諸經要集 17.86

17.86

The Za piyu jing also says: There are eighteen things in the world that are extremely difficult: First, it is difficult to encounter the era of a Buddha. Second, even if one encounters a Buddha, it is difficult to attain a human form. Third, even if one becomes a human, it is difficult to be born in the Central Country. Fourth, even if one is born in the Central Country, it is difficult to be born into a noble clan. Fifth, even if one is born into a noble clan, it is difficult for the four limbs and six sense faculties to be complete and intact. Sixth, even if the four limbs and six sense faculties are complete and intact, it is difficult to acquire wealth. Seventh, even if one acquires wealth, it is difficult to encounter a good spiritual friend (kalyāṇamitra). Eighth, even if one encounters a good spiritual friend, it is difficult to be endowed with wisdom. Ninth, even if one is endowed with wisdom, it is difficult to be endowed with a good mind. Tenth, even if one is endowed with a good mind, it is difficult to be able to practice giving (dāna). Eleventh, even if one is able to practice giving, it is difficult to find a worthy, good, and virtuous person [as recipient]. Twelfth, even if one finds a worthy, good, and virtuous person, it is difficult to go to their dwelling place. Thirteenth, even if one reaches their dwelling place, it is difficult to obtain an opportune circumstance. Fourteenth, even if one obtains an opportune circumstance, it is difficult to be able to listen to the exposition [of the Dharma]. Fifteenth, even if one listens to the exposition, it is difficult to attain correct understanding and wisdom. Sixteenth, even if one attains understanding, it is difficult to be able to uphold the profound scriptures. Seventeenth, even if one is able to uphold the profound scriptures, it is difficult to practice in accordance with what is taught. Eighteenth, even if one is able to uphold the profound scriptures and practice in accordance with what is taught, it is difficult to realize the noble fruition. These are the eighteen difficult things.