法苑珠林 1.10

1.10

Now, a 'kalpa' is a name for recording time, just like an era name. However, time has no separate substantial entity; it is elucidated in terms of dharmas. The reason why the sacred teachings extensively record it is that although it is not the sublime regulation of contemplation on principle, it is nevertheless the profound purport of admonition and encouragement. If one treads the deluded ford with past consciousness, numbers as manifold as specks of dust are easily exhausted; but if one returns to the path of awakening at the initial mind, the period of asaṃkhyeya kalpas is difficult to fulfill. This is the difference between delusion and awakening. Then again, from the fortress of mustard seeds in the Avīci hell, one's lifespan is bounded by past karma; whereas in the heavens, one's bodily form is received for the duration of the cloth rubbing the rock. This is the distinction between good and bad. As for the Sahā world, a fleeting moment is called a century; whereas in the Kāṣāya Buddha-field, an eternal kalpa is regarded as a single day. Such is the difference between defilement and purity. Speaking generally, they do not exceed major and minor. Within both major and minor, each has three. The major calamities are formed by water, fire, and wind; the minor calamities inflict harm through weapons, famine, and pestilence. Thus we know that the splendid sights of six years ultimately burn to submerged ashes, and the thousand Brahma jewelled terraces in the end drift and sink beneath pouring rains. In addition, medical prognostications provide no signs, and rain-seeking prayers lose their efficacy; frosted halberds join blades, and stellar swords cross points. Cruel venom afflicts living beings until they collapse and perish almost entirely. Fearing that the tridhātu has not yet awakened, one laments over the ṣaḍgati with grief!