法苑珠林 47.49

47.49

Furthermore, the *Saddharmasmṛtyupasthāna-sūtra* states: “If sentient beings, seeing others’ relatives and friends destroying each other and harboring knots of resentment, are able to bring them into harmony, then upon the end of their lives they are reborn in the Kāmadhātu heavens; in accord with whatever their minds desire, they immediately obtain the five desires to enjoy themselves. If sentient beings, seeing people ruined or plundered by others, rescue them and enable them to escape; or in treacherous places teach people the correct path; or in places of doubt and dread cause others to be safe and secure—then upon the end of their lives they are reborn in the heavens of upright conduct, where heavenly maidens make offerings to them and they receive the pleasures of the five desires. If reborn among humans, they are born into families of wealthy elders possessing right view. If there are people capable of cultivating a gentle and deep mind, free from all defilements, nirvāṇa and liberation will be as if held in their very hands. The mind of a gentle-hearted person is like soft solder; practicing good karma, he is trusted by all. The mind of a coarse and fierce person is like vajra; he constantly fails to forget his resentments, his conduct is untamed, and he is hated, disliked, and distrusted by all.”
At that time, the Peacock Bodhisattva, drawing upon the verses of the Buddha’s sūtras, spoke these stanzas: