）。


Painting by Rembrandt
伦布兰特的绘画
MYRRH
没药


Myrrh Tree - [5-15 feet tall and 1 foot in diameter]
没药树——[5-15英尺高，直径一英尺]
Historical background and spiritual uses:
历史背景和精神上的用途：
Even before the baby Jesus received Myrrh as a gift, over 2000 years ago, Myrrh was one of the most desired and most sought after items in the world.
甚至婴儿耶稣获得没药作为礼物之前，超过2000年之前，没药是其中一种世界上最想得到和最想寻找的物质。
It is mentioned in the Bible over 22 times and it was used as incense in religious rituals.
圣经上超过二十二次提及到，它是作为熏香而使用于宗教典礼。
It promotes spiritual awareness and is uplifting.
它促进了精神上的觉知，并且提升起来。
Used in embalming, as a cure for cancer, leprosy, and syphilis. Myrrh, mixed with coriander and honey, was used to treat herpes. It was used as an anti-infectous, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and as a tonic.
涂香油于身体，是作为一种对毒瘤，麻疯病和梅毒的治疗。没药，同胡荽和蜂蜜混和，用来治疗疱疹。它用来对抗传染病，对抗煸动，防腐，而且还可以用作收剑剂和进补剂。
Because of myrrh's various medicinal uses this gift represents Christ's human nature, the Suffering Savior, the Great Physician, and the Passion.
因为没药有各种不同的治疗作用，所有就使用这种礼物来代表基督的人性，受难的救世主，伟大的医师，还有受难和死亡。
Myrrh is an aromatic gum resin which oozes from gashes cut in the bark of a small desert tree known as Commifera Myrrha or the dindin tree. (The gashes are reminders of the wounds Christ received while being flogged by the Roman soldiers.)
没药是一种芬芳的树胶脂，从一种没药树，沙漠中的一种小树中提取，在树干上切割深深的裂缝，就会渗出来。
The myrrh hardens into tear-dropped shaped chunks and is then powdered or made into ointments or perfumes.
没药切割出来后就会变硬，形成块状，然后就弄成粉末，
Myrrh was an extremely valuable commodity during biblical times and was imported from India and Arabia. The Ishmaelite caravan which carried Joseph to slavery in Egypt also bore myrrh.
没药在圣经时期是一种极度贵重的日用品，是从印度和阿拉伯半岛进口而来。以实玛利人的商队携带约瑟到埃及当奴隶的时候也带有没药。
When Israel sent his sons into Egypt for food he told them to take along some myrrh as a gift for the man in charge.
以色列为了食物而把他的儿子们带入埃及的时候，他也告诉他们要带一些没药去作为礼物去送给看管的人。
Because myrrh was used in the embalming or anointing of the dead, it came to represent mortality, suffering and sorrow.
因为没药是用作涂香油于（尸体，以作防腐）或施以涂油礼，它是象征死亡，受难和悲哀。
The Israelites used perfumed ointments of myrrh in their funeral preparations to postpone the decay and alleviate the odors of the deceased.
以色列人准备葬礼的时候使用没药作为香油，推迟尸体的腐化，减轻死者的气味。
Although less than one pound was normally used in Israelite funerary preparations, Nicodemus brought "a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds" to prepare Jesus's body for burial.
尽管以色列人用于葬礼的没药不足一磅，尼哥底姆却带来“大约一百磅的没和芦荟混合物”去准备耶稣肉体的葬礼。
Other people burned myrrh as an incense during cremations.
<敏感詞>人在火葬的时候燃烧没药作为熏香之用。
The Phoenix was said to build its funeral pyre out of myrrh, frankincense, and other spices.
凤凰（长生鸟）据说是用没药，乳香和<敏感詞>香料来建立火葬。
Myrrh has many medicinal uses. In ancient times it was used for cleaning wounds and sores.
没药还有很多医药用途。在古时候，它是用作清洗伤口和疼痛处。
As late as the 19th century it was given as a treatment for worms, coughs, colds, sore throats, asthma, indigestion, bad breath, gum disease, and gonorrhea.
十九世纪的时候，它是用作治疗蠕虫病，咳嗽，伤风，咽喉疼痛，哮喘，消化不良，呼吸不畅，齿龈疾病和淋病。
In Pilgrim's Progress, a bundle of myrrh was used to keep Mercy from fainting.
在《天路历程》，一捆没药被用作保持仁慈。
Too much myrrh can make one violently sick.
太多的没药可令到强烈的不适。
Until the invention of morphine and other modern painkillers, myrrh was a common analgesic.
在吗啡和<敏感詞>现代止痛药的发明之前，没药是一种普遍的止痛药。
In ancient times it was often mixed with wine to make the drink more potent.
古时候，它经常与葡萄酒相混合，喝起来更有效。
As was the custom among the Jews, Christ was offered 'wine mingled with myrrh'; to ease the pains of the cross. However, He refused to drink it.
作为犹太人的一种习惯，基督被献祭了“酒与没药的混合物”；去减轻十字架的痛苦。然而，他拒绝喝。
