T17n0746_餓鬼報應經
大正藏第 17 冊 No. 0746 餓鬼報應經
No. 746
餓鬼報應經
失譯附東晉錄
尊者大目揵連，從佛在耆阇崛山中，遊行恒水邊，見諸餓鬼甚多，受罪不同。見尊者目連，皆起敬心，來問因緣。
一鬼問言：「我常苦頭痛，不知何罪所致？」
目連答言：「汝本為人時，不能修忍，以杖打眾生頭，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我常瘡痛，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，無有慈心，焚燒山野，殘害眾生，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我舉身瘡爛，不可堪忍，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，喜燂豬羊，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我食無足，初不得飽，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，雖飯眾生，恒令不足，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我常苦頭痛，治之叵差，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，不敬道德，加以罵辱，今受花報，果在地獄」。
一鬼問言：「我生男女，盡皆端正可愛，而皆早死，念無斷絕，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，見兒殺生，助喜啖肉，殺故促命，喜故痛毒，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言
【現代漢語翻譯】 現代漢語譯本 《餓鬼報應經》
失譯，附東晉錄
尊者大目犍連（Mahāmaudgalyāyana），跟隨佛陀在耆阇崛山（Grdhrakuta）中，恒河（Ganges）邊，看見許多餓鬼，所受的罪報各不相同。這些餓鬼見到尊者目連，都升起敬畏之心，前來詢問因果緣由。
一個餓鬼問道：『我經常頭痛難忍，不知是什麼罪業導致的？』
目連回答說：『你前世做人時，不能修習忍耐，用棍杖擊打眾生的頭部，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄。』
一個餓鬼問道：『我經常生瘡疼痛，是什麼罪業導致的？』
回答說：『你前世做人時，沒有慈悲心，焚燒山野，殘害眾生，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄。』
一個餓鬼問道：『我全身瘡爛，無法忍受，是什麼罪業導致的？』
回答說：『你前世做人時，喜歡用火燒烤豬羊，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄。』
一個餓鬼問道：『我吃東西總是吃不飽，是什麼罪業導致的？』
回答說：『你前世做人時，即使佈施齋飯給眾生，也總是讓他們不夠吃，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄。』
一個餓鬼問道：『我經常頭痛難忍，治療也無法痊癒，是什麼罪業導致的？』
回答說：『你前世做人時，不尊敬有道德的人，還加以謾罵侮辱，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄。』
一個餓鬼問道：『我所生的兒女，個個都端正可愛，卻都早早夭折，思念之情無有斷絕，是什麼罪業導致的？』
回答說：『你前世做人時，看見孩子殺害生命，還幫助他們高興地吃肉，因為殺生所以減短他們的壽命，因為歡喜吃肉所以感受痛苦，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄。』
一個餓鬼問道：
【English Translation】 English version The Sutra of Retribution of Hungry Ghosts
Lost in translation, appended to the Eastern Jin record
The Venerable Mahāmaudgalyāyana (Great Maudgalyāyana), while with the Buddha in Mount Grdhrakuta (Vulture Peak Mountain), by the Ganges (Ganga) River, saw many hungry ghosts, each suffering different retributions. Upon seeing the Venerable Maudgalyāyana, they all arose with reverence and came to inquire about the causes and conditions.
One ghost asked: 'I constantly suffer from headaches, I don't know what sin caused this?'
Maudgalyāyana replied: 'When you were a human, you could not cultivate patience, and you struck the heads of sentient beings with a staff. Now you are receiving the flower retribution, and the fruit is in hell.'
One ghost asked: 'I constantly suffer from sores and pain, what sin caused this?'
He replied: 'When you were a human, you had no compassion, and you burned mountains and fields, harming sentient beings. Now you are receiving the flower retribution, and the fruit is in hell.'
One ghost asked: 'My whole body is festering with sores, unbearable, what sin caused this?'
He replied: 'When you were a human, you liked to scald pigs and sheep. Now you are receiving the flower retribution, and the fruit is in hell.'
One ghost asked: 'I never have enough to eat, what sin caused this?'
He replied: 'When you were a human, even when you offered food to sentient beings, you always made sure they didn't have enough. Now you are receiving the flower retribution, and the fruit is in hell.'
One ghost asked: 'I constantly suffer from headaches, and treatment does not help, what sin caused this?'
He replied: 'When you were a human, you did not respect morality, and you insulted and reviled those who were virtuous. Now you are receiving the flower retribution, and the fruit is in hell.'
One ghost asked: 'My sons and daughters are all beautiful and lovely, but they all die young, and my longing for them is endless, what sin caused this?'
He replied: 'When you were a human, you saw your children killing living beings, and you helped them joyfully eat meat. Killing shortens their lives, and joy causes pain. Now you are receiving the flower retribution, and the fruit is in hell.'
One ghost asked:
：「我有一夫，而畜多婦，我應直宿，而不見納，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，不敬夫主，邪淫無禮，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我常頭痛，而男根瘡爛，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，于塔廟清凈之處行淫，今受花報果，在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我得此身，粗澀不凈，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，不尊有德，輕賤善人，而以沙土擲坌沙門，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我食不啻一斛，而常不足，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，本作比丘，為僧求物，而以自食，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我受此形，腳腫項癭，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，使人及諸畜生負重無道，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我受此身，常患熱渴，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，喜好漁獵，以所得魚，投之沙土，令其苦死，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我受此身，狂癡無智，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，以酒施人，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我所生子，皆反啖我，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，不修孝養，今受花報，果在地獄。」
【現代漢語翻譯】 現代漢語譯本： 一個鬼問道：『我有一個丈夫，卻養了很多妾，我本應得到正常的房事，卻沒有被接納，這是什麼罪過導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，不尊敬丈夫，行為邪淫無禮，現在受到的只是花報，果報還在地獄。』 一個鬼問道：『我經常頭痛，而且男根潰爛，這是什麼罪過導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，在佛塔或寺廟這種清凈的地方行淫，現在受到的只是花報，果報還在地獄。』 一個鬼問道：『我得到的這個身體，粗糙醜陋不乾淨，這是什麼罪過導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，不尊重有德之人，輕視善人，還用沙土拋灑僧人，現在受到的只是花報，果報還在地獄。』 一個鬼問道：『我吃的食物不止一斛（hú，古代容量單位），卻總是覺得不夠，這是什麼罪過導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，本是比丘（Bǐqiū，佛教出家男眾），為僧眾尋求物品，卻自己吃掉了，現在受到的只是花報，果報還在地獄。』 一個鬼問道：『我受到的這個身體，腳腫脖子上有癭（yǐng，頸瘤），這是什麼罪過導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，使喚人和各種畜生過度負重，不講道理，現在受到的只是花報，果報還在地獄。』 一個鬼問道：『我受到的這個身體，經常感到熱和口渴，這是什麼罪過導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，喜歡漁獵，把捕到的魚扔在沙土上，讓它們痛苦地死去，現在受到的只是花報，果報還在地獄。』 一個鬼問道：『我受到的這個身體，瘋狂愚癡沒有智慧，這是什麼罪過導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，用酒施捨給別人，現在受到的只是花報，果報還在地獄。』 一個鬼問道：『我生下的孩子，都反過來吃我，這是什麼罪過導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，不修養孝道，現在受到的只是花報，果報還在地獄。』
【English Translation】 English version: A ghost asked: 'I have one husband, but I keep many concubines. I should have regular conjugal relations, but I am not accepted. What sin has caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you did not respect your husband, and you were sexually immoral and without propriety. Now you are receiving only the 'flower retribution' (Huā bào), the full karmic consequence is in hell.' A ghost asked: 'I often have headaches, and my male genitals are ulcerated. What sin has caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you engaged in sexual misconduct in the pure place of a pagoda or temple. Now you are receiving only the 'flower retribution', the full karmic consequence is in hell.' A ghost asked: 'The body I have obtained is rough, unpleasant, and impure. What sin has caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you did not respect those with virtue, you despised good people, and you threw sand and dirt at monks (Shāmén). Now you are receiving only the 'flower retribution', the full karmic consequence is in hell.' A ghost asked: 'I eat more than one 'hú' (斛, ancient unit of volume) of food, but I am always unsatisfied. What sin has caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you were originally a 'bhikshu' (Bǐqiū, a Buddhist monk), seeking items for the monastic community, but you ate them yourself. Now you are receiving only the 'flower retribution', the full karmic consequence is in hell.' A ghost asked: 'The body I have received has swollen feet and a goiter (yǐng) on my neck. What sin has caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you made people and various animals carry heavy loads without reason. Now you are receiving only the 'flower retribution', the full karmic consequence is in hell.' A ghost asked: 'The body I have received constantly suffers from heat and thirst. What sin has caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you enjoyed fishing and hunting, and you threw the fish you caught onto the sand, causing them to die in agony. Now you are receiving only the 'flower retribution', the full karmic consequence is in hell.' A ghost asked: 'The body I have received is mad, foolish, and without wisdom. What sin has caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you gave alcohol to others. Now you are receiving only the 'flower retribution', the full karmic consequence is in hell.' A ghost asked: 'The children I give birth to all turn around and eat me. What sin has caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you did not cultivate filial piety. Now you are receiving only the 'flower retribution', the full karmic consequence is in hell.'
