48.1 （一）

Thus have I heard:

At one time, the Buddha was at Anāthapiṇḍada's Park in the Jeta Grove near Śrāvastī.

At that time, the World-Honored One told the bhikṣus, "Those sentient beings who practice killing, spread killing, and plant the causes for hell, hungry ghosts, and animals, if they are born among humans, their lifespan will be extremely short. The reason is that they harm the lives of others.

If there are sentient beings who steal others' possessions, they plant the causes for the three evil paths. If they are born among humans, they will always suffer from poverty, with food not filling their mouths and clothes not covering their bodies. All this is due to stealing. Stealing is like cutting off the life root of others.

If there are sentient beings who like to indulge in lust, they plant the causes for the three evil paths. If they are born among humans, their families will not be chaste, and they will engage in theft and adultery.

If there are sentient beings who speak falsely, they plant the causes for hell. If they are born among humans, they will be looked down upon by others, and their words will not be trusted or accepted. They will be despised by others. The reason for this is all due to false speech in past lives.

If there are sentient beings who engage in divisive speech, they plant the causes for the three evil paths. Even if they are born among humans, their minds will always be unsettled and they will constantly harbor worries. The reason for this is because those people spread false words between two parties.

If there are sentient beings who speak harshly, they plant the causes for the three evil paths. Even if they are born among humans, they will be ugly and rude, and they will always enjoy scolding. The reason for this is because those people's speech is not focused and correct.

If there are sentient beings who create disputes between others, they plant the causes for the three evil paths. Even if they are born among humans, they will have many enemies and their close relatives will be separated. The reason for this is because in their past lives they caused disputes.

If there are sentient beings who are jealous, they plant the causes for the three evil paths. Even if they are born among humans, they will lack clothing. The reason for this is because those people give rise to greed and jealousy.

If there are sentient beings who give rise to harmful intentions, they plant the causes for the three evil paths. Even if they are born among humans, they will always be full of falsehood and not understand the ultimate truth, with minds that are confused and unstable. The reason for this is because in their past lives they were angry and resentful, without any kindness or compassion.

If there are sentient beings who practice wrong views, they plant the causes for the three evil paths. Even if they are born among humans, they will be born in borderlands, not in the central lands, and will not see the meaning of the Three Jewels and the Dharma. They may also be deaf, blind, or mute, with an irregular physical form, not understanding the nature of good and evil. The reason for this is because in their past lives they lacked the root of faith, and also did not believe in śramaṇas, brāhmaṇas, parents, or siblings.

"Bhikṣus, know that these are the retributions for the ten unwholesome actions. Therefore, bhikṣus! You should abandon the ten unwholesome actions and cultivate right views. Thus, bhikṣus! You should train in this way."

At that time, the bhikṣus heard what the Buddha said, and joyfully received and practiced it.