法苑珠林 67.23

67.23

As stated in the Sūtra on Karmic Retribution and Teaching about the Hells: At that time, the Bodhisattva Xinxiang initiated the query on behalf of all sentient beings and said to the Buddha: 'World-Honoured One, now there are sentient beings suffering retribution who are chopped by hell wardens on mortar blocks, their bodies cut from head to foot, and even to their crowns; after cutting them to pieces, a miraculous wind blows them back to life, whereupon they are cut again. By what sin was this incurred?' The Buddha said: 'Because in their past lives they were held guilty of lacking faith in the Three Jewels, of unfilial behavior toward their parents, and of being butchers and executioners who slaughtered and dismembered sentient beings, they have incurred this retribution.'