一鬼問言：「我食常吐，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，有人中后索食，汝瞋罵而與，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我今一生資財無乏，而樂著弊衣，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，雖好佈施，施后尋悔，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我受一形，恒倚巷陌，宿無常處，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，客來投止而不安隱，見他容止而復瞋罵，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我得此形，非男非女，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，而無慈心，好犍六畜，今受花報，果在地獄」。
一鬼問言：「我得此身，躄不能行，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時好行無道，拘繫人獸令不得行，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我此一身常患熱渴，行見恒河，清涼美好，入中洗浴，冀得涼樂，以除熱苦；方入其中，舉身爛壞，渴欲飲之，一口入咽，五藏焦爛，肌肉離骨。何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，好為相師，相人吉兇，少實多虛，或毀或譽，自稱有德，以動人心，以求利養。又于父母、兄弟、宗親諂偽不實，今受花報。果在地獄，受苦億倍，說不可盡。」
一鬼問言：「我受身以來。常
【現代漢語翻譯】 現代漢語譯本 一個餓鬼問道：『我經常吃什麼都吐出來，這是什麼罪過導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，有人在中午之後向你乞討食物，你生氣地責罵著才給他，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄。』 一個餓鬼問道：『我現在一生資財不缺，卻喜歡穿著破爛的衣服，這是什麼罪過導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，雖然喜歡佈施，但佈施之後又後悔，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄。』 一個餓鬼問道：『我受的這個形體，總是依靠在街巷裡，沒有固定的住所，這是什麼罪過導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，客人來投宿卻不能讓他們感到安穩，看到他們的容貌舉止就生氣責罵，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄。』 一個餓鬼問道：『我得到的這個身體，既不是男的也不是女的，這是什麼罪過導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，沒有慈悲心，喜歡閹割牲畜，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄。』 一個餓鬼問道：『我得到的這個身體，瘸腿不能行走，這是什麼罪過導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候喜歡走邪路，捆綁牲畜讓它們不能行走，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄。』 一個餓鬼問道：『我這個身體經常感到熱和渴，看到恒河（Ganges River）清涼美好，進入其中洗浴，希望得到涼爽快樂，以消除熱的痛苦；剛一進入其中，全身就腐爛壞掉，想喝水，一口嚥下去，五臟都燒焦腐爛，肌肉脫離骨頭。這是什麼罪過導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，喜歡做相士，給人看相算命，說吉兇禍福，很少有真實的，大多是虛假的，或者詆譭或者讚譽，自稱有德行，以此來打動人心，以求取利益供養。又對父母、兄弟、宗族親戚諂媚虛偽不真實，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄，受苦億萬倍，說也說不盡。』 一個餓鬼問道：『我自從受這個身體以來，經常』
【English Translation】 English version A ghost asked: 'I constantly vomit after eating. What sin caused this?' The answer: 'When you were a human, someone begged for food after midday, and you angrily scolded them while giving it. Now you are receiving the flower retribution, and the fruit retribution is in hell.' A ghost asked: 'I have no lack of wealth in this life, yet I am fond of wearing tattered clothes. What sin caused this?' The answer: 'When you were a human, although you liked to give alms, you regretted it afterward. Now you are receiving the flower retribution, and the fruit retribution is in hell.' A ghost asked: 'I receive this form and constantly lean against the streets, with no fixed abode. What sin caused this?' The answer: 'When you were a human, guests came to seek lodging, but you did not make them feel at ease. Seeing their appearance and demeanor, you became angry and scolded them. Now you are receiving the flower retribution, and the fruit retribution is in hell.' A ghost asked: 'I received this body, which is neither male nor female. What sin caused this?' The answer: 'When you were a human, you had no compassion and liked to castrate livestock. Now you are receiving the flower retribution, and the fruit retribution is in hell.' A ghost asked: 'I received this body, crippled and unable to walk. What sin caused this?' The answer: 'When you were a human, you liked to walk on immoral paths and bound livestock, preventing them from walking. Now you are receiving the flower retribution, and the fruit retribution is in hell.' A ghost asked: 'I constantly suffer from heat and thirst in this body. Seeing the Ganges River (恒河), clear, cool, and beautiful, I enter it to bathe, hoping to find coolness and joy to relieve the suffering of heat. But as soon as I enter, my whole body rots and decays. I thirst to drink, but with one mouthful, my five organs are scorched and rotten, and my flesh separates from my bones. What sin caused this?' The answer: 'When you were a human, you liked to be a fortune teller, predicting good and bad fortune for people, with little truth and much falsehood, either slandering or praising, claiming to have virtue in order to move people's hearts and seek profit and offerings. Furthermore, you were flattering, false, and untrue to your parents, siblings, and relatives. Now you are receiving the flower retribution, and the fruit retribution is in hell, suffering billions of times more, which cannot be fully described.' A ghost asked: 'Since I received this body, I constantly'
