翻譯名義集 5.123

5.123

[Four Snakes]
The Suvarṇaprabhāsa Sūtra says: "Just like four snakes dwelling together in a single basket; the four great vipers, their natures are each different." Tiantai explains: The two that ascend are yang, and the two that sink are yin. Why do they oppose each other? Because of their distinct natures. With distinct natures, how could they harmonize and combine to form a body?

Thus, the Mahāsaṃnipāta says: "Once, a person was fleeing from two drunken elephants (saṃsāra) and descended into a well (anitya) by grasping a vine (life faculty). There were two mice, one black and one white (sun and moon), gnawing on the vine and about to sever it; beside them were four snakes wishing to sting (the four great elements); below, three dragons breathed fire and spread their claws to resist him (the three poisons). The person looked up and saw the two elephants already looming above the well, sorrowful and without support. Suddenly, bees flew past, dropping honey into his mouth (the five desires). The person savored the honey, entirely forgetting the danger and terror."