法苑珠林 11.9

11.9

"The five desires are impermanent and destroy merit; / The six dusts are empty illusions that harm sentient beings. / The retributions of the worldly realm originally deceive people; / What wise person could linger in them for even a moment? / The foolish are unsatisfied even in heaven; / How much less can they find contentment among humans! / They do not realise they are tainted and defiled by desires, / Like dry grass ignited by fierce fire. / Formerly, the holy king Māndhātṛ / Subdued the four realms, flying on a golden wheel; / He even obtained half the throne of Śakra, / Yet suddenly greed arose and he fell. / Even if one were to rule this entire earth, / In the mind one would still desire to absorb other regions. / Worldly people indulge their desires without satiety, / Like the great ocean receiving all flowing streams."