Six Realms of Rebirth Sutra (六趣輪迴經)

I take refuge in the Buddhas of the Three Times, In the teachings spoken by the Perfectly Enlightened Ones.

Always act for the benefit of others, And accumulate all merits and virtues.

If one's body, speech, or mind Creates good or evil karma, The resulting fruit will surely come, without fail, With no separate creator to be found.

The Supreme Guide, having realized the truth, Shows compassion and mercy, Universally explaining to all beings That they will receive results according to their actions.

This teaching accords with true principle; Hearing it, you should accept it. All actions arise from one's own mind, Which becomes the cause for wandering through the six realms.

Driven by the three poisons of fear, Selling the lives of various creatures, Raising them only to kill them for oneself— One will fall into the Reviving Hell. There, for hundreds of thousands of years, They are cut, beaten, and struck with weapons; Dying only to be reborn again, They suffer such retribution.

Bringing harm to parents, friends, or relatives, Engaging in false speech and deceit— One will fall into the Black Rope Hell. Black ropes bind their bodies, Like logs being split in the world; Saws emit blazing flames, And they suffer such retribution.

Using fire to burn mountains, rivers, Forests, trees, and open fields, Harming living beings— One will fall into the Scorching Hell. Flames spread everywhere, burning fiercely, Cries of suffering never cease, Their eyes see nothing but darkness, And they suffer such retribution.

Calling the true Dharma false, Slandering without basis, Causing others distress and agitation— One will fall into the Great Scorching Hell. These sinful beings Are tormented by great fires, Burning without respite, And suffer such retribution.

Killing countless pigs, sheep, foxes, rabbits, And other living creatures— One will fall into the Crushing Hell. Once born in that hell, They endure all kinds of torture, Beaten until they perish, only to revive, And suffer such retribution.

Engaging in evil through body, speech, or mind, Sowing discord and creating division— Such sinful beings Will fall into the Screaming Hell. There, fierce, blazing flames Burn without rest, And they constantly let out terrible screams, Suffering such retribution.

If one steals property from the Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, Or from the poor and needy— One will fall into the Great Screaming Hell. Scorched by fire, They endure the most extreme agony, Letting out fierce, terrible cries, And suffer such retribution.

If one kills parents, teachers, Or virtuous and wise ones with heightened malice— One will certainly fall into the Unceasing Hell. A raging, blazing fire Burns through to their very marrow; For a long time they endure extreme suffering, With no moment of joy at all.

Starting feuds, conflicts, and fights, Harming each other with weapons— After death, they fall into the Copper Claws Hell, Where the claws are extremely sharp, Tearing each other apart, Or turning into blades and clubs, Chopping and stabbing their bodies, Suffering such retribution.

Violently violating others' dignity— Later, they fall into the Iron Spike Hell, Where spikes sixteen fingers long Pierce through flesh and bone. There are also great iron women With flaming teeth, terrifying to behold, Who devour them from head to toe, Suffering such retribution.

If one schemes to harm others, They fall into the Forest of Sword Leaves, Where rabid dogs, vultures, and eagles Chase and compete to devour them.

If one robs others of their wealth, They will endure extreme suffering, Constantly swallowing molten iron balls, And having molten copper poured down their throats.

Harming innocent beings without cause— They will fall into the Iron Eagle Hell, Where sharp talons attack and tear them, Suffering torment for a long time.

If one enjoys injuring and killing The lives of water-dwelling creatures, They later fall into the River of Molten Copper, Boiled by the fires of their karma.

If, out of greed for personal gain, One suppresses and dismisses the good deeds of others, They fall into the Iron Mill Hell, Wailing with no one to save them.

If one brings no benefit to others, They will take on many forms, Crushed between two mountains, Pressed and squeezed repeatedly.

If one spreads false teachings, Destroying bridges of connection, The path becomes one of sharp blades, Forcing them to travel back and forth.

Harming even fleas and lice with armor— They fall between two Ram-Headed Mountains, Beaten to death only to revive, Suffering repeatedly in turn.

Relying on the path of renunciation But failing to uphold the precepts— They fall into the Ember Hell, Where their limbs melt and rot away.

Putting on false airs of dignity, Seeking livelihood through wrong means— They fall into the Corpse and Filth Hell, Devoured by maggots.

