法苑珠林 69.64

69.64

Furthermore, the Ekottarika-āgama states: At that time, the World-Honoured One told the monks: 'There are now four kinds of people who appear in the world. What are the four? There are those who are first in suffering and later in joy; there are those who are first in joy and later in suffering; there are those who are first in suffering and later in suffering; and there are those who are first in joy and later in joy. How is someone first in suffering and later in joy? Some person is born into a lowly family, lacking sufficient clothing and food, yet has no wrong views. Understanding that the retribution for past virtue of generosity attracts a wealthy and noble household, whereas failing to perform the virtue of generosity constantly meets with poverty, lowliness, and a lack of clothing and food, they therefore turn toward repentance, change their past actions, and share whatever surplus they have equally with others. If born among humans, they will have abundant wealth and precious treasures without any lack. This is called a person who is first in suffering and later in joy. What kind of person is first in joy and later in suffering? Some person is born into a prominent clan with an abundance of clothing and food, yet that person constantly harbours wrong views, which correspond with extreme views. Later, they are born into hell; and if they manage to become human, they are born into a destitute family without clothing or food. This is called a person who is first in joy and later in suffering. What kind of person is first in suffering and later in suffering? Some person is first born into a lowly family, lacking clothing and food, and moreover harbours wrong views, which correspond with extreme views. Later, they are born into hell; and if born among humans, they are exceedingly impoverished and lowly, lacking clothing and food. This is called being first in suffering and later in suffering. What kind of person is first in joy and later in joy? Some person is first born into a wealthy and noble family, with abundant wealth and precious treasures, revering the Three Jewels and constantly practising generosity. Later, they are born among humans or gods, constantly receiving wealth and nobility with abundant treasures. This is called a person who is first in joy and later in joy.' At that time, the Buddha told the monks: 'Some sentient beings are first in suffering and later in joy; some are first in joy and later in suffering; some are first in suffering and later also in suffering; some are first in joy and later also in joy. If a person's lifespan is one hundred years, it is just ten decades. In those one hundred years, they may perform various meritorious virtues, or in those one hundred years, they may commit various evil karmas. At other times, they may experience joy in winter and suffering in summer. Or, they may create merit for a short time and commit evil for a long time; when born later, they will receive merit for a short time and punishment for a long time. If they commit evil for a short time and create merit for a long time, when born later, they will receive punishment for a short time and experience joy for a long time. Or, if they commit evil for a short time and again commit evil for a long time, when that person is born later, they will first suffer and later also suffer. If they create merit for a short time and again create merit for a long time, when born later, they will first have joy and later also have joy.'