法苑珠林 91.57

91.57

夫好生惡死。含識之所同欣。喜利怒害。仁智之所不免。是以居終蹈義。或愜於情。枉性傷和。每切餘恨。史遷曰。死有輕於鴻毛。莊周曰。生則重於天下。故生死違性則怨酷冥道。賞罰乖序。則哀聲氣結。影響於耳目。寤寐於精爽無往不復。吁可畏哉。庶權豪之地。覽明鏡而絀威。利欲之情。啟元龜而克念。無辜者。獲腰領之全。履福者。同劫石之壽也。

Now, loving life and detesting death is that in which all sentient beings equally rejoice; delighting in benefit and angering at harm is that which even the benevolent and wise cannot avoid. For this reason, abiding in one’s end while treading the path of righteousness may satisfy the sentiments; but warping one's nature and harming harmony constantly provokes lingering resentment. Sima Qian said, “A death may be lighter than a swan feather.” Zhuang Zhou said, “Life is weightier than the empire.” Therefore, when life and death transgress one's nature, grievances and cruelty reach the unseen realm; when rewards and punishments deviate from order, mournful sounds and breaths become choked. Echoing in the ears and eyes, haunting the vital spirits waking or sleeping, there is nothing going forth that does not return. Alas, how terrifying! It is hoped that those in positions of power and nobility will inspect the bright mirror and temper their authority; and those with feelings of profit and desire will consult the primal tortoise and master their thoughts. May the innocent preserve the wholeness of their waist and neck, and may those who tread in fortune enjoy a longevity equal to the kalpa-stone.