Seeing insects among the grains, Crushing them without discrimination— They fall into the Iron Mortar Hell, Where they are constantly pounded and ground.

Taking joy in others' suffering, Deceitful, full of doubt, Always harboring resentment and malice— They become the attendants of Yama.

These are but a brief outline Of the seeds that bear bitter fruit. Purify your body, speech, and mind, And ultimately stay far from them forever.

If a person takes no joy in giving, and even steals the food and drink of others, they will fall among the great-tumor ghosts, forever feeding on filth and waste.

If one obstructs others' generosity, and clings stingily to one's own possessions, they will fall among the needle-mouth ghosts, with swollen bellies, ever hungry and thirsty.

Without heirs, yet hoarding wealth, neither sharing nor enjoying it oneself, they will fall among the destitute ghosts, living only on others' leftover scraps.

Hoping for gifts from others, yet giving little and regretting even that, they will fall among the lowly ghosts, feeding always on spittle and vomit.

Taking pleasure in hearing others' faults, and spreading them with harsh words, they will fall among the flaming-mouth ghosts, enduring long suffering and torment.

Delighting in stirring up strife and conflict, with not a shred of compassion, they will fall among the exhausted ghosts, eating worms and crawling insects.

Extorting wealth from others through fear, and giving little, if at all, of what is gained, they will fall among the hideous ghosts, receiving only meager offerings out of terror.

If one indulges in feasts and revelry, slaughtering many living beings, eating oneself and serving others, they will later fall among the rakshasa ghosts.

Regarding offered incense and flowers, either sniffing them or secretly taking them, even from a slight greedy thought, one later becomes a scent-seeking ghost.

If people honor and serve you, seeking something from you in return, yet you respond with anger, coveting their wealth, you later become a fierce and malicious ghost.

If one delights in arranging marriages for others, acting as a matchmaker, yet later sows discord to break them apart, after death one becomes a wandering ghost.

If one takes pleasure in drinking wine, exceeding limits and becoming wild and drunk, or encourages others to do the same, they later become a yaksha ghost.

If one opposes the wishes of parents, teachers, or elders, they will later be reborn in a yaksha realm, fierce, strong, and prone to violence.

These faults of stinginess and greed constantly give birth among the hungry ghosts. Suffering and joy follow one's own causes— therefore, do not create them again.

Beings in the three lower realms and the human realm— Only they themselves can save and free their suffering.

Racing through the six paths of existence, Like scenes conjured in a dream.

Seeing one’s own kin and companions, Sorrowfully lament—how long can this last? Like actors on a stage, Changing forms again and again.

After enduring the pains of hell, One may be reborn among the gods; When merit fades, one sinks once more, Falling into the realm of animals.

Taking on countless shapes and forms, Later gaining birth as a human— Plagued by poverty, hardship, and toil, Like a wheel spinning endlessly round.

When life is meant to be long, But one kills living beings, That life grows short, Cut down by its own deeds.

Sickness binds and wastes the frame— Leprosy, plague, and fever’s flame— Haunted by ghosts, or struck by law, Such are the fruits of a cruel flaw.

If one hoards wealth with endless toil, And never gives a little share, Grasping only for himself, He’ll become a miser’s ghost—poor, bare.

If one steals another’s goods, Then spends or gives with careless hand, He’ll fall among the hungry ghosts, Where what he gains won’t long stand.

If one shares his honest wealth, Giving fairly, portion-wise, He’ll gain abundance, rich and safe, No thief can rob, no loss arise.

If with pure and open heart, One gives freely, without greed, Fine food and drink will come his way, And all he wishes will succeed.

If one offers choice cuisine, With a heart both clean and true, His reward: a healthy form, Strength, long life, and peace anew.

If one gives clothing to the poor, Joyful in the act of care, He’ll gain a form both fair and fine, And garments of a worthy wear.

If one builds a monk’s abode, And gives it with a happy mind, He’ll gain a palace, grand and bright, With every pleasure of its kind.

If one builds a bridge or road, Or gives a vehicle for travel, He’ll find the safest, highest peace— A jeweled chariot to unravel.

If one digs a well or pond, In the wild where none can find, In every life he’ll come to have Cool water, and no thirsting mind.

If one gives a concubine, Adorned and offered with intent, His reward will be in kind: Wealth and pleasure, richly spent.

If one shares the sacred texts, Or the learning of the world, He’ll gain deep wisdom, vast and clear, With knowledge broad and mind unfurled.

