一切經音義 97.177

97.177

Trapdoor spider 翳蟷 (the lower character has the sound 當 [dāng]). The edition under collation writes 甞, which is incorrect. Note: The yidang is an insect resembling a burrowing spider (蜘蛛/𮔪蟷). It dwells in holes in the ground and always shuts its entrance; hence it is called 'hidden door' (翳蟷). Turning its back to the light and dwelling in darkness, it serves as a metaphor for ignorance (avidyā), the rākṣasa, and the King of Death consuming the wisdom-life of sentient beings. Hence it says: 'Aware of the trapdoor spider creeping up from behind.' The jackal or wolf represents the mind of greedy desire; hence it says: 'Seeing the wild wolf confronting one ahead.' Knowing the moment of ruin and death is pressing near, greedy passions are calmed, and one is immediately able to uphold the precepts.