法苑珠林 68.13

68.13

Second, such unwholesome karma further has eight kinds of differences in weight. What are the eight? 1. The preliminary preparation is heavy, while the fundamental action and the completion are light. 2. The fundamental action is heavy, while the preliminary preparation and the completion are light. 3. The completion is heavy, while the preliminary preparation and the fundamental action are light. 4. The preliminary preparation and fundamental action are heavy, while the completion is light. 5. The preliminary preparation and completion are heavy, while the fundamental action is light. 6. The fundamental action and completion are heavy, while the preliminary preparation is light. 7. The preliminary preparation, fundamental action, and completion are all heavy. 8. The preliminary preparation, fundamental action, and completion are all light. The object is identical, yet due to the power of the mind, one obtains heavy or light retribution. It is like the ten wholesome courses of karma having three aspects: first, the preliminary preparation; second, the fundamental action; third, the completion. If someone is able to diligently bow to and make offerings to their parents, teachers, preceptors, and virtuous people, inquiring after them with prior consideration and gentle words, this is called preliminary preparation. If, after completing the act, they can cultivate a mindful, joyful, and unregretful mind, this is called completion. Being focused and dedicated at the time of the action is called the fundamental action. As this is true of the ten wholesome acts, so it is of the ten unwholesome acts.