Sutra on the Distinction of Arising Good and Evil Spoken (佛說分別善惡所起經)

Sutra on Distinguishing the Causes of Good and Evil

The Buddha was staying at the Jetavana monastery in Shravasti, in the garden of Anathapindika. At that time, the Buddha, moved by compassion for all beings caught in birth and death, revealed the subtle signs that distinguish good from evil. These signs show that there are five realms—and that people’s good and evil deeds vary in measure, as do the degrees of their anger. The way of heaven is impartial, always favoring those who do good. What are the five realms? The first is the realm of heaven, the second the realm of humans, the third the realm of hungry ghosts, the fourth the realm of animals, and the fifth the realm of hell—the Naraka or Mount Tai hell.

People who do not seek the path that transcends this world will never be free from the suffering of birth and death. They revolve endlessly among the five realms, unable to find liberation. Wise and discerning people, weary of this suffering, serve their teacher when they meet him, and when he is absent, they think deeply on his instructions. A teacher guides people to abandon evil and follow good, showing them the path to liberation. Parents raise and care for their children, but that care lasts only for one lifetime, ending in old age, sickness, and death. The Buddha, however, saves people for countless eons without end. The wise and intelligent should reflect on this carefully.

The Buddha told his disciples, "Listen well, all of you. I will explain to you the blessings and misfortunes that come from good and evil." The disciples all knelt upright with their hands clasped and replied, "Yes, we are ready to receive your teachings."

The Buddha said: "When people in this world act with compassion and do not kill, they attain five blessings from not killing. What are these five? First, their lifespan increases. Second, their body is at peace and free from illness. Third, they are not harmed by weapons, tigers, wolves, or poisonous insects. Fourth, they are reborn in heaven, where life is endless. Fifth, when they descend from heaven to be born again in this world, they enjoy long life. The fact that we see people today who live to a hundred years old is entirely due to their not having killed in past lives. It is better to wish for death than to suffer in life—this is as clear as day. Be careful, never commit killing."

The Buddha said: "In this world, if a person does not take others' property, does not pick up lost items on the road, and is not greedy for gain, they will obtain five benefits. What are these five? First, their wealth will increase day by day. Second, they will not lose anything. Third, they will have nothing to fear. Fourth, they will be reborn in heaven, where treasures abound. Fifth, when they descend from heaven to be reborn in the human world, they will protect their property, and officials and thieves will not dare to take it. Those who now preserve their wealth into old age have done so because in past lives they did not take others' property. Loss, no matter how much, brings worry and distress. Keeping what you have is better than losing it. This is clear—be careful not to take others' property!"

The Buddha said: "In this world, those who do not seduce another’s wife or harbor improper thoughts gain five benefits. What are the five? First, they do not lose their wealth. Second, they do not fear the authorities. Third, they do not fear others. Fourth, they ascend to heaven and have celestial maidens as their spouses. Fifth, when they descend from heaven and are reborn in this world, they will have many beautiful and virtuous spouses. Now, if you see people with many beautiful and virtuous spouses, know that it is because in their past lives they did not commit adultery. This is clearly visible. So be careful—do not seduce another’s wife!"

The Buddha said: "In this world, those who do not engage in divisive speech, hurtful language, lies, or idle talk will obtain five benefits. What are these five? First, their words are always trusted. Second, they are loved by others. Third, their breath is pleasant and fresh. Fourth, they ascend to heaven and are honored by the celestial beings. Fifth, when they are reborn into the human world, they have a good voice and speech, and no one dares to insult or defile them with harsh words. You can see now that those who live from birth to old age without being slandered or verbally abused are people who guarded their speech and spoke kindly in previous lives. This is clear and evident—take care not to slander others recklessly!"

The Buddha said: "People in this world who do not get drunk from alcohol gain five benefits from not drinking. What are these five? First, when conveying messages to superiors or meeting with officials, their speech is accurate, and they succeed in their careers. Second, they manage household affairs well and always have surplus wealth. Third, when borrowing or seeking profit, they obtain it quickly and are also respected and loved by others. Fourth, they ascend to heaven and are honored by the heavenly beings. Fifth, when they descend from heaven and are reborn in the human world, they are pure and content, intelligent and insightful. All these result from not drinking alcohol in past lives. Be careful—never drink alcohol!"

The Buddha said: "In this world, if a person does not use weapons or sticks to threaten others, does not cause physical pain with hands or feet, does not stir up conflict or cause separations between people, and does not do to others what they themselves would not want, then from this they gain five good results. What are the five? First, their body remains strong and healthy. Second, whether lying down or rising up, they are always at ease. Third, they are watched over and protected by gods, dragons, and spirits. Fourth, they will be reborn in heaven, experiencing boundless bliss. Fifth, when they descend from heaven and are reborn in this world, their body will be complete and free from illness. Observe now that those who live from birth to old age without sickness are all people who, in past lives, did not inflict pain on others. This is as clear as can be. So be careful—never do harm to others!"

The Buddha said: "If a person maintains a peaceful mind and does not get angry toward others in this world—respecting the wise and being patient with the ignorant—they will obtain five benefits. What are these five? First, they will be praised by others. Second, people will be delighted to see them. Third, their own body will be at ease, healthy, and radiant. Fourth, they will be reborn in heaven, where they will be dignified and pure. Fifth, when they descend from heaven to be reborn in the human world, they will have a good nature and be beautiful and dignified. Those who are now seen as outstanding among ten thousand people are so because in their past lives they maintained a peaceful mind, a good nature, and practiced patience. Not being angry is as clear as this. Be careful never to be angry toward others!"

The Buddha said: "In this world, those who are filial to their parents, respectful to elders, humble and courteous—kneeling before standing, waiting to speak until others have finished, always teaching wrongdoers to do good—will obtain five benefits. What are these five? First, they will be respected and loved by others. Second, everyone will speak well of them. Third, their own hearts will be joyful. Fourth, they will be reborn in heaven, respected and loved by all celestial beings. Fifth, when they descend from heaven to be reborn in the human world, they will be cherished and admired by many. Now, those who have a kind heart and are filial, who are cherished by many, are all so because of their filial conduct and respect for elders in past lives. This is clear: one should be filial and respectful to elders!"

The Buddha said: "In this world, those who listen to advice, have good intentions, respect elders, and observe proper etiquette will receive five benefits. What are these five? First, they will attain good positions in their careers. Second, they will receive quick promotions in office and gain profit in business. Third, people will be delighted to see them. Fourth, they will be reborn in heavenly realms, and all the heavenly beings will be happy to see them. Fifth, when they descend from heaven and are reborn in the human world, they will become children of kings, nobles, or high officials. All this comes from practicing courtesy and performing virtuous deeds in past lives. This is clear and certain. Therefore, be careful not to be arrogant or disrespectful toward others!"

The Buddha said: "People in this world who are not greedy, who enjoy giving, and who care for their poor relatives and beggars—always providing them with enough food and good clothing—will gain five blessings. What are these five? First, their wealth increases day by day. Second, they are praised by people everywhere. Third, they are respected by local and national leaders. Fourth, they ascend to heaven and are attended to there. Fifth, when they are reborn from heaven into this world, they become wealthy, happy, and respected by all. All of this comes from practicing generosity and doing good in past lives. Understanding this clearly, you too should practice virtuous giving."

The Buddha said: "In this world, there are wise people who understand the sutras—monks or spiritual seekers. If you joyfully go to them to ask about the path to liberation, without jealousy or attachment to lofty ideals, you will gain five benefits. What are the five? First, you become intelligent. Second, you become learned, with much knowledge and insight. Third, many people will respect and honor you. Fourth, you will be reborn in heaven, where you will remember what you have learned. Fifth, when you descend from heaven and are born into the human world, you will immediately understand the sutras and know the Way. You will be honored by the nation and looked up to by the people. Those who now clearly understand the sutras and know the Way—this is all because they practiced the Way and cultivated virtue in past lives. So it is clear: you, too, can practice virtue and follow the Way!"

The Buddha finished speaking this sutra. All the disciples rejoiced and came forward to bow to him.

The Buddha said, “Hear this: doing evil brings evil.” All the disciples folded their hands and replied, “Yes, we accept your teaching.”

The Buddha said: "People who delight in killing and have no compassion in this world will bring five evils upon themselves. What are these five? First, a short lifespan. Second, much fear and terror. Third, many enemies and grudges. Fourth, after death, their spirit will fall into the Great Mountain Hell — where they will be brutally tortured, burned, boiled, cut, flayed, disemboweled, and crushed, unable to die despite the agony. The crime of killing is so grave that they will remain there for a very long time. Fifth, once they finally leave that hell and are reborn as humans, they will always have a short life. They may die before birth, die at birth, die within a few months or years, or die in their early decades. Look at the people today who live short lives, those with scars and sores, incomplete bodies, the lame, the hunchbacked, the bald, the blind or deaf, the mute, those with blocked noses or missing limbs, or those whose orifices are closed — these are all the results of past lives spent slaughtering, hunting, trapping, fishing, and thoughtlessly killing mosquitoes, turtles, fleas, and lice. The consequences are clear. Be careful not to kill!"

The Buddha said: "In the world, people who steal, rob, or take others' belongings by force—seeking profit through dishonest means, cheating with false scales, short measures, and rigged weights; who bully others with heavy scales, large measures, and long rulers; who pick up lost items and keep what is not theirs; who borrow money and refuse to repay; who deceive and cheat others in their dealings—these people will bring upon themselves five evils. What are these five?

First, their wealth and property will steadily dwindle. Second, the law of the land will pursue them; when caught, they will face punishment, and few escape. Third, they will never find peace of mind, living in constant fear, and they deceive themselves as well. Fourth, after death, their souls will enter the Hell of Mount Tai, where they will be tortured with countless torments, suffering according to their deeds. Fifth, when they emerge from that hell, they must repay their debts according to their weight of wrongdoing. Some become slaves to pay off what they owe; others are reborn as oxen, horses, mules, donkeys, or camels; still others as pigs, sheep, geese, ducks, chickens, or dogs. All creatures—birds, beasts, fish, turtles, and the like—are beings repaying debts. The scriptures say, 'Debts never decay.' This is what is meant!

Now you see lowly beasts and livestock—all of them earned that fate through greed and forcefully taking others' property in their past lives. Such is the suffering of these animals, plain and clear before you. Take great care not to take what belongs to others!"

The Buddha said: “If a person in this world commits adultery with another’s spouse, they will bring five evils upon themselves. What are these five?

First, their household will be unsettled—husband and wife will often quarrel, and money will repeatedly be lost.

Second, they will live in fear of the authorities, constantly subject to beatings and punishments. The king’s law will pursue them, and they will bear the full guilt, facing more death than life.

Third, they deceive themselves and are always afraid of others.

Fourth, they will enter the Tai Mountain hell. In that hell, red-hot iron pillars glow—they must embrace them. This is the calamity that comes from violating another’s spouse. Such torment lasts for millions of years before their form finally ends.

Fifth, once they emerge from that hell, they are reborn as chickens, ducks, wild geese, or other waterfowl. The soul is formless; whatever it clings to becomes its name. Today we see that chickens and ducks mate without restraint, not even avoiding their own mothers or offspring. They have no sense of moderation. In contrast, there is fidelity among dogs and horses—a dog stays loyal to its mate. All animals have some degree of trust, yet chickens and ducks are promiscuous, never satisfied. This is the direct result of having committed adultery with another’s spouse in past lives. They now receive the body of a chicken or duck and are destined to be eaten by humans.

Such suffering is beyond description. The lesson is clear: be careful never to violate another person’s spouse!”

The Buddha said: “In this world, those who delight in speaking divisively, slandering others, using harsh words, false speech, and frivolous talk—who are arrogant, defame the sacred path, envy the capable, mock the gifted—these people will bring upon themselves five evils. What are these five? First, they will have many enemies and much resentment. Second, they deceive themselves, and others will not trust them. Third, they will repeatedly encounter unexpected disasters. Fourth, they will fall into the Tai Mountain Hell. In that hell, ghosts pull out their tongues from the roots, or use red-hot iron hooks to sever their tongues, or thrust fiery iron spears down their throats. They cannot die, they cannot live, and they cannot speak—this continues for millions of years. Fifth, when they finally leave that hell and are reborn as humans, they will still have a foul mouth: their teeth may be broken or missing, their speech halting, stuttering, or slurred, or they may be mute and unable to speak at all. Even today you can see such people—this is the result of having slandered others and defamed the sacred path in past lives. The consequences are clear. Therefore, take care to avoid evil speech!”

