經律異相 44.14

44.14

In the past, there was a man whose spirit, after his death, returned to caress the side of his former bones. Someone asked him: 'You are already dead; why do you return to caress these dry bones?' The spirit said: 'This is my former body. It did not take life, steal, commit adultery, engage in double-tongued speech, harsh cursing, false speech, or frivolous talk, nor did it harbor jealousy, anger, or folly. After death, I was born in heaven, where whatever I wish comes naturally and my happiness is boundless. Therefore, I love and cherish it' (from the lower fascicle of the *Jiu za piyu jing*).