淨名經集解關中疏 1.288

1.288

"This body is like an abandoned well on a hill, pressed by old age." An 'abandoned well on a hill' refers to a ruined old village mound and its ancient well. When people and dwellings have moved to a new site, the well cannot be moved and is seen collapsing day by day. Human aging is also like this: vigor and youthful complexion completely depart, leaving behind only the declining, aged skeleton to disintegrate. This is the perception of aging and ruin. Sengzhao states: "The spirit dwelling in the body being pressed by old age and death is like a person in danger inside an abandoned well being pressed by dragons and serpents; the story is found in another sūtra."