法苑珠林 48.31

48.31

"Fourth, King Yama asks again: 'When you were human, did you not see those who died in the world—either their corpses were buried or abandoned, and after seven days their flesh and muscle decomposed, and foxes and myriad birds gathered to eat them? When ordinary people die, their bodies rot and putrefy; did you not see this?' The person answers, 'There was such a thing.' The king says: 'Did you think you alone could strive and avoid death? All who are born are bound by principle to die. Hearing that you were in the world, you should have constantly done good, controlled your body, speech, and mind, and upheld the scriptures and precepts. How could you indulge yourself?' The person answers, 'It was because of my foolish blindness.' The king says: 'You yourself committed evil; 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 fourth divine messenger.