慈悲道場懺法 3.14

3.14

'Furthermore, there are sentient beings whose bodies are long and large, deaf and foolish, without feet, wriggling and crawling on their bellies, eating only mud and soil to sustain their lives, bitten and eaten by small insects, suffering pain day and night without rest. By what sin is this caused?' The Buddha said: 'In their past lives, as human beings they were self-willed and did not believe good words; were unfilial to their parents, disobedient and rebellious; or served as landowners, ministers, regional governors of the four garrisons, prefects, county magistrates, or village-gate overseers and protectors, relying on their power and prestige to seize the property of the people, impoverishing the people without rhyme or reason. Due to these causes and conditions, they receive this retribution.'