諸經要集 15.67

15.67

Furthermore, the Za piyu jing says: In the past, there was a snake whose head and tail argued with each other. The head said to the tail, 'I should be the leader.' The tail said to the head, 'I should be the leader.' The head said, 'I have ears that can hear, eyes that can see, and a mouth that can eat. When crawling, I am in front. Therefore I can be the leader. You have no such abilities; how could you be the leader?' The tail said, 'It is only because I let you go that you are able to go. If I do not go, I will coil myself around a tree three times for three days without stopping. You will not be able to seek food, and will starve nearly to death.' The head said to the tail, 'You may release me; I allow you to be the leader.' Hearing its words, the tail immediately released it. The head then said to the tail, 'Since you are the leader, I allow you to go in front.' The tail went in front, but before going several paces, it fell into a large, deep pit and died. This is an analogy for sentient beings who lack wisdom and forcibly assert self and other, ultimately falling into the three destinies.