TANTRIC BUDDHISM (INCLUDING CHINA AND JAPAN)A-ra, a-na and a-tsa (three exclamations for 'ouch'), these three
Are your introduction to the experience of hell.
Have you done merit?
Hunger, thirst and poverty, these three
Are your introduction to the preta realm.
Have you given charity?
Not understanding, not knowing and ignorance, these three
Are your introduction to the realm of animals.
Have you meditated on patience?Danger, prejudice and attachment, these three
Are your introduction to the experience of suffering birth and death
(=humans).
Have you kept the discipline?
Hatred, jealousy and causing harm, these three
Are your introduction to fighting(= asura).
Have you meditated on kindness?
Pride, egocentrism and arrogance, these three
Are your introduction to falling at death(= gods).
Have you been humble?Anxieties over living the "good life" are also employed as transformers in
depicting the futility, waste and ultimate illusion of proximate human goals:
The A-Ice went to a village where a household had invited many
people. She went there, and five or six sinners, having killed a 'bri,
were eating meat, drinking blood and drinking beer in order to get
drunk. They said, "A-Ice, welcome! Eat some meat, drink some blood
and sing us a song;" A-Ice said, "Alas, alas! What a pity!" and she shed
tears of blood. Then she sang this song:
... When you pass over from this life,
Nothing other than the holy dharma will be of help.
Were it not better to renounce sin and evil deeds?
When you are old, with your mouth and nose caved in and tartar cover-
ing your teeth,
All your friends and relations will surround you.
When your breath comes in fits and starts,
Naught but the holy dharma will help.
Were it not better to give up worldly deeds?
Forsake your estates and lofty palaces!
Look amazed at the wealth yop've saved!