The Buddha said: "People in this world who delight in drinking alcohol incur thirty-six faults. What are these thirty-six faults?

1. When drunk, children do not respect their parents, ministers do not respect their ruler, and the proper order between ruler and subject, father and child is lost. 2. Their speech becomes confused and full of errors. 3. Drunk, they engage in gossip and slander. 4. They reveal hidden private matters that others have trusted them with. 5. Drunk, they curse heaven and defile shrines, showing no reverence or restraint. 6. They lie down in the middle of the road, unable to return home, and may lose their belongings. 7. Drunk, they cannot control themselves or behave properly. 8. They stagger and swagger, sometimes falling into ditches or pits. 9. Drunk, they stumble and fall, injuring their face and body. 10. They make foolish mistakes in buying and selling, and cause disputes. 11. Drunk, they neglect their duties and do not care for their livelihood. 12. Their property and wealth are wasted and diminished. 13. Drunk, they do not think of their wife and children's hunger and cold. 14. Drunk, they shout and curse without regard for the law. 15. Drunk, they take off their clothes and run around naked. 16. Drunk, they force their way into others' homes, harass women, and speak wildly—such misconduct is inexcusable. 17. When someone passes by, they pick a fight with them. 18. They stomp the ground and yell, disturbing all the neighbors. 19. Drunk, they senselessly kill insects and small creatures. 20. Drunk, they beat and smash household items into pieces. 21. Their family sees them as a drunken prisoner, and they blurt out whatever comes to mind. 22. They befriend evil people. 23. They distance themselves from the virtuous and good. 24. When they wake up from their drunken stupor, their body aches as if ill. 25. Drunk, they vomit disgusting matter, and their wife and children are disgusted by their appearance. 26. Drunk, they act recklessly and aggressively, like a wolf, without any restraint. 27. Drunk, they show no respect for wise teachers, virtuous people, or monks. 28. Drunk, they indulge in lust without any fear or shame. 29. Drunk, they act like madmen, and everyone who sees them runs away. 30. Drunk, they are like dead people, unconscious and unaware. 31. Drunk, they may develop a pockmarked face or suffer from alcohol-related diseases, becoming sallow and emaciated. 32. The devas, dragons, spirits, and ghosts all regard alcohol as evil. 33. Close friends and wise companions gradually distance themselves. 34. Drunk, they squat and stare at officials, and may be whipped or beaten until their eyes are swollen shut. 35. After death, they will enter the Avīci Hell, where molten copper is constantly poured into their mouths, burning through their stomachs and bowels. For millions of years, they will find it hard to die yet impossible to live. 36. When they finally emerge from hell and are reborn as humans, they will be ignorant and foolish, with no understanding. Those you see today who are foolish and ignorant—all are so because in past lives they delighted in drinking alcohol.

Thus it is clearly shown: be cautious with alcohol! Alcohol has these thirty-six faults. Anyone who drinks alcohol commits all thirty-six."

The Buddha said: "People who enjoy threatening others with sticks, causing pain with their hands and feet, delighting in conflict and separation, and forcing on others what they themselves dislike—these people will bring five evils upon themselves. What are the five? First, they deceive themselves and are also despised by others. Second, they live in constant fear. Third, they become frequently ill. Fourth, they enter the Tai Mountain Hell, where they suffer for their deeds for tens of thousands of years. Fifth, when they are reborn from that hell, they are sickly and never without a stick. Today, those who are often ill are the result of having enjoyed causing pain in past lives. Illness is worse than health. This is clear: be careful not to harm others!"

The Buddha said: "People in this world who habitually hold onto anger and refuse to be at peace—they get angry at the wise and angry at the foolish alike. They don’t distinguish between good and evil; they just want to be angry. This leads to five terrible consequences. What are these five? First, they burn themselves up. Second, they disturb their own minds. Third, they cannot rest peacefully—they may even harm themselves out of worry or rage. Fourth, they fall into the Great Hell of Mount Tai, where they are tortured with terrible pain for millions of years. Fifth, after being released from that hell, they are reborn as humans with ugly faces—dark, sallow, and withered. Look at people today with unpleasant appearances: they all come from a past life of constant anger. Their faces are ugly because of that. So, clearly, be careful—never give in to anger!"