法苑珠林 46.33

46.33

Furthermore, the Old Samyuktāvadāna-sūtra says: In the past there was a turtle that encountered a drought; the lake dried up, and it was unable to reach a pool with food on its own. At that time, a great crane landed beside it. The turtle begged it for pity, asking to be saved and carried across. The crane took it up in its beak and flew over a town. The turtle would not remain silent; it continually asked, 'What is this? What is this?' The crane then answered it. When its beak opened, the turtle fell down, and people caught it, slaughtered it, and ate it. When people are foolish and dull and do not guard their tongues, it is just like this.