法苑珠林 65.5

65.5

蓋閒。元元雜類莫不貪生。蠢蠢迷徒咸知畏死。所以失林窮虎。乃委命於廬中。鎩翮驚禽。遂投身於案側。至如楊生養雀。寧有意於玉環。孔氏放龜。本無情於金印。而冥期弗爽雅報斯臻。故知因果業行皎然如日。且大悲之化。救苦為端。弘誓之心。濟生為本。但五部名族。皆以列鼎相誇。三市逸仁。莫不鼓刀成務。群生何罪。枉見刑殘。含識無𮘧。橫逢爼醢致使怨魂不斷苦報相酬。今勸仁者。同修慈行。所有危悑並存放捨。縱彼飛沈隨其飲啄。當使紫鱗頳尾並相望於江湖。錦臆翠毛等。逍遙於雲漢。或聽三歸而寤道。何異瞽龍。聞四諦而生天。更同鸚鳥。共立長壽之基。同招常命之果也。

It is observed that among the myriad classes of beings, none do not crave life; the crawling and bewildered masses all know to fear death. Thus the tiger in dire straits that lost its forest entrusts its life to a hut, and the startled bird with clipped wings throws itself beside a desk. As for Master Yang caring for the sparrow, how could he have harboured an intention for jade rings? Master Kong releasing the turtle originally had no thought for a golden seal. Yet the unseen terms were never amiss, and refined retributions arrived accordingly. Thus we know that karmic actions of cause and effect are as luminous as the sun. Moreover, in the transforming influence of Great Compassion, rescuing from suffering is the foremost; in the mind of the great vow, delivering life is the basis. Yet the noble families of the five regions boast of their ranks of cauldrons, and the easy-going men of the three markets all ply their cleavers as their business. What crime have the multitude of beings committed that they are unjustly subjected to mutilation? The sentient beings are without fault, yet they encounter the butcher's board and mince-meat, causing resentful souls to be continuous and painful retributions to be repaid to one another. Now I encourage benevolent ones to cultivate compassionate deeds together. Whatever lives are in peril and dread, set them free altogether; let those that fly or submerge follow their own drinking and pecking. Cause the purple scales and red tails to gaze at one another in the rivers and lakes, and the brocade breasts and kingfisher feathers to roam freely among the clouds. Some may hear the Three Refuges and awaken to the Way—how are they different from the blind dragon? Some may hear the Four Truths and be born in heaven—further matching the parrot. Together establish the foundation of longevity, and together attain the fruit of perpetual life.