廣弘明集 3.19

3.19

The fifth explanation states: Although the physical body dies, the consciousness still endures. When a person lives in the world, looking toward a future body, it seems unconnected; but after death, it is related to the previous body just like old age and youth, or morning and evening. In the world there are spirits that manifest in dreams, or descend upon male and female servants, or affect wives and children, seeking food and drink or demanding blessings; instances of this are by no means few. When people today suffer poverty, lowliness, illness, and hardship, none fail to complain and resent; yet in previous lives they did not cultivate merit. Discussing it in this way, how can one not lay the groundwork for it? Having children and grandchildren is naturally just having another living being between heaven and earth; what does it have to do with oneself that one loves and protects them, leaving them an estate and foundation? How much more so should one not suddenly cast aside one's own spiritual soul? Therefore, the two Shus grasped one aspect of this, and for successive generations their praise has shone ever brighter.