Chapter 22: The Downward Course
Those who transgress face descent to hell; care and discipline guide toward good paths.
14 argumentative units
- 01Consequences of lying and denial
Those who lie or deny their wrongdoings are destined for hell, and both types of transgressors are equally condemned in the afterlife as evildoers.
- 02Condemnation of unrestrained monks
Monks in yellow robes who are ill-conditioned and unrestrained are evil-doers condemned to hell by their evil deeds.
- 03Better to suffer physically than live unvirtuously
It would be preferable to endure physical torment like swallowing a heated iron ball than for a bad, unrestrained person to survive on charitable donations.
- 04Four consequences of coveting another's wife
A reckless man who desires his neighbor's wife suffers four punishments: bad reputation, discomfort, punishment from authorities, and ultimately hell.
- 05Warning against pursuing another's wife
The chapter enumerates bad reputation, the evil path to hell, brief illicit pleasure, and royal punishment as reasons why men should not desire their neighbor's wife.
- 06Careless asceticism leads to harm
Poorly practiced asceticism, like a badly grasped blade that cuts the hand, leads one to hell rather than enlightenment.
- 07Careless practice brings no reward
Actions performed carelessly, broken vows, and hesitant obedience to discipline all fail to bring significant spiritual benefit.
- 08Exhortation to vigorous spiritual effort
One should perform good deeds with vigor and determination, as careless practice merely spreads the dust of passions more widely.
- 09Avoidance of evil and pursuit of good
Evil deeds should be avoided because one later repents of them, while good deeds should be pursued because one does not regret having done them.
- 10Self-discipline as defended frontier
One must guard oneself like a well-defended fortress with defenses inside and out, seizing every moment lest delay in discipline leads to suffering in hell.
- 11Misplaced shame and fear lead to evil path
Those who are ashamed of what they should not be ashamed of, or unashamed of what they should be ashamed of, embrace false doctrines and enter the evil path.
- 12Improper fear leads to false doctrine
Those who fear inappropriately—fearing what they should not or failing to fear what they should—embrace false doctrines and follow the evil path.
- 13Improper prohibitions lead to false doctrine
Those who forbid what should not be forbidden or fail to forbid what should be forbidden embrace false doctrines and enter the evil path.
- 14Correct discernment leads to good path
Those who properly understand what is forbidden and what is not forbidden embrace true doctrine and enter the good path toward enlightenment.