法苑珠林 65.5

65.5

It is observed that among the myriad classes of beings, none do not crave life; the crawling and bewildered masses all know to fear death. Thus the tiger in dire straits that lost its forest entrusts its life to a hut, and the startled bird with clipped wings throws itself beside a desk. As for Master Yang caring for the sparrow, how could he have harboured an intention for jade rings? Master Kong releasing the turtle originally had no thought for a golden seal. Yet the unseen terms were never amiss, and refined retributions arrived accordingly. Thus we know that karmic actions of cause and effect are as luminous as the sun. Moreover, in the transforming influence of Great Compassion, rescuing from suffering is the foremost; in the mind of the great vow, delivering life is the basis. Yet the noble families of the five regions boast of their ranks of cauldrons, and the easy-going men of the three markets all ply their cleavers as their business. What crime have the multitude of beings committed that they are unjustly subjected to mutilation? The sentient beings are without fault, yet they encounter the butcher's board and mince-meat, causing resentful souls to be continuous and painful retributions to be repaid to one another. Now I encourage benevolent ones to cultivate compassionate deeds together. Whatever lives are in peril and dread, set them free altogether; let those that fly or submerge follow their own drinking and pecking. Cause the purple scales and red tails to gaze at one another in the rivers and lakes, and the brocade breasts and kingfisher feathers to roam freely among the clouds. Some may hear the Three Refuges and awaken to the Way—how are they different from the blind dragon? Some may hear the Four Truths and be born in heaven—further matching the parrot. Together establish the foundation of longevity, and together attain the fruit of perpetual life.