When I returned to the human world, I was utterly exhausted. Every journey into the hells drains massive amounts of my original spirit and vital energy. Upon my return, I have to recite mantras promptly to replenish what has been lost.
I earnestly implore readers not to dismiss these accounts as mere fiction, so as not to disappoint Earth Store Bodhisattva’s earnest intentions. I offered my gratitude to everyone once more. Namo Great Vow Earth Store Bodhisattva Mahasattva!
7 / An On-site Account of the Hells That Punish Incest: the Overturning Wheel Ice Firmament Hell and Blossom Sword Forest Hell
I prostrated before Earth Store Bodhisattva! I rejoiced greatly to have received the benefits of the Dharma once more!
Earth Store Bodhisattva expounded the Five Precepts to Ayù. Observing the Five Precepts forms the foundation of being human, allows people to retain the human body, and prevents them from falling into the evil realms. Observing the Five Precepts may seem straightforward, yet many beings transgress them unawares. We often hear people around us say: “I have never committed murder or arson, nor have I harmed others; I am merely an ordinary person.” In truth, murder and arson are grave physical transgressions that inevitably lead to hellish retribution. Now let us listen to the compassionate teachings of Earth Store Bodhisattva concerning the Five Precepts. If any inaccuracies appear in my recounting, they stem solely from my own shortcomings.
Ayù briefly restates the Bodhisattva’s instruction as follows:
1. Abstain from killing
It is forbidden to deprive any sentient being of life. Consuming pure vegetarian food forms the foundation for observing this precept. What does “pure” mean? One must strictly uphold the teachings laid out in the Shurangama Sutra. Do not ingest, consume or employ any substances derived from sentient beings. That is to say, no food connected with animals may be taken. For instance, dairy milk, butter, eggs, honey and all other animal-related products must be avoided. Many cosmetics contain animal derivatives and should likewise not be used. When people fall ill and take medicine, especially traditional Chinese medicines, many medicines contain animal components. Therefore one must exercise great caution.
2. Abstain from stealing
Taking others’ belongings without permission and claiming them as your own counts as theft. Common workplace practices such as taking office stationery for personal use or bringing it home, making personal calls, charging personal cell phones, and using office copiers and fax machines for private paperwork without company approval are all violations of the precept against stealing.