法苑珠林 48.29

48.29

"Second, King Yama asks again: 'When you were human, the divine messenger arrived next; were you able to perceive it or not?' The person answers, 'I did not perceive it.' The king says: 'Did you not see people in the world grown old, with white hair and fallen teeth, emaciated, bent over, walking low, leaning on a cane in their daily movements—did you not see this?' The person answers, 'There was such a thing.' The king says: 'Did you think you alone could escape and avoid aging? All who are born are subject to the principle of aging and decrepitude. One should constantly do good, straighten body, speech, and mind, and uphold the scriptures and precepts. How could you indulge yourself?' The person answers, 'It was because of my foolishness.' The king says: 'You yourself committed evil out of foolishness; it was not the fault of your parents, sovereign, gods, śramaṇas, or practitioners of the Way. The offense originated solely with you. How could you not enjoy it [before]? Now you must receive [its retribution].' This is King Yama revealing the second divine messenger.