Myrrh is named for its bitter taste which, along with its funerary uses, has caused it to be associated with the bitter things of life. St. Cyril applied the bittersweetness of the Passion to Solomon's verse, "I have come to my garden, my sister, my spouse; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk."
没药是由于它的苦味来命名，连同着它的葬礼用途，从而引致了把没药与生命中的痛苦之事连接在一起。圣西里尔把苦乐参半的激情运用到所罗门的诗句上；“我的姐妹，我的配偶，我来到了我的花园；我已把我的没药和香料混杂在一起；喝下了蜂巢的蜂蜜；我在奶与酒的混合物中喝醉了。”
Myrrh has been associated with bitter repentance, mortification of the flesh, and penance.
没药与痛苦的悔改，苦修，忏悔联合。
According to Aquinas, myrrh and aloes, by their bitterness, their pleasant perfume, and their preserving qualities, represent the penance by which we preserve our souls from the corruption of sin and the pleasing odor of a good report rising before God.
依照阿奎奈所说，没药和芦荟，由于它们的苦味，它们令人愉快的香味，以及它们保存的品质，代表着忏悔，这样我们就保护着我们的灵魂，防止堕落在罪中，一个令人愉快的虔诚传说从神面前升起来。
Fingers dripping with myrrh on the handles of a lock are an image of the ability of bitter repentance to unlock the doors of the hardened heart to Christ.
用手指滴一滴没药在锁的把手上，一种痛苦的悔改的肖像就会出现，开启变硬的心的门，直到基督那里。
During biblical times myrrh was used in expensive perfumes.
在圣经期间，没药也用作昂贵的香水。
It was used in powdered form to perfume garments and beds and to make sachets which were worn between the breasts.
它也被制成粉末状，使得衣服和床铺变香，有时还制成一小袋，戴在双乳中间。
In liquid form it was used as an Anointing oil or to perfume men's beards.
制成液体形态，就可以作为涂油之用，或者让男人的胡子变香。
Myrrh was associated with lovemaking and was sometimes used to anoint the door-posts of the bridegroom's house when his bride was delivered to him.
没药与求爱相连，有时候新郎转交给他的时候，是涂在新郎房子的门边梃上。
Esther received a six month long beauty treatment with oil of myrrh before she was brought in to King Ahasuerus.
以斯贴被带到亚哈随鲁国王面前之前，曾经用没药进行了六个月之久的美容治疗。
A woman who had been a great sinner showed her repentance and love of Christ by Anointing his feet with a fragrant oil of myrrh and drying them with her hair.
一个犯了极大罪的女人用没药制成的芳香的油涂在耶稣的脚上，表示出她的悔改和对基督的爱，再用她的头发烘干它们。
Jesus took this opportunity to point out that those who are forgiven much, love their redeemer more than those who are forgiven little. [Luke 7:36-50]
耶稣趁这个机会指出较多宽恕的人比较少宽恕的更爱他们的救世主。（路加福音 7：36—50）
The psalmist portrays Christ as a king upon His wedding day being clothed in garments "scented with myrrh and aloes and cassia." [Psa 45:8] John Wesley believed that these perfumed garments represented the "sweet smelling virtues" of Christ as He walked upon this earth. [Wesley's Notes on the Bible]
赞美诗把基督描绘成一位国王，他的婚宴上被外衣覆盖着，“洒有没药，芦荟和肉桂的香味”。（诗篇 45：8）。约翰 卫斯理相信这些芳香的外衣是描绘基督“德行的甜美气味”，就像他在这个世上行走一样。（卫斯理注释到圣经上）
Augustine wrote that "by His garments are meant His Saints, His elect, His whole Church" which are attracted to Christ by this same sweet savor of peace and virtue. [Expositions on the Book of Psalms]
奥古斯丁说“外衣的意思是他的圣徒，他的推选，他的整个教会”，同样也是这种和平与美德的甜美气味吸引着基督。（展示在诗篇上）
Song 3:6 asks, "Who is this coming out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all the merchant's fragrant powders?" Matthew Henry answers that this is the bride of the king who was formerly thought ugly and of little account by the daughters of Jerusalem.
雅歌3：6问道：“那從曠野上來，好像煙柱；用商人販賣的各種香粉、沒藥和乳香薰過的，是誰呢？”马太 亨利回答说这是国王的新娘，以前曾经被认为是丑陋，有点像耶路撒冷的女儿。
She comes forth now 'perfumed with myrrh and frankincense' representative of the sweet fruits of the Holy Spirit.
她现在出现是“发出没药和乳香的香味”，代表圣灵的甜蜜果实。（注：这里的圣灵用“她”）
The bride thus accompanied by pillars of sweet incense is a symbol of the Israelites as they approached the Promised land guided by a pillar of smoke.
新郎从而伴随着烟柱而来，是以色列的一个象征，就像他们在烟柱的指引下走近上帝允许给亚伯拉罕的地方（乐土，福地，希望之乡一样）。
She is also an image of the Church as Christ's Bride sweetly scented with the odors of Christian virtue, righteousness, prayer, and praise approaching her eternal Bridegroom and of 'Jesus returning from the wilderness full of the Holy Ghost.'
她也是一个教会的形象，就像基督的新娘香郁地带有基督的美德的香气一样，当基督从荒野中归来，被圣灵浇满的时候，正直，祈祷和赞美都在走近她永恒的新郎。


