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546]
In the great cycle of existence, in the state of being subject to karmic consequences, the following is the case:
[4, 2, 4, 39]
A being who, having a lifespan of a koti (a vast number) in the previous existence, binds a lifespan of a koti in the next existence, in the form of an aquatic being, and binds it with the appropriate level of karmic afflictions in the highest state of binding.
The being whose lifespan is capable of experiencing the highest level of pain due to karma, has three special characteristics. The first characteristic is that its current lifespan should be a koti. The reason for this is that only those who bind a lifespan in the next existence by overcoming three-fourths of a koti in the previous existence are capable of experiencing the highest level of binding. This is not possible for other beings. Therefore, this highest level of binding can only occur in a being whose lifespan is a koti, having overcome three-fourths of a koti in the previous existence.
The second characteristic is that when binding a lifespan in the next existence, it binds the lifespan of an aquatic being, and binds it for a koti. The phrase "in the next existence" in the sutra implies that just as the emergence of other karmas, such as knowledge obscuration, begins in the state of binding after the binding process, the emergence of lifespan karma does not occur in the state of binding, but rather in the next existence. The reason for binding lifespan in aquatic beings is that due to their lack of discrimination, their karmic afflictions are less, and therefore their essence is not depleted as much.
The third characteristic is that it binds the aforementioned lifespan in the next existence with the appropriate level of karmic afflictions in the highest state of binding for a long period of time. This means that while other karmas are bound in the highest state, lifespan karma is not bound with the highest level of karmic afflictions, but rather with a moderate level of karmic afflictions.
"It remains for a moment in the state of binding above the moderate level." [37]
"In the final state of the destruction of the qualities of the being, it remains for a fraction of an instant in the state of binding." [38]
"Then, gradually receiving time, it is born in aquatic beings with a lifespan of a koti." [39]
After binding a lifespan in the next existence, the current lifespan does not experience a sudden decline, but rather its consequences unfold naturally. To express this, the sutra states "gradually receiving time." Similarly, the bound lifespan does not experience a sudden decline, but rather is born in the next existence. To express this, the sutra states "a lifespan of a koti."