經律異相 50.20

50.20

As for the Hell of the Iron Engine: There is an iron bed, measuring exactly four hundred yojanas in length and breadth. Arranged upon it are trigger mechanisms, and between the trigger mechanisms there are ten thousand billion iron crossbows. At the stock ends of the iron crossbows are one hundred billion sharp blades. Because of lustful desire being unfilial to parents, disrespectful to teachers and elders, failing to follow wholesome teachings, and killing living beings, when this person dies, his body trembles and shakes, and fluids flow from his six orifices. Seeing his own bed as like cotton wool, [he thinks]: 'If I could get a firm and cool place to lie down, would that not be pleasant?' The warden rākṣasas lift a bed on pitchforks, [spread with] fire-melting rugs, and go to the sinner's place. Rejoicing, he wishes to lie down; his breath ceases and his life ends, and he is born atop the iron engine. Ten thousand billion iron trigger mechanisms are moved from below, and the iron triggers rise up incalculably. The iron crossbows are all drawn at once, each shooting two iron arrows into the sinner's heart. In a single day and night, there are six hundred billion deaths and births. Afterward, he is born among animals for five hundred lifetimes, and then is reborn in the human realm, poor, lowly, and ordered about by others, frequently falling into penal prisons and constantly suffering beatings. Later, he meets a good spiritual friend and gives rise to the bodhicitta.