諸經要集 17.89

17.89

故知。人身難遇易失。以易失故不須生著。當知人身念念近死。如牽猪羊詣於屠所。故涅槃經云。觀是壽命。常為無量怨讎所繞。念念損減無有增長。猶如瀑水不得停住。亦如朝霧勢不久停。如囚趣市步步近死。

Thus we know that the human body is difficult to encounter and easy to lose. Because it is easy to lose, one should not generate attachment to it. One should realize that with every thought-moment the human body draws closer to death, like pigs and sheep being led to the slaughterhouse. Therefore the Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra says: Observe this life: it is constantly surrounded by immeasurable enemies, diminishing at every thought-moment without any increase, just like a torrent that cannot be stayed, or like the morning mist whose presence does not last long, like a prisoner proceeding to the market-ground, drawing closer to death with every step.