有惡狗，體大牙利、兩目赫赤，晝夜常來而啖我身，命未盡頃肉尋復生，復受此苦，痛不可忍，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，作天祠主，于天祠中，取牛羊血以祀于天，自食其肉，語眾人言：『汝等祀天，大得吉利！』作諸惡邪以惑百姓，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我受此身，常在不凈中，舉身涂漫，有所啖食皆是不凈，恒受此苦，不能得離，臭惱纏身，憂患叵計，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，作婆羅門，不信佛法，不樂供養沙門、道人，若來乞求，恒不欲見。時有一道人來從汝乞。汝作是念：『當作方便，令不復來。』即取缽盛屎著下，以飯覆上，將與道人。道人得已，還至本處，持著一面，凈洗手訖，坐而執缽，手取欲食，缽中不凈，臭不可近。以是因緣，受此臭惱，今受花報，果在地獄，常吞熱鐵丸，身體爛壞，苦不可言。」
一鬼問言：「我受此身，處處舌出，有自然斧，而斬截之，如是無數，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，作小道人，為僧所差，取冷凈水，作石蜜漿，分與眾僧。石蜜堅大，打取少許，盜食一口。盜僧物故，今受花報，果在地獄，吞注洋銅，苦不可言。」
一鬼問言：「我受此身，常苦飢餓，往至廁上，欲取屎食。廁上
【現代漢語翻譯】 現代漢語譯本：一個餓鬼問道：『我遇到惡狗，身體巨大，牙齒鋒利，兩眼血紅，日夜不停地來啃食我的身體，性命未盡時，肉又重新長出來，再次遭受這種痛苦，疼痛難忍，這是什麼罪導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，擔任天祠的主持，在天祠中，取牛羊的血來祭祀天神，自己吃它們的肉，還告訴眾人說：『你們祭祀天神，會得到很大的吉利！』你製造各種邪惡的說法來迷惑百姓，現在受到的這種痛苦是花報，果報在地獄。』 一個餓鬼問道：『我受到的這種身體，常常處在不乾淨的地方，全身塗滿污穢，吃的東西也都是不乾淨的，一直遭受這種痛苦，無法脫離，臭氣熏天，憂愁患難無法計算，這是什麼罪導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，是個婆羅門（Brahman，印度教僧侶），不相信佛法，不喜歡供養沙門（Śrāmaṇa，出家修道者）、道人，如果他們來乞討，你總是不想見到。當時有一個道人來向你乞討。你心想：『要設法讓他以後不再來。』於是就取來缽，在下面盛滿糞便，上面用飯蓋住，拿去給道人。道人得到后，回到住處，把缽放在一邊，洗乾淨手后，坐下來拿起缽，用手去取飯要吃，發現缽里是不乾淨的東西，臭得無法靠近。因為這個因緣，你受到這種臭穢的報應，現在受到的這種痛苦是花報，果報在地獄，常常吞吃燒紅的鐵丸，身體潰爛，痛苦不堪。』 一個餓鬼問道：『我受到的這種身體，到處伸出舌頭，有天然的斧頭來砍斷我的舌頭，像這樣無數次，這是什麼罪導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，是個小道人，被寺廟指派，去取冷水，製作石蜜漿（一種飲料），分給眾僧。石蜜很大塊，你敲打取了一點，偷偷地吃了一口。因為偷盜僧眾的物品，現在受到的這種痛苦是花報，果報在地獄，吞嚥熔化的銅汁，痛苦不堪。』 一個餓鬼問道：『我受到的這種身體，常常感到飢餓，前往廁所，想要拿糞便來吃。
【English Translation】 English version: A hungry ghost asked: 'I encounter evil dogs, with large bodies, sharp teeth, and blood-red eyes, who constantly come day and night to devour my body. Before my life ends, the flesh regrows, and I suffer this pain again, which is unbearable. What sin caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you were the master of a heavenly shrine. In the shrine, you took the blood of cattle and sheep to sacrifice to the heavens, and you ate their meat yourself. You told the people: 'You will receive great blessings by sacrificing to the heavens!' You created various evil doctrines to deceive the people. Now you are receiving the 'flower retribution' (Hua Bao, immediate consequence), and the 'fruit retribution' (Guo Bao, ultimate consequence) is in hell.' A hungry ghost asked: 'I suffer this body, constantly in unclean places, my whole body smeared with filth, and everything I eat is unclean. I constantly suffer this pain, unable to escape. The stench surrounds me, and the worries and troubles are immeasurable. What sin caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you were a Brahman (Brahman, a Hindu priest), you did not believe in the Buddha's teachings, and you did not like to make offerings to Śrāmaṇas (Śrāmaṇa, wandering ascetics) and Taoists. If they came to beg, you always did not want to see them. At that time, a Taoist came to beg from you. You thought: 'I must find a way to prevent him from coming again.' So you took a bowl, filled the bottom with excrement, covered it with rice on top, and gave it to the Taoist. After the Taoist received it, he returned to his place, put the bowl aside, washed his hands, sat down, picked up the bowl, and reached out to take the rice to eat. He found that the bowl contained unclean things, and the stench was unbearable. Because of this cause, you suffer this foul retribution. Now you are receiving the 'flower retribution', and the 'fruit retribution' is in hell, constantly swallowing hot iron balls, your body rotting, and the suffering is indescribable.' A hungry ghost asked: 'I suffer this body, with my tongue sticking out everywhere, and there is a natural axe that cuts it off, like this countless times. What sin caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you were a young Taoist, assigned by the monastery to fetch cold, clean water and make rock candy juice (a type of drink) to distribute to the monks. The rock candy was large, and you knocked off a little bit and secretly ate a mouthful. Because you stole the monastery's property, now you are receiving the 'flower retribution', and the 'fruit retribution' is in hell, swallowing molten copper, and the suffering is indescribable.' A hungry ghost asked: 'I suffer this body, constantly feeling hungry, and I go to the toilet, wanting to take excrement to eat.'
