法苑珠林 52.20

52.20

The Buddha told the elder: 'Death cannot be avoided; what is gone cannot be pursued.' The elder addressed the Buddha: 'What were this child's past karmic offenses and merits?' The Buddha said: 'In a previous life, this child took joy in giving and respected others; by virtue of this merit, he was born into an eminent and wealthy family. Yet he took joy in hunting and injuring life, causing his life to be short. Offenses and merit follow a person like a shadow following a form.' Overjoyed, the elder attained the acceptance of phenomena.