往生集 1.68

1.68

In praise we say: The sūtra states that even after hundreds of thousands of kalpas, the karma created is not forgotten; when causes and conditions converge, one must bear the retribution oneself. How could Xi be reborn in the Pure Land without repaying the pheasant's life? It is precisely because once reborn in the Pure Land, transmigration is severed forever; how could causes and conditions ever converge again? If, having patiently awakened to anutpāda, he enters the defilements to benefit sentient beings, even if there should be retribution to repay, it would be just as it is said: 'Facing the naked blade / Is like cutting through the spring breeze.' How could this be equal to ordinary beings in the six destinies?