有大力鬼，以杖打我，初不得近，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，曾作道人，為佛圖主，吝護僧物，不以好食供養眾僧，常以粗惡與之。或時時欲作好食，客比丘來，便止不作，待去乃設。噁心慳惜，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我受此身，腹大如甕，余身份皆小，咽如細針孔，不得下食，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，作聚落主，自恃豪強，欺人民，常以無道索人飲食，以苦百姓，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我受此身，肩上有銅瓶，滿中洋銅，手捉一杓，以酌取之，自灌其頭，舉身焦爛，如是無數，苦痛無量，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，出家修道，知僧飲食，以一酥瓶，藏著余處，客道人來而不與之，客去出酥行與舊僧。此酥是招提僧物，一切有分，隱匿僧物，與不平等。以是因緣，得如是苦，今受花報，果在地獄，受苦難計。」
一鬼問言：「我受此身，常有人來，持諸刀鋸，割剝我身，又破其腹，出其五藏，肉盡筋斷，痛不可忍。須臾之間，肉生平復，尋復來割，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，作婆羅門，不信正法，常生邪見，奉事天神，恒以牛羊禱祠，以是罪故，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我受
【現代漢語翻譯】 現代漢語譯本 有大力鬼用棍杖打我，一開始無法靠近，這是什麼罪導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，曾經做過道人，是佛寺的主持，吝嗇守護僧眾的財物，不拿好的食物供養眾僧，總是給他們粗劣的食物。有時想要做好的食物，有外來的比丘來了，就停止不做，等他們走了才做。因為惡毒慳吝，現在受到花報，果報在地獄。』 一個鬼問：『我受到的這個身體，肚子大得像甕，其餘身體部分都很小，喉嚨像細針孔一樣，無法下嚥食物，這是什麼罪導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，是村落的首領，仗著自己豪強，欺壓百姓，經常用不合道理的手段索取百姓的飲食，使百姓受苦，現在受到花報，果報在地獄。』 一個鬼問：『我受到的這個身體，肩膀上有銅瓶，裡面裝滿了熔化的銅，手裡拿著一個勺子，用來舀取銅水，自己澆灌在頭上，全身焦爛，像這樣無數次，痛苦無量，這是什麼罪導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，出家修行，掌管僧眾的飲食，把一瓶酥油藏在別的地方，有外來的道人來了不給他們，等客人走了才把酥油拿出來分給舊僧。這酥油是寺院僧眾的財物，每個人都有份，你隱瞞僧眾的財物，給予不平等。因為這個因緣，得到這樣的痛苦，現在受到花報，果報在地獄，受苦難以計算。』 一個鬼問：『我受到的這個身體，經常有人來，拿著各種刀鋸，割剝我的身體，又剖開我的肚子，取出我的五臟，肉被割盡筋被割斷，痛苦得無法忍受。一會兒的功夫，肉又重新長好，恢復原狀，隨即又來割，這是什麼罪導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，是婆羅門（Brahman，古印度僧侶階層），不相信正法，經常產生邪見，供奉天神，總是用牛羊來祭祀，因為這個罪過，現在受到花報，果報在地獄。』 一個鬼問：『我受
【English Translation】 English version A powerful ghost asked: 'I am beaten by a staff wielded by a strong ghost, and at first, he cannot get close to me. What sin caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you were once a Daoist (Taoist) priest and the head of a Buddhist monastery (佛圖, Fó tú). You were stingy in protecting the monastery's property and did not provide good food for the monks, always giving them coarse and inferior food. Sometimes you intended to prepare good food, but when visiting Bhikkhus (比丘, Bǐ qiū, monks) arrived, you stopped making it and only prepared it after they left. Because of your malicious stinginess, you are now receiving the 'flower' retribution, and the full karmic consequence will be in hell.' A ghost asked: 'I have received this body, with a belly as large as a jar, and the rest of my body is small. My throat is like a tiny needle hole, and I cannot swallow food. What sin caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you were the head of a village. Relying on your power and strength, you oppressed the people and often used unjust means to demand food and drink from them, causing the people to suffer. Now you are receiving the 'flower' retribution, and the full karmic consequence will be in hell.' A ghost asked: 'I have received this body, with a copper pot on my shoulder filled with molten copper. I hold a ladle and use it to scoop the copper and pour it over my head, causing my whole body to be scorched and rotten. This happens countless times, and the suffering is immeasurable. What sin caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you left home to cultivate the Way and were in charge of the monks' food and drink. You hid a pot of ghee (酥, Sū, clarified butter) elsewhere and did not give it to visiting Daoist priests. After the guests left, you took out the ghee and gave it to the old monks. This ghee belonged to the Sangha (僧, Sēng, monastic community) of the monastery, and everyone had a share. You concealed the Sangha's property and gave it unequally. Because of this cause, you are experiencing such suffering. Now you are receiving the 'flower' retribution, and the full karmic consequence will be in hell, where the suffering is immeasurable.' A ghost asked: 'I have received this body, and people constantly come with various knives and saws to cut and peel my body. They also cut open my belly, take out my internal organs, and cut away all my flesh, severing the tendons. The pain is unbearable. In a short while, the flesh grows back and is restored, and then they come again to cut. What sin caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you were a Brahman (婆羅門, Pó luó mén, a member of the priestly class in ancient India) who did not believe in the true Dharma (法, Fǎ, Buddhist teachings) and constantly held wrong views. You served the gods and always used cattle and sheep for sacrifices. Because of this sin, you are now receiving the 'flower' retribution, and the full karmic consequence will be in hell.' A ghost asked: 'I have received
此身，常有人來，持諸刀鋸，割剝我身，又破其腹，出其五藏，肉盡筋斷，苦切叵忍。須臾之間，肉生平復，尋復來割，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，常作魁膾，主知殺人無有慈心，歡喜行之，有如是罪，故得此惡，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我受此身，兩腋下恒有熱鐵輪轉，大熱逼身兩腋焦爛，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，出家學道，與僧作種種餅，僧未下食，汝時貪心盜取僧餅，藏著腋下屏處食之，以是因緣得如是苦，今受花報，果在地獄，受苦難量。」
一鬼問言：「我受此身，常有自然赤鐵丸，從空中下，入口至腹，或從左出右入，或從右出左入，舉身焦爛，痛切無量，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，出家為沙彌，為僧煮庵羅果。僧中行之，至和上前，輒長與七枚。以是因緣，得如是惡，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我受此身，意欲行來，發動回還，猶如旋風，初不得前，愁惱悶苦，不可稱計，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，作卜問師，詭誑他人，令心罔惑，或喜或怖，皆不真實，由此因緣，得如是惡，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我受此身，內常有熱，猶懷湯火，復來燒煮，苦痛萬端，何罪所致
【現代漢語翻譯】 現代漢語譯本： 一個鬼問：『我這個身體，經常有人拿著各種刀鋸，切割剝離我的身體，又剖開我的肚子，取出我的五臟，肉被割盡，筋脈斷裂，痛苦難忍。一會兒之後，肉又重新長好，恢復原狀，隨即又來切割，這是什麼罪過導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，經常做屠夫，主管殺人，沒有慈悲心，歡喜地做這些事，因此有這樣的罪過，現在受的是花報（指較輕的報應），果報在地獄。』 一個鬼問：『我受這個身體，兩個腋下經常有熱鐵輪旋轉，極熱逼迫身體，兩個腋下焦爛，是什麼罪過導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，出家學道，給僧眾做各種餅，僧眾還沒開始吃，你當時貪心，偷取僧眾的餅，藏在腋下隱蔽的地方吃，因為這個因緣，得到這樣的痛苦，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄，受苦難以估量。』 一個鬼問：『我受這個身體，經常有自然形成的赤鐵丸，從空中落下，進入口中到達腹部，或者從左邊出去右邊進入，或者從右邊出去左邊進入，全身焦爛，痛苦無量，是什麼罪過導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，出家做沙彌（Śrāmaṇera，佛教術語，指出家男子），為僧眾煮庵羅果（Āmra，芒果）。僧眾分食時，到和尚面前，總是多給七枚。因為這個因緣，得到這樣的惡報，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄。』 一個鬼問：『我受這個身體，想要行走，發動轉身，就像旋風一樣，始終不能前進，愁悶痛苦，無法計算，是什麼罪過導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，做占卜的，用虛假的言語欺騙他人，使人心迷惑，或喜或怖，都不是真實的，因為這個因緣，得到這樣的惡報，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄。』 一個鬼問：『我受這個身體，內部經常有熱，就像懷抱著沸騰的開水，又來燒煮，痛苦萬端，是什麼罪過導致的？』
【English Translation】 English version: A ghost asked: 'With this body, there are always people coming, holding various knives and saws, cutting and peeling my body, and also splitting open my abdomen, taking out my five internal organs. The flesh is completely cut off, the tendons are broken, and the suffering is unbearable. After a short while, the flesh grows back and returns to normal, and then they come to cut again. What sin has caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you were often a butcher, in charge of killing people, without any compassion. You happily did these things, and therefore you have this sin. Now you are receiving the flower retribution (a lighter form of karmic consequence), and the full consequence will be in hell.' A ghost asked: 'I am suffering in this body, and there are constantly hot iron wheels rotating under both armpits. The extreme heat presses against my body, and both armpits are scorched and rotten. What sin has caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you left home to study the Way, and you made various kinds of cakes for the Sangha (Buddhist monastic community). Before the Sangha began to eat, you were greedy and stole the Sangha's cakes, hiding them under your armpits in a secluded place to eat them. Because of this cause, you are receiving such suffering. Now you