諸經要集 20.16

20.16

'What is the suffering of old age? It refers to being raised by parents until grown up, relying on one's own strength and vigor, carrying light and bearing heavy loads without moderation, and disregarding cold and heat. When old age arrives, the head turns white, the teeth fall out, the eyes become dim and blurred, the ears no longer hear clearly, vitality departs and decline arrives, the skin slacks and the face wrinkles, the hundred joints ache, walking is extremely arduous, sitting down and standing up brings groaning, the mind is afflicted with worry and grief, consciousness and memory gradually fade, forgetting as soon as one turns around, life daily hastens toward its end, speaking of it brings forth tears, and sitting or standing requires [the support of] others. Is this not suffering?' They replied: 'It is great suffering.'