法苑珠林 72.30

72.30

Next, relying on the treatise, it cites the Prajñapti-śāstra as saying: If the meritorious karma of the parents is superior and the child's meritorious karma is inferior, the child cannot enter the womb. If the parents' merit is inferior and meager and the child's meritorious karma is superior, the child cannot enter the womb. Only when the meritorious karma of the parents and child, all three, are equal can the child enter the womb. Question: If a wealthy, noble man unites with an impoverished, lowly woman, or a wealthy, noble woman unites with an impoverished, lowly man, how can an intermediate being also enter the womb? Answer: When a wealthy, noble man unites with an impoverished, lowly woman, he will certainly give rise to a conception of inferiority regarding himself and a conception of venerability and superiority regarding that woman. When a wealthy, noble woman unites with an impoverished, lowly man, she will certainly give rise to a conception of inferiority regarding herself and a conception of venerability and superiority regarding that man. When an impoverished, lowly man unites with a wealthy, noble woman, he will certainly give rise to a conception of venerability and superiority regarding himself and a conception of inferiority regarding that woman. When an impoverished, lowly woman unites with a wealthy, noble man, she will certainly give rise to a conception of venerability and superiority regarding herself and a conception of inferiority regarding that man. One should know that it is also like this when the child is about to enter the womb in relation to the parents. Therefore, when entering the womb, there is an aspect of equality in all cases.