are receiving the flower retribution, and the full consequence will be in hell, where the suffering is immeasurable.' A ghost asked: 'I am suffering in this body, and there are constantly naturally formed red iron balls falling from the sky, entering my mouth and reaching my abdomen, or exiting from the left and entering from the right, or exiting from the right and entering from the left, causing my whole body to be scorched and rotten, and the pain is immeasurable. What sin has caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you left home to become a Śrāmaṇera (novice monk), and you cooked Āmra (mangoes) for the Sangha. When distributing them among the Sangha, you always gave seven extra to the abbot. Because of this cause, you are receiving such evil retribution. Now you are receiving the flower retribution, and the full consequence will be in hell.' A ghost asked: 'I am suffering in this body, and when I want to walk, move, or turn around, it is like a whirlwind, and I can never move forward. The sorrow and suffering are immeasurable. What sin has caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you worked as a diviner, deceiving others with false words, causing their minds to be confused, either with joy or fear, none of which was true. Because of this cause, you are receiving such evil retribution. Now you are receiving the flower retribution, and the full consequence will be in hell.' A ghost asked: 'I am suffering in this body, and there is constant heat inside, as if embracing boiling water, and then being burned and cooked, with all kinds of suffering. What sin has caused this?'
？」
答言：「汝為人時，作國王第一夫人。時王貴敬小夫人，汝常生嫉心，作惡方便，求欲殺之。伺其臥時，煮酥令熱，注著腹上。其人得此苦痛無量，遂便命終。由是因緣，得如是苦，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我受此身，性多恐怖，常畏人來，收閉繫縛、枷鎖楚毒，初無歡心，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，好行邪淫，犯人婦女，常畏發覺，心不自寧，今受花報，果在地獄，或臥鐵床或抱銅柱，如是之苦，不可稱計。」
一鬼問言：「我受此身，自然熱鐵，而有籠網，纏絡我身，燒熱焦爛，痛毒叵言，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，常持罝網，殺諸魚獸，籠取飛鳥。以是因緣，得如是苦切，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我受此身，無有手足，如一假肉，在於曠野，狐狼虎豹，雕鷲眾鳥，競來搏撮，爭共食之，苦痛叵言，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，作惡方便，若己若他，妊身之時，即便與藥，令胎消化。由是因緣，得如是苦，今受花報，果在地獄。」
又三鬼一時來問言：「我受此身，常有鐵釘，從空中下，釘我身上，入肌破骨，痛毒徹髓，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，一人作馬師，一人作牛師，一人作
【現代漢語翻譯】 現代漢語譯本 回答說：『你做人的時候，是國王的第一夫人。當時國王寵愛小夫人，你常常心生嫉妒，用各種惡毒的手段，想要殺死她。你趁她睡覺的時候，把滾燙的酥油煮熱，澆在她的肚子上。那人因此遭受了無量的痛苦，就死了。由於這個因緣，你才得到這樣的苦報，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄。』 一個鬼問道：『我受的這個身體，天性就多恐怖，常常害怕別人來，把我抓起來關押捆綁、戴上枷鎖用刑具拷打，從來沒有歡喜的時候，這是什麼罪導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，喜歡行邪淫，侵犯別人的婦女，常常害怕被人發覺，心裡不得安寧，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄，或者睡在鐵床上，或者抱著銅柱，這樣的痛苦，不可計數。』 一個鬼問道：『我受的這個身體，自然有燒紅的鐵，做成籠子和網，纏繞在我的身上，燒得焦爛，痛苦難言，這是什麼罪導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，常常拿著網，殺各種魚和野獸，用籠子抓飛鳥。因為這個因緣，你才得到這樣痛苦的報應，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄。』 一個鬼問道：『我受的這個身體，沒有手腳，像一塊假肉，在曠野里，狐貍、狼、老虎、豹子、雕、鷲等各種鳥類，都來爭搶，一起吃它，痛苦難言，這是什麼罪導致的？』 回答說：『你做人的時候，用各種惡毒的手段，無論是自己還是別人，在懷孕的時候，就給她們吃藥，讓胎兒消化掉。因為這個因緣，你才得到這樣的苦報，現在受的是花報，果報在地獄。』 又有三個鬼同時來問道：『我們受的這個身體，常常有鐵釘，從空中落下，釘在我們的身上，進入肌肉，刺破骨頭，痛苦徹入骨髓，這是什麼罪導致的？』 回答說：『你們做人的時候，一個人做馬師，一個人做牛師，一個人做…』
【English Translation】 English version The answer was: 'When you were a human, you were the first wife of a king. At that time, the king favored a concubine, and you were constantly jealous, devising evil schemes to kill her. You waited until she was asleep, then boiled ghee (clarified butter) until it was scalding hot and poured it onto her abdomen. The person suffered immeasurable pain and died. Because of this cause and condition, you received such suffering. Now you are receiving the 'flower' (preliminary) retribution, and the full karmic consequence is in hell.' One ghost asked: 'I receive this body, which is inherently full of