龍舒增廣淨土文 9.16

9.16

In food, drink, and sex lie the great desires of human beings. To restrain them as though they were non-existent—this is to be a sage; to moderate them without indulgence—one can be a worthy; to indulge them without moderation—one is an utter fool. For these two are both the places where karma is created. Slaying living beings to supply the mouth and stomach—what is this if not creating sin? Engaging in sexual desire to destroy one's heavenly genuine nature—what is this if not creating sin? Moreover, the two mutually stimulate each other: due to fine food and drink, the blood and qi flourish; when blood and qi flourish, sexual desires increase; when sexual desires increase, this in turn damages the blood and qi; when blood and qi are damaged, one relies again on food and drink for nourishment. Thus the two mutually create sin. If one wishes to cut down on food and drink, one must first moderate sexual desire. If one can moderate sexual desire, one can immediately cut down on food and drink. This is the way to preserve health and prolong life. If one can moderate and cut them off, then coarse grain will naturally become delicious. If one indulges them, the allotted measure of human life and enjoyment is limited; when the limit is reached, one dies prematurely. Chan Master Cijue said: "Food and drink for humans last through the days and months; / fine or coarse, according to one's lot, it merely fills the wound of hunger. / Once past three inches [down the throat], what does it become? / There is no need to weigh it so carefully in mind." If one can reflect in this manner, one will naturally be able to cut down on food and drink. The Practical Rustic said: "Skin wraps around bones, flesh, urine, and feces, / forcefully feigning seductive charms to deceive and bewitch people. / The heroes of all ages have succumbed to this, / after a hundred years turning together into a pit of dust." If one can reflect in this manner, one will naturally be able to cut down on sexual desire. If one truly resolves these two matters, how could there be illness and premature death in this life, and how could there be hells and animal destinies after death? Even if one cannot avoid these completely, yet cultivates the Pure Land, one will still escape transmigration. However, those cultivating for the highest grade must not fail to abstain from them.