法苑珠林 98.14

98.14

Furthermore, according to the Nyāyānusāra-śāstra: These five turbidities merely manifest in sequence the five marks of decline when they are exceedingly flourishing. What are called the five marks of decline? First, the decline of lifespan, because its duration is extremely short. Second, the decline of requisites, because they lack lustre. Third, the decline of wholesome states, because beings delight in evil conduct. Fourth, the decline of tranquillity, because they mutually conflict and fall into wrangling and strife. Fifth, the decline of physical substance, because they are not vessels for supramundane merits. It is in order to sequentially display the differences among these five kinds of decline that the five turbidities are distinguished.