修習止觀坐禪法要 1.30

1.30

如上訶欲之法，出《摩訶衍論》中說。復云：「哀哉眾生！常為五欲所惱，而猶求之不已。」此五欲者，得之轉劇，如火益薪，其焰轉熾。五欲無樂，如狗嚙枯骨。五欲增諍，如鳥競肉。五欲燒人，如逆風執炬。五欲害人，如踐毒蛇。五欲無實，如夢所得。五欲不久，假借須臾，如擊石火。智者思之，亦如怨賊。世人愚惑，貪著五欲，至死不捨，後受無量苦惱。

The above method of rebuking desires is expounded in the *Mahāprajñāpāramitopadeśa* (*Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom*). It further says: 'Pitiable are sentient beings! Constantly afflicted by the five desires, they still seek them endlessly.' These five desires, when obtained, become increasingly severe, just like adding firewood to a fire, whose flames burn ever more fiercely. The five desires have no true pleasure, like a dog gnawing on a dry bone. The five desires increase contention, like birds fighting over meat. The five desires burn people, like holding a torch against the wind. The five desires harm people, like treading on a venomous snake. The five desires are unreal, like gains in a dream. The five desires do not last, being borrowed for a mere moment, like sparks from striking flint. The wise reflect upon them also as treacherous bandits. Worldly people are foolish and deluded, greedily attached to the five desires, not relinquishing them unto death, and afterward they suffer immeasurable distress.