法苑珠林 23.46

23.46

Furthermore, the Samyuktāvadāna-sūtra states that there are eighteen matters extremely difficult in the world: 1. It is difficult to encounter the era of a Buddha. 2. Even if one encounters a Buddha, it is difficult to obtain a human body. 3. Even if one becomes a human, it is difficult to be born in the Central Realm. 4. Even if born in the Central Realm, it is difficult to be born into a noble clan. 5. Even if born into a noble clan, it is difficult to have the four limbs and six sense faculties intact. 6. Even if the four limbs and six sense faculties are intact, it is difficult to acquire property and wealth. 7. Even if one acquires wealth, it is difficult to encounter a good friend (kalyāṇamitra). 8. Even if one encounters a good friend, it is difficult to be endowed with wisdom. 9. Even if one is endowed with wisdom, it is difficult to possess a wholesome mind. 10. Even if one possesses a wholesome mind, it is difficult to be able to practice dāna. 11. Even if one is able to practice dāna, it is difficult to seek out worthy, good, and virtuous persons. 12. Even if one finds worthy and good persons, it is difficult to meet virtuous persons and go to their presence. 13. Even if one goes to their presence, it is difficult to find an opportune moment. 14. Even if one finds an opportune moment, it is difficult to receive and listen to their exposition. 15. Even if one listens to the exposition, it is difficult to attain correct understanding and wisdom. 16. Even if one attains understanding, it is difficult to be able to accept the profound sūtras. 17. Even if one accepts the profound sūtras, it is difficult to practice in accordance with the teaching. 18. Even if one can accept the profound sūtras and practice in accordance with the teaching, it is difficult to realize the holy fruit. These are the eighteen difficult matters.