“菩萨畏因不畏果”，在因地他很小心种善因，至于不知不觉种下的恶因，则坦然受其恶果。他面对现实，接受果报，从不怨天尤人。反之，“众生畏果不畏因”，种因时随随便便，颠颠倒倒，乱作胡为。到受果报时就害怕，又怨天尤人，说：“为什么我要受这种折磨？受这种不公平的报应？”可是他没想到，假若往昔不是做这种因，怎么会受这种果报呢？

“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.

今天既逢这个因缘，有天龙八部来现身说法，所以藉此机会略说它的前因后果。

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.

只因一着错，输了满盘棋。

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

一念之差，则不容易挽回劫运。幸亏它能皈依三宝，将来还有明心见性的机会。

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.”

各位若是不相信这段因缘，尽管自己去试试。若相信因果，则不应存丝毫怀疑心。

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.