法苑珠林 6.87

6.87

As for "animals" (chūsheng), as explained in the *Vibhāṣā-śāstra*, sheng means sentient beings, and chū means to raise or domesticate. It means that they walk horizontally, are by nature foolish and deluded, cannot sustain themselves, and are raised and domesticated by others; hence they are called "animals." The question is asked: If they are called animals because they are raised and domesticated, then how could dragons that move through water, on land, or through the sky be raised by humans so as to be called animals? The answer is: The meaning of "being raised" is broad, fully encompassing the human realm and up to the six [desire] heavens; while "not being raised" covers a narrow domain, existing only within the human realm, in mountains, wildernesses, and marshes. Furthermore, in ancient times dragons were also raised by humans, which is fully recorded in literature and history. Here, following what is predominantly domesticated, they are called animals. Moreover, the *Lokasthit[y-abhidharma]-śāstra* states: "The Sanskrit name for animal is tiryag-yoni (pronounced *dǐlìchē*). Because of karma of deceit and crookedness, they receive birth among them." It also says: "Sentient beings of this destiny mostly move with their bodies prone; therefore they are called tiryag-yoni."