諸經要集 6.37

6.37

Now, performing good evokes joy just as a shadow follows the form; doing evil incurs suffering just as a sound produces an echo. Therefore, wealth is like pearls and jade, and nobility is like Xiao and Cao: brocade and embroidery are worn as clothing, and gold and silver build houses; clouds rise before the dragon's breath, and wind stirs above the phoenix flutes. One strides with clinking pendants in spacious halls, or saunters along extended galleries; extending pearl-adorned shoes upon cinnabar steps, or wearing golden cicadas before green lattice-doors. When eating, delicious delicacies fill the tables, sea and land bounties spread before them; tripod cauldrons arrayed like stars, their fragrant aromas drifting like clouds. When sitting, there are high halls and elegant chambers, jade terraces and pearl blinds; strings, bamboo, zithers, and pipes play crisp and fluttering tunes. When sleeping, orchid-scented lamps shine brightly, embroidered curtains cast soft shade; brocade quilts are spread out, and fine fleece rugs are brushed. When traveling, a team of four horses flies like lightning, and palanquins roll like thunder; a thousand chariots and ten thousand horsemen rumble in a mighty throng. Briefly setting forth the causes of merit: such are the good retributions. Because of past practice of dāna, these superior benefits are enjoyed.