諸經要集 13.83

13.83

"The eighth is human death: the four hundred and four ailments all arise at once; the four elements about to scatter, the soul-spirit restless; the wind departs and the breath is severed; the fire goes out and the body grows cold. Wind first and fire next, the conscious spirit departs and is lost. The physical body lies stiff and straight, knowing nothing anymore. Within a tenday, the flesh decays and blood flows forth, bloated, rotted, and foul-smelling, with nothing of it worthy of regard. There are worms within the body that turn back to eat its flesh. The tendons and vessels rot away completely, and the bones and joints can scatter. Skulls, spleens, and shins each lie in separate places. Flying birds and running beasts vie to come and eat them. Heavenly dragons, ghosts, and spirits, emperors, kings, and common people—neither poor nor rich, noble nor base can escape this affliction. Seeing such changes, I set out to seek the Way and wish never to undergo them again. This is my eighth teacher." Thereupon the Buddha spoke a verse, saying: