盂蘭盆經讚述 1.12

1.12

[The sūtra says:] "Upon receiving the bowl of rice, the mother immediately shielded the rice with her left hand and took the food with her right hand; before the food entered her mouth, it turned into fire and ashes." / The commentary says: This is having no benefit. It explains that although Maudgalyāyana brought food to save her, it was of no benefit to his mother. Shielding the rice with the left hand shows stinginess; taking the food with the right hand shows greed. As soon as his mother gave rise to stinginess and covetousness, her shielding and grasping crisscrossed, and the fragrant food inside the bowl rapidly transformed.