法苑珠林 70.16

70.16

Therefore the *Bodhisattvabhūmi-śāstra* says: "The sin of harsh speech also causes sentient beings to fall into the three evil destinies. If born among humans, one receives two kinds of retribution: first, constantly hearing harsh sounds; second, whatever one says always leads to disputes." Why does harsh speech lead to a fall into hell? Because harsh speech always intends to harm people, and people suffer upon hearing it; therefore, at the end of life, one receives the suffering of hell. Why does harsh speech lead to emerging as an animal? Because with harsh speech one scolded people as animals; therefore, emerging from hell, one becomes an animal. Why does harsh speech lead to becoming a hungry ghost? Because of stinginess, whenever offended, one scolds; therefore, when animal suffering ends, one becomes a hungry ghost. Why does harsh speech cause one, as a human, to constantly hear harsh sounds? Because one uttered coarse and base words, what one hears is constantly harsh. Why does whatever one says always lead to disputes? Because harsh speech goes against all virtues, whatever one says always brings about disputes. One should know that harsh speech brings six great sufferings.