大般涅槃經集解 63.39

63.39

Sengliang comments: The Buddha spoke of the causes and fruits of the three vehicles, yet Sunakkhatta obtained not even one. Because he lacked faith, he attained nothing. 'Due to heedlessness and due to evil companions': heedlessness is the internal affliction, and evil companions are the external condition. Equipped with these two evils, he ultimately severed his good roots. Entering the great ocean without gain: a person devoid of faith and wisdom, though entering the ocean of Dharma, also gains nothing. Dying by self-slaughter parallels heedlessness. Being killed by evil demons parallels evil companions. Sengzong comments: Prophesying that he would definitely enter hell seems at first glance uncompassionate, yet it is great compassion. Why so? If it were not prophesied, it would foster perverse faith in others.