諸經要集 12.14

12.14

Third: Rebuking the suffering of desires. As the Dazhidulun states: "A practitioner should rebuke the five desires, saying: 'How lamentable that sentient beings are constantly afflicted by the five desires, yet seek them without cease, about to plunge into a great pit! When obtained, they become ever more severe, like fire scorching a scabies rash. The five desires are of no benefit, like a dog gnawing a bone. The five desires increase contention, like crows fighting over meat. The five desires burn people, like holding a torch against the wind. The five desires harm people, like treading on a vicious snake. The five desires have no reality, like what is gained in a dream. The five desires do not last, like something borrowed for a brief moment. Foolish and deluded worldly people greedily cling to the five desires without letting go until death, on account of which they will suffer immeasurable pain in future lives. When these five desires are obtained, there is momentary joy; when lost, there is great suffering. They are like a knife smeared with honey: the one who licks it covets the sweetness, unaware that it cuts the tongue.' These five desires are called form, sound, smell, taste, and touch. These five things are the direct hindrances for the meditator; if one wishes to cultivate concentration, they must all be abandoned." (The preceding three sections generally contemplate the five desires; the following five sections specifically rebuke the five desires.)