法苑珠林 99.59

99.59

As the Sūtra on the Distinctive Initial Supreme Dharma-Door of Dependent Origination states: The World-Honoured One declared: Old age has five kinds of decline: first, the decline of beard and hair, because their color alters and deteriorates; second, the decline of physical appearance, because form, complexion, skin, and physical strength all deteriorate; third, the decline of bodily actions, because in uttering words the breath ascends with panting becoming ever more rapid, the body trembles and shakes, when standing one bends stooped because the waist and spine have no strength, when sitting one droops low because the body is frail, when walking one must lean on a staff because the body is empty and weak, and whatever one contemplates, the intellect is dull and memory is confused; fourth, the decline of enjoyment, because enjoyment of present requisites becomes inferior, one can no longer enjoy any instruments of amusement, and regarding the sensory spheres traversed by the physical faculties, one cannot move swiftly and clearly, or cannot move at all; fifth, the decline of the life faculty, because one's lifespan is nearly exhausted and death is imminent, being unable to withstand even slight causes of death. The Āgama states: Graying hair has four causes and conditions: first, excess of fire; second, excess of worry; third, excess of illness; fourth, early seeding. A fair person becoming sick and emaciated has four causes and conditions: first, eating little; second, having worry; third, much sorrow; fourth, having illness. An untamed person has four things that do not tell someone beforehand: first, graying hair; second, old age; third, illness; fourth, death. These four things can neither be avoided nor repelled. All flavors do not exceed eight kinds: first, bitter; second, astringent; third, pungent; fourth, salty; fifth, bland; sixth, sweet; seventh, sour; eighth, indeterminate flavor.