法苑珠林 99.24

99.24

Regarding the fourth, the arhat of no-more-learning: When cultivating the path, because he was on the stage of training, he took no pleasure in the beginning and end [of rebirth], having no pleasure at all. He does not crave the three realms; he has severed all fetters, and the three poisons are forever eliminated. With his intent focused on the faculties, the powers, and the factors of awakening, he regards cessation as tranquility. For example, a king unleashes an intoxicated elephant with sharp, ferocious tusks: anyone who encounters it dies. It is also like a poisonous dragon constantly spewing venomous breath: anyone who meets it perishes. It is also like a viper constantly harboring venomous wrath: anyone who touches it is harmed. The afflictions of the three poisons are also like this: whenever they are stirred and touched, they harm all and cast them down into the three realms; only the ten powers, the factors of awakening, and liberations can eliminate and sever them, while nothing else can. The practitioner reflects to himself: 'Now at this time, I have already become an arhat, attained non-attachment, forever exhausted all outflows, cultivated pure conduct, done what was to be done, laid down the heavy burden, attained my own benefit, severed birth and death, obtained equal wisdom, accomplished the dharmas of no-more-learning, and crossed over self and other.' Thereupon the verses say: