法苑珠林 70.18

70.18

Therefore, the Bodhisattvabhūmi-śāstra states: The offense of frivolous speech also causes sentient beings to fall into the three evil destinies. If born among humans, they receive two kinds of retributive fruits: first, whatever words they speak are not believed or accepted by others; second, whatever they say cannot be clearly understood. Why does frivolous speech cause one to fall into hell? Because speech that lacks meaningful purpose causes harm to others in practice; therefore, at the end of life, one suffers the torments of hell. Why does one emerge from hell as an animal due to frivolous speech? Because frivolous speech goes against human propriety and reason; therefore, upon leaving hell, one receives an animal's body. Why does frivolous speech lead further to becoming a hungry ghost? Because frivolous speech is obstructed by the delusion of stinginess; through the delusion of stinginess, one becomes a hungry ghost. Why, as a result of the offense of frivolous speech, when born among humans, are one's words not believed or accepted by others? Because frivolous speech is inherently unworthy of being accepted. Why does frivolous speech result in what one says not being clearly understood? Because frivolous speech stems entirely from ignorance and obscurity; as the retribution of ignorance and obscurity, it cannot be clearly understood. One should know that frivolous speech constitutes the seventh great suffering.