經律異相 50.16

50.16

As for the Hell of the Sword Forest: It spans eight thousand yojanas and is filled with sword trees. They have red-hot iron pellets as their fruit. The trees are twenty-four yojanas high. Because of being unfilial to parents, disrespectful to teachers and elders, committing evil karma of speech, lacking a mind of compassion and love, and attacking people with blades and staves, when [such a person] is about to die, his mind is like paste or glue, forming attachments everywhere. He then forms this thought: 'My mind is bound and attached, clinging to everything without letting go. Indulging in alcohol and craving sensuality, even when encountering suffering and disaster my mind still does not cease. If I could obtain a sharp blade to sever this craving!' In response to his voice, the hell wardens transform into attendants holding mirrors, who say: 'Your mind has much attachment; you may look into this mirror.' He sees the image of a sharp sword.