俱舍論頌疏論本 12.26

12.26

The commentary says: From the time when the lifespan of the humans of this continent is eighty thousand years, gradually decreasing down to a maximum lifespan of a hundred years, Buddhas appear within this interval. Question: "For what reason do no Buddhas appear during the phase of increase?" Answer: "Because sentient beings' pleasure increases, making it difficult to teach renunciation." Question: "For what reason do no Buddhas appear when lifespan decreases below a hundred years?" Answer: "Because the five turbidities intensely increase, making beings difficult to transform. The five turbidities are: first, the turbidity of lifespan; second, the turbidity of the kalpa; third, the turbidity of afflictions; fourth, the turbidity of views; fifth, the turbidity of sentient beings. When the kalpa of decrease approaches its end, lifespan and the rest become base and degraded like sediment and filth; therefore, they are called 'turbidities'. The turbidity of lifespan impairs life. The turbidity of the kalpa impairs material requisites. Afflictions and views impair wholesome qualities: through the turbidity of afflictions because beings indulge in sensual pleasure, and through the turbidity of views because they practice self-mortification. Alternatively, the turbidity of afflictions impairs the wholesomeness of householders, or the turbidity of views impairs the wholesomeness of renunciants. The turbidity of sentient beings impairs their own physical stature, color and strength, mindfulness, wisdom, energetic diligence, and freedom from illness, for abundant illness impairs freedom from illness."