不好意思~我不知道怎么把图发上来:L

修罗瞳

Insects and vultures are said to be repelled by the burning of myrrh.
昆虫和秃鹰据说是被燃烧着的没药击退。
So also the sweet odor of the Gospel of Christ, which dripped from His lips like liquid myrrh, is an aroma which is pleasing to those willing to be saved but repulsive to those who refuse His offer of peace.
因此，也是基督福音的芳香气味，从他的嘴唇上流出来，就像液体状的没药，对于愿意被救赎的是一种令人愉快的香气，但排斥那些拒绝他的和平献祭的人。
So also are the preachers of the Gospel compared to the myrrh-like fragrance of Christ which is to the repentant the "aroma of life to life" and to the wicked the "aroma of death to death." [2 Cor 2:14-16] Wisdom also is said to have a "pleasant odour like the best myrrh..." [Sirach 24:15]
也是基督福音的传教士比喻为没药——就像基督的芬芳，对于悔改者是“生命与生命的芳香”，对于邪恶者是“死亡与死亡的芳香”。（哥林多后书 2：14—16）智慧据说也是拥有一种“令人愉快的香气，就像最好的没药……”（西拉书 24：15）
When burned as incense, myrrh is a symbol of prayers rising to heaven.
没药作为熏香而燃烧的时候，是向上升中的天堂祷告的象征。
Liquid myrrh was used in the making of the holy Anointing oil for the Anointing of the priests and the articles of the Tabernacle.
液体状的涂油被用作神圣的涂油，供祭司在涂油礼中使用，也是礼拜堂的物品。
It was forbidden to use this recipe which God gave to Moses for any secular purpose. [Ex 30:23-32]
禁止使用神给予摩西的处方作为任何长期的目的。（出埃及记 30：23——32）
Because myrrh (which is bitter) and frankincense which is sweet) were used in the Temple, Mount Moriah (upon which it stood) was poetically referred to as the "mountain of myrrh" and the "hill of frankincense."
因为没药（苦的）和乳香（甜的）都在庙宇内使用，摩里亚山（之上是它站立之处）有诗意地提及到“没药的山脉”和“乳香的山丘”。
Modern medical uses include: bronchitis, diarrhea, dysentery, hyperthyroidism, stretch marks, thrush, ulcers, vaginal thrush, viral hepatitis, asthma, athlete's foot, candida, catarrh (mucus), coughs, eczema, digestion, dyspepsia (impaired digestion), flatulence (gas), fungal infections, gingivitis, gum infections, hemorrhoids, support immune system, mouth ulcers, decongest prostate gland, ringworms, sore throats, skin conditions (chapped and cracked), skin inflammation, wounds, and wrinkles, toothpastes, mouthwashes, cosmetics, and food flavorings.
现代的医药用途包括：支气管炎，腹泻，痢疾，甲状腺机能亢进，紧张，鹅口疮，溃疡，<敏感詞>的鹅口疮，哮喘，脚癣，粘膜炎，咳嗽，湿疹，消化不良，肠胃气胀，真菌感染，齿龈炎，齿龈感染，痔疮，支持免疫系统，口溃疡，解除前列腺充血，癣茵病，咽喉痛，皮肤问题（干燥和裂开），皮肤发炎，伤口和皱纹，还可用作牙膏，漱口水，化妆品和食物调味料。


