「菩薩畏因不畏果」，在因地他很小心種善因，至於不知不覺種下的惡因，則坦然受其惡果。他面對現實，接受果報，從不怨天尤人。反之，「眾生畏果不畏因」，種因時隨隨便便，顛顛倒倒，亂作胡為。到受果報時就害怕，又怨天尤人，說：「為什麼我要受這種折磨？受這種不公平的報應？」可是他沒想到，假若往昔不是做這種因，怎麼會受這種果報呢？

“A Bodhisattva fears causes, not effects.” In his cultivation, he is very careful to create good causes. If he accidentally creates a bad cause, he bravely faces reality and accepts his retribution without ever complaining. In contrast, “Living beings fear effects instead of causes.” They create causes thoughtlessly and recklessly. When the time comes to face the retributions, they are frightened. They complain to the heavens and blame other people, saying, “Why do I get such lousy treatment? Why is life so unfair?” It never occurs to them that if they hadn't created such causes in the past, they would not be receiving such retributions now.

今天既逢這個因緣，有天龍八部來現身說法，所以藉此機會略說牠的前因後果。

Today, since a member of the eightfold division of Dharma-protecting spirits appeared to speak the Dharma, I have briefly described its background in terms of causes and effects.

只因一著錯，輸了滿盤棋。

With one wrong move, the entire chess game is lost.

一念之差，則不容易挽回劫運。幸虧牠能皈依三寶，將來還有明心見性的機會。

If you have a single bad thought, the resulting disasters will be difficult to avert. Fortunately, the snake has taken refuge with the Triple Jewel, and thus has the opportunity to eventually “understand the mind and see the nature.”

各位若是不相信這段因緣，儘管自己去試試。若相信因果，則不應存絲毫懷疑心。

If you don't believe this story, go ahead and try it out yourself. If you do believe in cause and effect, don't harbor the slightest bit of doubt.