法苑珠林 47.7

47.7

As the Vimalakīrti-sūtra says: "Therefore, only with a number of bitter and cutting words can one enter into the discipline." The Book says: "Hearing admonition like flowing water"—these words are worthy of note. The stubborn and obstinate who lack faith are like wild horses hard to tame. Beating the breast with much shame, one should constantly use this to admonish oneself. It is hoped that those who hear these treatises will express their innermost feelings. Now, if one wishes to seal one's speech and regulate one's body, it is best first to curb one's mind and next to subdue one's intention. Thus scripture says: "Restrain it in one place, and there is nothing that cannot be accomplished." For example, foxes and hares dare not dwell in the caves of golden mountains; frogs and turtles refuse to lodge in deep, clear oceans. Thus we know that if one cleanses one's mind and purifies one's intention, then the retribution of the three wretched paths will cease and the four virtues will always be fulfilled. Guard the mind like a city; watch over the mouth like a jar. One may say that the final entrustment at the Golden River belongs to such a person; the broad transformation at the Jade Gate is truly verified herein. Having spurred these three karmas, one can then eliminate the four afflictions. What are the four afflictions? They are birth, old age, sickness, and death. Thus the Garbhāvakrānti-sūtra says: "When sentient beings enter the womb, they experience all hardships. In murky obscurity, like floating dust. When the ten months are nearly full, the mother's womb experiences suffering. The winds of karma urge it on, directing the head toward the birth canal. Falling to the ground, the whip-like touch is as if upon a mountain of knives; the wind's biting cold touch is like freezing ice. At that moment, birth is truly suffering." Moreover, the Nirvāṇa-sūtra says: "For example, the wick of a lamp relies solely on grease and oil; once the grease and oil are exhausted, its light cannot last long. Man is also like this; he relies solely on the grease of vitality; once the grease of vitality is exhausted, how could the wick of decrepit old age remain long?" Moreover, in the Udāna-sūtra, the Buddha spoke a verse on the suffering of old age, saying: