諸經要集 13.59

13.59

Therefore the Bodhisattvabhūmi says: The sin of harsh speech also causes sentient beings to fall into the three evil destinies. If born among humans, they receive two kinds of retribution: first, they constantly hear harsh sounds; second, whatever they say is always disputed and contested. Why does harsh speech lead to falling into hell? Because their harsh speech always seeks to harm others, and others suffer upon hearing it; therefore, at the end of life they suffer the pains of hell. Why does one emerge from hell through harsh speech to become an animal? Because with harsh speech they cursed people as beasts; therefore, upon emerging from hell they become animals. Why does harsh speech further lead to becoming a hungry ghost? Because due to stinginess they provoked others with foul cursing; therefore, when their suffering as animals is finished, they become hungry ghosts. Why does harsh speech cause one who becomes a human to constantly hear harsh sounds? Because their speech was coarse and vulgar, what they hear is constantly harsh. Why is whatever is said through harsh speech constantly disputed and contested? Because their harsh speech opposes all virtues, whenever they say something, it constantly leads to disputes. One should know that harsh speech brings about the sixth great suffering.