釋門歸敬儀 1.23

1.23

This third text clarifies the ranks of status and the marks of reverence. Nowadays, there are those who sit comfortably before the statues without any attitude of reverence and deference; this can truly be called receiving blame for no reason, destroying body and mind in vain. If those of the three fruits above still stood, how much more so base ordinary beings? Sitting while the statue stands is all the more irreverent; comparing this to lords and fathers of today, one may draw an analogy. Hence we know that circumambulating, walking, and standing are practiced for the sake of reverence; how can one foster arrogance, so that bowing and repenting incurs sin? These words are easy, but facing the occasion is difficult! Always hold this resolve in mind, striving to suppress and restrain oneself, before reform is possible. Otherwise, though one reads it, there is no remedy; constantly practice reflecting on this and pondering it.