經律異相 49.18

49.18

生天墮地獄。各有迎人。人病欲死時。眼自見來迎。應生天上者天人持天衣伎樂來迎。應生他方者眼見尊人為說妙言。應墮地獄者眼見兵士持刀楯矛戟索圍遶之。所見不同。口不能言。各隨所作得其果報。天無枉濫。平直無二。隨其所作天網治之（出淨度三昧經。華嚴經云。人欲終時見中陰相。行惡業者見三惡受苦。或見閻羅持諸兵仗囚執將去。或聞苦聲。若行善者見諸天宮殿伎女莊嚴遊戲快樂如是等勝事）。

For rebirth in heaven or falling into hell, each has welcomers. When a person is sick and on the verge of death, their eyes personally see them come to welcome them. For those due to be born in heaven, devas bearing heavenly garments, music, and entertainments come to welcome them. For those due to be born in other regions, their eyes see venerable persons preaching wondrous words for them. For those due to fall into hell, their eyes see soldiers holding swords, shields, spears, halberds, and ropes surrounding them. What they see is different, yet their mouths cannot speak. Each follows what they have done to receive their karmic retribution. Heaven is never unjust or arbitrary; it is impartial and without bias. Following what one has done, the net of heaven administers justice (from the *Jìngdù sānmèi jīng*. The *Avataṃsaka-sūtra* states: "When a person is on the verge of death, they see the signs of the intermediate existence. Those who practiced evil karma see the three evil paths and experience suffering, or see Yama holding various weapons, binding and taking them away, or hear cries of pain. If they practiced good deeds, they see the heavenly palaces, divine maidens, adornments, and joyful amusements, such supreme matters").