藥師經疏 1.100

1.100

Sūtra: “Therefore […] expedients.” / Second, the affirmative explanation. Therefore, teaching incantations, medicines, and expedients is the method for eliminating untimely deaths. Thus, the Tang version says: “Therefore, he encourages fashioning life-prolonging banners and lamps and cultivating various merits; by cultivating merit, one exhausts one's lifespan without undergoing pain and affliction.” The Song version also says: “I have heard the World-Honoured One speak of various untimely deaths, and he encourages the fashioning of banners and lamps to cause them to cultivate merit.” It also says: “Formerly, a śrāmaṇera saved ants, and because he cultivated merit, he exhausted his lifespan without further undergoing pain and affliction, his body was peaceful, and the power of his merit was strong, bringing this about.” What is the meaning of this answer? In general, untimely deaths are all indeterminate karma. If this karma receives the support of favourable conditions, it can be extended; if it does not receive the support of favourable conditions, it will be cut short. Therefore, he encourages fashioning banners and lamps and cultivating merit such as revering the Three Jewels, because using the cultivation of merit as a supporting favourable condition enables this person to exhaust the lifespan induced by their previous karma, and they will never midway encounter or further undergo unjust and untimely pain and affliction.