The Buddha told Maitreya Bodhisattva, "As I have told you all about the five evil deeds, the five torturing pains and the five skandas such as these that will arise in rotation by themselves. If a man is not afraid of them, then he will certainly have to go through the evil paths. Or maybe he will be seriously sick in the present life, with no cure to save him. Such revelation is clearly seen by the worldly people. Also there are those who upon their death have to enter the three evil paths, to experience sadness, pain and acute tortures, and to be burnt alive in the hell of fire. Some will be born in the family of the enemy and take turns to kill and harm each other. From a small misunderstanding, it grows to become a great hatred, all because of the greed for money and sensual desires. And also because one does not give with compassion and kindness but attach deeply to self-indulgence. No one will act or speak honestly. Out of the evil force of such deluded desires, they fight for and amass great fortunes, fame and power for self-benefit. Finally when they have obtained those things, they become agitated and impatient.
These people are so busy that they are unable to cultivate pure goodness. Finally with the little strength of power and blessings that are left behind, or with no more blessing or virtues, the six paths are then widely opened and come forth naturally from one's karma. With a deluded and confused mind, such a man will walk into the tortures that are awaiting him.
Such happenings are true in the past and at the present time. These living beings are really pitiful indeed. Now that you all have obtained the teaching of The Buddha, you should then read, and think carefully about the Dharma. Everyone should uphold this Dharma properly, to be familiar with it and never should one feel tired of practising this Dharma door the whole life.
Besides that, we should also honour the sages and respect the good men, to regard all living beings with humaneness, compassion and kindness. And make vows to seek the ways to help and cross over the people in the world; to uproot all their sources of evil deeds in the process of birth and death. They should be taught to leave the three evil paths that are full of worries, tortures, sufferings and pain.
If an man wishes to do good, then, firstly, what should he do? He should bring forth a proper mind and act righteously. He should guard his ears, eyes, mouth and nose properly. In accordance with the goodness, he should keep his body and mind pure and clean. He should never follow his selfish desires or act evilly. He must also speak kindly and calmly and single-mindedly practice the Way. In moving or looking around him, he should always keep calm and serene. If a man were to do things in a rash manner, he might be regretful later. And if he were not careful but fall into the wrong path, all the accumulated blessings and efforts might be lost forever."
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