諸經要集 12.93

12.93

Thirteenth, regarding the intermediate existence: it is rare and difficult for beings in hell to be reborn in heaven. Through the causes and conditions of residual good [karma], as their karma ripens, because their karma is exhausted, these hell-dwellers are about to gain release. When their life in this hell is about to end, signs appear. When life is about to end, if the hell wardens throw them into a cauldron, like water foam, once extinguished they are not reborn [there]. If they strike them with clubs, they die immediately upon being struck and are not reborn [there] again. If placed in an iron casket, having been placed in it they die immediately and are not reborn [there] again. If placed in the River of Ashes, having entered it they dissolve and are not reborn [there] again. If struck with iron clubs, they die immediately upon being struck and, having ceased, are not reborn [there]. If eaten by iron birds, they are not reborn [there]. If devoured by vicious beasts, they are not reborn [there]. When the evil karma of these hell-dwellers has been exhausted, after death they no longer see the hell wardens of Yama. Just as when oil and wick are exhausted no lamp flares, the intermediate existence of hell does not appear. Suddenly in empty space they see supreme singing, dancing, playing, and laughing; a fragrant breeze touches their bodies, and they experience supreme bliss. Wanting to approach the existence of birth, they are reborn either in the Heaven of the Thirty-Three or in the Heaven of the Four Heavenly Kings. This is called the thirteenth intermediate existence.