弘明集 13.8

13.8

Some also say that verbally speaking of unwholesome matters so as to cause others to adopt them as a fault also constitutes harsh speech. Regarding all these ten things, one must not allow a thought [of them] to arise even for an instant. These are the ten good deeds, also called the ten precepts. The five precepts restrain the physical form; the ten good deeds guard the mind. Because their application differs in coarseness and subtlety, the retribution differs in lightness and gravity. Wherever there is a realm with spatial boundaries, it is collectively called the three realms. Within the three realms, there are altogether five destinies: the first is devas; the second is humans; the third is animals; the fourth is hungry ghosts; the fifth is hell. One who preserves the five precepts completely possesses the human form; one who is fully equipped with the ten good deeds is born in the heavenly halls. One who preserves a single precept may also attain rebirth as a human. That there are high and low among humans, or differences in longevity and early death, is entirely due to having more or fewer precepts. The opposite of the ten good deeds is called the ten unwholesome deeds. If all ten unwholesome deeds are committed, one enters the hells. Those who are stubborn, contentious, and violent, refusing to accept loyal admonition, and those whose poisonous minds flourish within, sacrificing all for selfish ends while deceiving and endangering others, will either fall into the animal realm or be reborn as snakes and vipers. Those who are stingy, greedy, exclusively focused on profit, and constantly tormented by feeling unsatisfied, will fall among the hungry ghosts. If their offenses are relatively fewer but they harbor much secret selfishness and are not fair and upright, they will all fall among ghosts and spirits; although they receive minor blessings, they cannot avoid pain and suffering. These are called the three pathways, and are also called the three evil destinies.