法苑珠林 66.40

66.40

The Buddha told his disciples: 'You too face seven matters: first, the great winds arising from the four directions refer to birth, old age, sickness, and death; second, the boundless greed and love of the six sense faculties are likened to the overflowing ship; third, falling into the water on the verge of death refers to falling into the grasp of Māra; fourth, the two dragons coming ashore to devour refer to the sun and moon consuming one's lifespan; fifth, the three venomous snakes on flat ground refer to the three poisons within the human body; sixth, the hot sand burning and scalding feet refers to the fires in hell; seventh, looking up and not seeing the sun or moon refers to the place of receiving punishment, being plunged into darkness with no date of emergence.' The Buddha told his disciples: 'You should understand these words. Do not encounter these things. By diligently practicing the six matters, you will attain liberation.'