FRANKINCENSE
乳香


Tree
树


Gum
树脂
Frankincense was one of the gifts of the Magi. Tradition says that it was presented to the Christ Child by Balthasar, the black king from Ethiopia or Saba, thus fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy that gold and frankincense would be brought from the Gentiles to honor the heavenly king. Frankincense was the purest incense.
乳香是东方三博士中的其中一样礼物。传说上说它出现在伯塔撒的基督幼年之画像，是来自埃塞俄比亚或者赛伯伊王国的黑人国王。从而就实现了以赛亚的预言，黄金和乳香将会从异教徒而来，用来荣耀天上的国王。乳香是最纯净的熏香。



When burned it produced a white smoke which symbolized the prayers and praises of the faithful ascending to heaven. Because the ancients often burned frankincense during religious rituals, this gift symbolizes sacrifice, Christ's divinity, His sweet savor, and His priestly role. It is also a symbol of the Divine name of God.
当它燃烧，它产生出一种白烟，代表着祷告者和忠实的赞美，提升到天堂上。由于古人在宗教典礼期间经常燃烧乳香，这种礼物象征着献祭，基督的神性。他芳香的气味和他僧侣似的角色。这也代表着神的非凡名字。
Frankincense is a sweet smelling gum resin derived from certain Boswellia trees which, at the time of Christ, grew in Arabia, India, and Ethiopia.
乳香是一种芳香气味的树胶脂，源自某种鲍达乳香树，在基督时期生长于阿拉伯，印度和埃塞俄比亚。
The frankincense trade was at its height during the days of the Roman Empire. At that time this resin was considered as valuable as gems or precious metals.
乳香贸易在罗马帝国时期达到了顶点。在那个时期，这种树脂被认为是贵重的，就像宝石和贵金属一样。
The Romans burned frankincense on their altars and at cremations. The mythical Phoenix bird was thought to build its funeral pyre out of frankincense and myrrh.
罗马人在祭坛和火葬上燃烧乳香。神话中的长生鸟被认为是葬礼上燃烧乳香和没药这种习俗的建立者。
The Israelites also used this popular incense. Pillars of frankincense's white smoke, accompanying the Bride as she exits the wilderness, represent the pillar of smoke which led the Israelites to the Promised Land, the sweet savor of Christ, the praises and graces of the Christian Church, and the Holy Spirit accompanying Christ as He returns from His testing in the desert.
以色列人也使用这种流行的熏香。乳香发出柱状的白烟，伴随着新娘正在消失于荒野中，代表着烟柱引领以色列人去上帝允许给亚伯拉罕的地方（乐土，福地，希望之乡），救世主基督的芬香气味，基督教会的赞美与优雅，基督在试验的沙漠回来的时候，圣灵陪同着基督。
Frankincense was an ingredient in the sacred incense and holy anointing oil of the Israelites. [Ex 30:34-38] It was burnt with almost every sacrifice offered in Jerusalem's temple. Salt was added to the mixture to produce a fine white smoke.
乳香是神圣的熏香和以色列人的神圣涂油的一种成分。（出埃及记 30：34—38）。它几乎同每一个耶路撒冷庙宇的祭品一起燃烧，再加上一些食盐，产生出一种极好的白烟。
