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(90) PICKING UP MONEY


Once upon a time, there was a poor man who picked up a sack of money in the streets. He was overwhelmed with happiness. Then he began to count the money. Suddenly, the real owner of the money showed up. He had to give back the whole sack. He regretted for not having gone off to a far away place sooner. He felt great pain for his loss.
This is also held to be true with people who come into contact with Buddhism.
Although people have the opportunity to meet the Three Precious One's Blessings, if they are not going earnestly good work's in time, they will fall into the Three Evil Paths of Transmigration after their deaths. His is just like that stupid man who gave back the money that he had found. As the Stanza has it:
People, who are managing this business today, will plan another tomorrow.
Only thinking of enjoyment without contemplation sorrow.
Can make a man unaware of the impermanence of death.
However, busily occupied in their worldly affairs.
The common people always retard to get deliverance like that man counting the money.

90地得金钱喻
昔有贫人,在路而行,道中偶得一囊金钱,心大喜跃,即便数之。数未能周,金主忽至,尽还夺钱。其人当时悔不疾去,懊恼之情,甚为极苦。
遇佛法者亦复如是,虽得值遇三宝福田,不勤方便修行善业,忽尔命终,堕三恶道,如彼愚人,还为其主夺钱而去。如偈所说:今日营此业,明日造彼事,乐着不观苦,不觉死贼至。忽忽营众务,凡人无不尔,如彼数金钱,其事亦如是。

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