If one offers medicine, Or gives protection, free from fear, His reward will be repose, Peace and safety, far and near.

If one gives a lamp for light, His eyes will stay forever clear; If one gives sweet music’s sound, His voice will charm the listening ear; If one gives a bed to rest, He’ll find ease and comfort blest; If one gives a servant’s aid, He’ll be attended, never stray; If one gives a milking cow, Strength and life will on him glow; If one gives a fruitful field, His stores will grow, full and revealed.

Whatever seekers come to ask, Each according to their need— Fruits and flowers, wells of water, Kind words that comfort, soothe, and feed.

But some give only grudgingly, Making others work for less, Giving out of fear or pride, Hoping others will impress; Or for wealth in this short life, Or to gain a heavenly rest— Such giving bears but little fruit, A meager harvest at its best.

But one who joyfully helps others, Caring not for life or limb, With a heart of deep compassion— The highest fruit is found in him.

Those who come to ask for aid, Give to them at the right time, Making their hearts glad and bright— The fruit you reap will match your rhyme.

If giving is a painful chore, The reward will sting the more; But giving up your own for others Is the highest joy in store.

Giving is the root of joy, Like a seed that bears its fruit; Pity those who come to ask, Give and let none go without.

Be careful not to wrong another’s spouse, Treat them as your very child; Even with your own wife, Stop desire when it starts to rise.

If one clings to lustful thoughts, Bound by craving, lost in pleasure, He’ll be born in future lives With a woman’s form, in full measure.

If one wearies of that form, Gives up desire, keeps precepts pure, With a heart that’s firm and strong, He’ll be reborn a man, secure.

If one lives a chaste, pure life, Free from harm and inner strife, Rich in merit, bright and vast, Gods and humans hold him fast.

If one refrains from alcohol, Dwelling in right mindfulness, Speaking only what is true, Peace and safety he will possess.

If one sees others in conflict, And guides them back to harmony, He’ll gain a family vast and close, No parting grief, no misery.

Toward a teacher’s wise advice, Listen gladly, take it in; Weigh what helps and what might harm— Such skill brings wisdom from within.

Those who’re poor and bound to serve, Yet delight in beating others, Harming those who’ve done no wrong— Their own pain will grow and smother.

If one is fair and handsome, And uses that to mock and scorn, Looking down on other folks— He’ll be born deformed and shorn.

If one is miserly and mean, And ignores good counsel’s call, Dull and stubborn, closed to truth— He’ll be born deaf and mute withal.

Doing good brings blessings on, Heap of evil brings but pain; Each one fashions his own fate, And by his karma, must remain.

Always practicing deceit and flattery, Delighting in anger, conflict, and strife. Yet because of past generosity, They become lords of the Asuras.

Delighting in cultivating the ten wholesome deeds, Causing no harm to others, The gods constantly protect and uphold them— Such beings are born in the Heaven of the Four Kings.

With reverence for parents and the Three Jewels, Giving according to their means, Possessing patience and gentleness— They are born in the Heaven of the Thirty-Three.

Not delighting in anger or conflict themselves, Encouraging others toward harmony, Purely virtuous, cultivating pure causes— They are born in the Heaven of Yama.

Delighting in hearing the true Dharma, Focused on practicing the wisdom of liberation, Gladly praising others' merit— They are born in the Heaven of Tusita.

For giving, precepts, and various practices, Their nature always delights, Rousing diligence and courage— They are born in the Heaven of Nirmāṇarati.

These are the highest beings, Possessing the pure conduct of ascetics, Increasing the causes of liberation— They are born in the Heaven of Paranirmitavaśavartin.

Through the cultivation of precepts and concentration, Universally empowering their vows, They are born in heavens or among humans, Attaining the true suchness of reality.

Thus the retributions of good and evil Have been clearly shown: Doing good leads to heavenly and human rebirths, Committing evil brings about extreme suffering.

Before aging, sickness, and death arrive, Diligently seek the true Dharma. Once one's own retribution comes, All that is beloved will be parted from.

The faults of greed and so forth Are deeply worthy of weariness. The wise contemplate this well— Therefore, they should distance themselves from them.

If one constantly practices benefiting others, Then no obstacles or afflictions arise. Merit and sin are certainly without exception— Listen closely to this brief teaching.