Since frankincense denoted something pleasing and acceptable to God, it was not presented with certain sin or jealousy offerings.
由于乳香是用来表示神所接受的美好事物，它并不是表现出罪或嫉妒的祭品。
A memorial portion of the sacred incense was placed in two gold bowls on a table in the temple on which was placed the twelve loaves known as the bread of the Presence or showbread. This incense was burnt at the end of each week when fresh loaves came to replace the old ones.
用作神圣纪念的部分熏香放置在庙宇里的桌子上的金碗里，上面还放着十二大块烤过的食物，这就是存在或发酵的面包（古犹太教祭司于主日用于祭神的面包）。每个周末，新鲜的食物取代旧有食物的时候，就燃烧这种熏香。
Wisdom was said to give forth a sweet smell like "the fume of frankincense in the tabernacle." [Sirach 24:15; see also Sirach 39:14]
智慧据说会发出一种芳香的气味，就像“礼拜堂上的乳香的气味”。（圣经次经中的西拉书  24：15；还有西拉书 39：14）
Because of the sweet smells which accompanied the Temple sacrifices, Mount Moriah was called the mountain of myrrh and frankincense.
因为这种芳香的气味是伴随着庙宇的祭品而来，摩利亚山就称为没药和乳香的山。
Because he highly prized them, Solomon poetically referred to his beloved's breasts as "the mountain of myrrh" and "the hill of frankincense." [Song 4:6]
因为所罗门非常地赞美它们，他的诗提及到了他心爱的乳房是“没药的山脉”和“乳香的小山丘”。（雅歌 4：6）
Some commentators believe the sweet "hill of frankincense" symbolizes Calvary while the bitter "mountain of myrrh" represents the garden tomb. [Jamieson, Fausset, Brown] The combination of myrrh and frankincense found in the Temple represents the bittersweet nature of repentance.
一些评论员认为“乳香的小山丘”的甜美是代表耶稣被钉死于十字架之地，而“没药的山脉”的苦涩是代表花园的坟墓（杰米逊，弗西特，布朗）。庙宇内找到的没药和乳香的混合是代表悔改的苦乐渗半本性。
Frankincense was associated with prayers and burned on pagan altars in Rome, Persia, Babylon, and Assyria. It was also used in purification ceremonies. Nero burned it by the ton.
乳香与祷告者联合在一起，在罗马，波斯，巴比伦和亚述的异教祭坛上都燃烧。它也用于净化仪式。尼禄大量地燃烧乳香。
In ancient Babylon one thousand talents of frankincense was burnt on the altar of Bel during his annual feast.
在古代巴比伦，在每年一次的贝尔节日上，一千支的乳香燃烧在献祭贝尔的祭坛上。
Romans burnt this resin in their homes and on state occasions. Large quantities were burnt along the routes of the Roman triumphs or victory parades.
罗马人在他们的家中和国家典礼的场合上燃烧这种树脂。大量数目的乳香会沿着罗马胜利者或征服者的游行队伍来燃烧。
The ancients mixed frankincense with wine and myrrh to create a "strong drink" which eased the pains of the dying, the bitter, and the condemned. [Prov 31:6]
古人把乳香和没药与酒混合，制造出一种“烈性饮料”，减轻垂死时的疼痛，痛苦和受谴责。（箴言 31：6）

