• A Grave Transgression and a Lesser Transgression
  • “A person who makes a grave transgression is punished by heaven. One who makes a lesser transgression is punished by spirits or humans.” $56, A Man Is Punished by Reincarnation as a Serpent
  • One day, as Sahng-jeh-nim resided in Gu-rit-gohl Village, the disciples reported, “There is a gigantic serpent in the front yard. We do not know where it came from.
  • The serpent is massive in width and length, yet it cowers and weeps. It appears to be begging for something.”
  • Sahng-jeh-nim went out, stared at the serpent for a while, and said, “How quickly you have been reincarnated.”
  • The disciples pleaded with Him, “We do not know what wrongs the serpent has done, but since it is begging so sincerely, please relieve it of its sins and save it.”
  • Sahng-jeh-nim listened and then said, “Your plea has touched Me. What a distressing affair this is. It is the serpent who has transgressed, yet it is I who must save it. To damage other people’s heavenly relationships is the gravest crime of all.”
  • As soon as Sahng-jeh-nim said this, the giant serpent went away, appearing invigorated and joyful.
  • A disciple asked, “If people commit grave misdeeds, do they die and become serpents?”
  • “There is a punishment like that in heaven,” Sahng-jeh-nim answered.

  • (JSD Dojeon 9,56)




    No Records.