terror. I am constantly afraid of people coming to capture, confine, bind, shackle, and torture me. I never have any joy. What sin caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you were fond of engaging in illicit sexual conduct, violating other people's wives. You were constantly afraid of being discovered, and your heart was never at peace. Now you are receiving the 'flower' (preliminary) retribution, and the full karmic consequence is in hell, where you either lie on iron beds or embrace copper pillars. Such suffering is immeasurable.' One ghost asked: 'I receive this body, which is naturally made of hot iron, with cages and nets that entangle my body, burning and charring it. The pain is indescribable. What sin caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you often used nets to kill various fish and beasts, and cages to capture birds. Because of this cause and condition, you received such bitter suffering. Now you are receiving the 'flower' (preliminary) retribution, and the full karmic consequence is in hell.' One ghost asked: 'I receive this body, which has no hands or feet, like a lump of flesh, lying in the wilderness. Foxes, wolves, tigers, leopards, eagles, vultures, and various birds come to snatch and devour it, causing indescribable pain. What sin caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were a human, you used various evil means, whether yourself or others, to administer medicine to pregnant women to cause the fetus to be aborted. Because of this cause and condition, you received such suffering. Now you are receiving the 'flower' (preliminary) retribution, and the full karmic consequence is in hell.' Then three ghosts came together and asked: 'We receive this body, which is constantly pierced by iron nails falling from the sky, piercing our bodies, entering our muscles, and breaking our bones. The pain penetrates to the marrow. What sin caused this?' The answer was: 'When you were humans, one of you was a horse trainer, one of you was a cattle trainer, and one of you was a...'
象師。茍貪他財，針刺無道，使受痛苦，而不除痛，由是因緣，得如是苦，今受花報，果在地獄。」
一鬼問言：「我受此身，無有頭首，眼耳鼻口，盡在胸前，何罪所致？」
答言：「汝為人時，若見殺人，與之捉頭，歡喜而挽，無有慈心。由是因緣，得如是身，今受花報，果在地獄。」
目連答諸鬼已，皆生敬心，走前懺悔。目連見其歡喜，更為說法。諸鬼聞已，皆大歡喜。
餓鬼報應經
【現代漢語翻譯】 現代漢語譯本： 一位馴象師如果貪圖他人的錢財，用針刺等不人道的方式，使大象遭受痛苦，卻不解除它們的痛苦，因為這樣的因緣，會得到這樣的苦報，現在所受的是花報（較輕的報應），真正的果報在地獄之中。
一個餓鬼問道：『我受到的這種身體，沒有頭和頸，眼睛、耳朵、鼻子、嘴巴，全部長在胸前，這是什麼罪導致的呢？』
回答說：『你做人的時候，如果看到有人殺人，就幫他抓住頭，歡喜地拉扯，沒有慈悲心。因為這樣的因緣，得到這樣的身體，現在所受的是花報，真正的果報在地獄之中。』
目連（Maudgalyayana，佛陀的弟子，以神通著稱）回答了眾餓鬼的問題后，他們都生起了敬畏之心，走到前面懺悔。目連看到他們歡喜，就為他們進一步說法。眾餓鬼聽了之後，都非常歡喜。
《餓鬼報應經》
【English Translation】 English version: A mahout (elephant trainer), if greedy for the wealth of others, uses needles and other inhumane methods to inflict pain on elephants without relieving their suffering. Due to such causes and conditions, they will receive such suffering as retribution. What they are experiencing now is the 'flower retribution' (a lighter form of karmic consequence), while the true karmic fruit lies in hell.
One hungry ghost asked: 'I have received this body, without a head or neck, with eyes, ears, nose, and mouth all on my chest. What sin caused this?'
The answer was: 'When you were a human, if you saw someone killing another person, you would help them hold the head, gleefully pulling on it, without any compassion. Due to such causes and conditions, you received this body. What you are experiencing now is the 'flower retribution', while the true karmic fruit lies in hell.'
After Maudgalyayana (one of the Buddha's chief disciples, known for his supernatural powers) answered the questions of the hungry ghosts, they all developed a sense of reverence and came forward to repent. Seeing their joy, Maudgalyayana further expounded the Dharma for them. Upon hearing it, all the hungry ghosts were greatly delighted.
The Sutra of Retribution for Hungry Ghosts