修罗瞳

In China frankincense was thought to be a treatment for leprosy.
在中国，乳香被认为是用作治疗麻疯病。
Pliny recommended it as an antidote to poison.
普林尼推荐它，作为一种解毒剂。
It was made into perfumes by many peoples.
它被很多人制成香水。
Egyptians used frankincense to make cosmetics, embalm dead bodies, and provide an aromatic warmth on the braziers of their homes in chilly weather.
埃及人用乳香来制造化妆品，尸体的防腐剂，把乳香放在屋内的火盆燃烧，可以为寒冷天气的房间提供湿温暖和芳香。
Today frankincense is burnt during church services and funerals to show respect for whatever is symbolized by the objects incensed. (For example - the deceased or an altar.)
今天的乳香是在教堂仪式和葬礼期间燃烧，无论是象征什么意义，都表示尊敬。（例如——是代表死者或祭坛）
There are over 52 references to Frankincense in the Bible.
圣经上有五十二处提到过乳香。
At present it is used for asthma, ulcers, aging, allergies, snake and insect bites, bronchitis, cancer, carbuncles, catarrh, colds, coughs, diarrhea, diphtheria, headaches, healing, hemorraging, herpes, high blood pressure, inflammation jaundice, laryngitis, meningitis, nervousness, prostate, pneumonia, respiratory problems, scarring, sciatic pain, soars, spiritual awareness, staph, strep, stress, syphilis, T. B., tension, typhoid, wounds, warts and to strengthen the immune system.
现在，它用作治疗哮喘，溃疡，老化，过敏症，被蛇和昆虫咬伤，支气管炎，癌症，痈，粘膜炎，咳嗽，痢疾，白喉，头痛，康复，狂怒，疱疹，高血压，炎症，黄疸，喉炎，脑膜炎，神经过敏，前列腺炎，肺炎，呼吸道疾病，疤痕，坐骨神经痛，剧痛，精神上的知觉，葡萄状球菌，链锁状球菌，压力大，梅毒，紧张，伤寒病，伤口，疣，还有增强免疫系统。
•        Digestive: stimulates the production of gastric juices (carminative), improves appetite and digestion
消化：刺激产生胃液（排出胃肠气体），改善食欲和消化力。
•        Respiratory: antiseptic, helps to expel mucus, relieves coughing, used for colds, flu, catarrh, asthma. bronchitis, laryngitis
呼吸：杀菌，帮助排出粘液，减轻咳嗽，用作伤风，流感，粘膜炎，哮喘，支气管炎，喉炎。
•        Skin/hair: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, helps wounds and scars to heal; very good for dry and mature skin, used for wrinkles.
皮肤/毛发：抵抗煸动性，杀菌，收敛，帮助伤口和伤痕愈合，对干燥和成熟的皮肤非常地好，用作防皱纹。
•        Emotions/mind: sedative, elevating, warming, used for anxiety, apprehension, fears, nervous tension and stress-related conditions. it slows down and deepens the breath, which makes it helpful for meditation.
情绪/头脑：镇静，振奋，热身，用作治疗焦虑，忧惧，恐惧，神经紧张和高血压状况，使之慢下来，加深呼吸，帮助静心。
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Star of Bethlehem
圣诞星
The Star of Bethlehem has been a sign associated with the Magi. This light is a metaphor for the flame of creation. Some people feel that this light was a comet. Based on its movement it could have been a shooting star rather than a fixed star.
圣诞星已经是一个与魔法师（占星家，东方三博士）一样的标记。这种光是对创造的火焰的一种隐喻。一些人认为这种光是一种慧星。基于它的运动，它应该是一颗流星，而不是恒星。
Adrian Gilbert in his book Magi: The Quest for a Secret Brotherhood writes that the 'Star of the Magi', which allegedly guided them to the stable in Bethlehem, was the great conjunction of the two large planets Jupiter and Saturn. This conjunction lasted on and off for several months.
艾德里安 吉尔伯特在他的书〈东方三博士：寻找神秘兄弟团体〉中写到了“东方三博士之星”，依其申述是指引他们去平安的伯利恒（平安夜），是与木星和土星两颗行星有极大的联接。这种联接持续了好几个月，然后离去。

