大華嚴經略策 1.46

1.46

Thirty-ninth: Effort and effortlessness. Question: Accomplishing merit and establishing virtue is shared by the three teachings; why does this sūtra praise effortlessness? Answer: Practice based on conditions and accumulating deeds is said to establish merit; reaching the ultimate and embodying reality requires the obliteration of effort. When there is no effort, merit flows for ten thousand generations; when there is no exertion, function pervades the ten directions. The merit of no effort is called true merit. It is like riding a boat out to sea: suddenly ceasing the poles and oars and hoisting the sail to follow the wind, ten thousand miles is not far. The cessation of effortful practice is the cessation of poles and oars; the perfection of markless wisdom is the raising high of the brocade sail; being without reliance and without abiding is riding the wind of effortlessness. Then one forever abides in the Dharma-flow and wanders endlessly in the ocean of wisdom. Respectfully answered.