法苑珠林 70.9

70.9

Furthermore, the *Saṃyuktaratnapiṭaka-sūtra* says: At that time there was a ghost who said to Maudgalyāyana: "Venerable One! My belly is huge like a vat, while my throat, hands, and feet are as thin as needles, so that I cannot eat or drink. What was the cause for receiving such suffering?" Maudgalyāyana answered: "In your previous life you were a village chieftain. Relying on your nobility, you indulged freely in food and drink, looked down upon and cheated other people, snatched their food and drink, and starved sentient beings. Due to this cause, you receive such punishment. This is [only] the preliminary blossom of retribution; the bitter fruit of hell lies yet in the future."