A celestial event is oftentimes the precursor to the fulfillment of a prophecy from god about great change on the planet and for humanity in general. This celestial sighting must have been part of a prophecy of the birth of a great prophet/ king who would change the thinking of the world forever.
天上的事件时常是履行神的预言的先驱，通常是关于这颗行星（地球）和人类总体上的伟大转变。这种天上的视觉一定是一位伟大的先知/国王诞生的预言的其中一部分，将会永久地改变世界的思想。
As the years passed, the traditions about the Magi became increasingly embellished. By the 3rd Century they were viewed as kings. By the 6th century they were referred to by the names: Bithisarea, Melichior, and Gathaspa. Some even associated them with Shem, Ham and Japheth - the three sons of Noah - thus with Asia, Africa, and Europe.
随着岁月流逝，这个东方三博士的传统变得日益愈加地修饰。三世纪期间，他们被认为是国王。六世纪，他们是三个名字：比斯萨拉，米里切尔和加萨帕。一些甚至把他们与闪，含和雅弗联系在一起——诺亚的三个儿子——从而是代表亚洲，非洲和欧洲。
According to medieval legends, the three wisemen were named Melchior, Balthazar and Gaspar. Each of them came from a different culture: Melchior was Asian, Balthazar was Persian and Gaspar was Ethopian, thus representing the three races known to the old world.
根据中世纪的传说，这三位智者名字是梅尔基奥，巴尔萨扎和加斯帕。每一位都来自不同的文化：梅尔基奥是亚洲人，巴尔萨扎是波斯人，加斯帕是埃塞俄比亚人，从而代表着东半球的三个种族。
These three priest-kings and wisemen brought royal gifts to the divine infant: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
这三位祭司——国王兼智者把贵重的礼物带给圣婴：黄金，乳香和没药。
Melchior brought a golden cup, which, according to legend, was preserved by the Blessed Virgin Mary and was the same cup used in the institution of the Holy Eucharist.
梅尔基奥带来了一只黄金的杯，依照传说，由受祝福的圣母玛利亚保存着，在圣餐上也同样使用这只杯。
Balthazar brought a gold box of frankincense. The gift of frankincense symbolizes the Godhead of Christ and our own gifts of honor and reverence to our indwelling Divinity.
巴尔萨扎带来了装有乳香的黄金盒子。乳香的礼物是象征基督的神性，是我们自己荣耀的礼物，对我们内在的神性表示敬重。
Gaspar brought a curiously chased flask of myrrh, a royal embalming oil. The gift of myrrh is a prophecy of the death and burial of the earthly body of Christ, which represents our understanding and empathy for the suffering of humanity.
加斯帕带来了一个新奇的长颈瓶子，装有没药，一种贵重的涂油。没药的礼物是代表基督的现世身体死亡和埋葬的预言，代表着我们理解和神入人类的苦楚。
The gift of gold symbolizes the kingship of Christ, which represents our own true royal Selfhood and our giving of love and service as directed and commanded by that Self.
黄金的礼物是象征基督的王权，代表我们自己真正的高贵本性，是我们自己受到本性的指引和命令下，对爱和服务的给予。
The word Epiphany comes from the Greek meaning 'to appear' or 'to be shown forth'.
主显节这个词是源自希腊，意思是“出现”或“显现”。
According to Roman Catholic tradition, Epiphany signifies the first appearance of Christ to the gentiles in the story of the visit of the three wisemen to the divine infant Jesus.
依照罗马天主教的传统，主显节是代表三位智者拜访圣婴耶稣的故事上，基督首次向异教徒展现。
As the three wisemen represent all the known peoples of the world, this signifies an appearance to the entire world, not just a few who call themselves Christians.
正如三位智者是代表世界的所有知名人士，这意味着向全世界的显现，而不仅是一部分称为基督徒的人。
Each of us has a unique and essential part in the work of returning to wholeness - return of a savior.
在回归到整体的工作上，我们每一位都拥有唯一和本质的部分——回归到一位救世主。
The evidence of the guiding star in our own lives may not be so fantastic as the Biblical story.
我们自己生命中的指路明灯的迹象不可能像圣经故事那样如此地奇异。
True magic is a very subtle thing. A still small voice, a teacher in our dreams, a waking vision, or a kinesthetic feeling of numinous presence is all we may perceive in the way of guidance.
真正的魔法是一种非常微妙的事。一个寂静的小声音，一个我们梦想里的教师，一个醒着的幻象，或者一个精神上的肌肉运动知觉的出现，所有一切在指引的道路上，我们都可以察觉得到。
Very often, these revelations are more disturbing than helpful at the start.
非常普遍，这些启示比那颗星的帮助更为烦扰。
Yet these sometimes, very subtle promptings and guidings can lead us closer and closer to the epiphany of the Light within us.
有时候，这是非常微妙的激励和指引，可以引领我们越来越接近我们内在的光的出现。
In Carl Jung's The Seven Sermons to the Dead - he describes the star in terms of a light guiding the soul into this repose.
在卡尔 容格的〈死者的七个布道〉——他描写这颗星星是根据光来引领灵魂进入这种静止。

修罗瞳

'In the immeasurable distance there glimmers a solitary star on the highest point of heaven.
“在不可估量的距离上，在天堂的最高处上闪耀着一颗孤独的星星。
This is the only God of this lonely one.
这是孤独的一位的唯一神。
It is his world, his pleroma, his divinity...
这是他的世界，他的佩雷若玛（思想体），他的神性……
This star is man's god and goal. It is his guiding divinity; in it man finds repose.
这颗星是人的神和目标。它引领着神性，里面是人类找到宁静的地方。
To it goes the long journey of the soul after death; in it shine all things with the brilliance of a great light.
灵魂死后经过长途施行而到那里去，在里面的是伟大之光的光辉，它照耀着万物。
To this One man ought to pray. Such a prayer increases the light of the star. Such a prayer builds a bridge over death. It increases the light of the microcosm; when the outer world grows cold, this star still shines.'
这位老人应当祷告，如此一位祷告者会增强星星之光，如此一位祷告者建立了超越生死的桥梁。它增强了微观世界的光，当外部世界变得冰冷的时候，这颗星仍然闪耀着。
This star is thus the interior light of the Self, the light-spark of divinity in each of us, the star that guided the wisemen to Bethlehem, the star that guides us to our own awakening and birth of the infant of light within us.
因此这颗星是自己内在的光，光——神圣的火花在我们每个人里面，这颗星指引智者去伯利恒，这颗星直引我们去唤醒我们自己，我们内在的光之婴儿诞生了。
So, as we celebrate the season of Epiphany, may that star guide us to that altar within each of us and prepare us for the showing forth, the Epiphany of the Light, 'Till you stand where the One Initiator is invoked, till you see your star shine forth.'
因此，当我们庆祝主显节的时候，愿这颗星指引我们进入每个人内在的祭坛，让我们预备去宣布，主显节之光，“你仍然站立着教导者调用的地方，你仍然看到你的星星在向外闪耀着。”

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“The best known Magi are the "Wise Men from the East" in the Bible.”
圣经上记载了“来自东方的智者贤者”，但是没有说是几个，2个？3个？4个？5个？大家怎么知道是3个呢？

人数为三，因为有三种礼物，但不确定。从哪里来？说法不同。有说是埃及，巴比伦，波斯的；有说是巴比伦，印度，波斯的。
凯西的解读给出了一个奇怪却最可能的谜底。有五队人马，从五个地方来：埃及，巴比伦，波斯，印度，中国的戈壁。他们先后到达耶路撒冷。此后耶稣的成长和这些人也有关系。

据说黄金，乳香，没药这三种礼物，是印度传统里，送给新生婴儿的礼物。
基督教圣女Therese Neumann认为，东方博士是来自印度。1932年，印度主教Bishop Alexander Chulaparambil of Kottayam, India去访问Therese Neumann。当时她正处在她的特殊状态（细节不去说了，她的传记都有描述，或可参看《一个瑜伽行者的自传》一书），不知道是谁来访。但是当主教握着她的左手时，她紧紧握住，说：“这是一位高级的牧师，他与当年来崇拜婴儿基督的国王们来自同一个国家。”(This is a high pastor from the land whence the Kings came to worship the Christ Child.)
上述记载见1935年出版的传记，Therese of Konnersreuth: A New Chronicles, by Friedrich Ritter von Lama.

可是，从圣经，包括圣经正典和次经，伪经，还包括圣经考古，都发现圣经从旧约到新约的文化都同埃及，巴比伦，波斯，印度，中国的戈壁等地方有关，圣经上的文字也暗示到。
但为什么数字是“三”呢？这是因为“万物皆是数”，毕达哥拉斯学派也对数字特别有研究，甚至中国周易也有关自然界数字的研究，早期佛教也有“禅数之说”。
至于“三”为何有代表性呢？那是因为三生万物，三位一体，“三个一组”，一切都是由“三”而来。“三”在几何学上也是稳态结构。

琐罗亚斯德教的祭司的主祭司也是由三位组成，中间是主祭，旁边两个辅祭。这种仪式在波斯以外<敏感詞>宗教也有，包括印度的婆罗门教。婆罗门认为因陀罗是主神（而且因陀罗有太阳神特征，和琐罗亚斯德教的密特拉相似），火神（阿耆尼）和苏摩神（苏摩酒）是他的两位辅助神，分别代表三个不同的祭司。天主教的很多仪式也是从此吸收而来。
这里“东方三博士”的“三”大概是从这里而来吧。

chensf1993

没图的话看着有点吃力。