摩訶止觀 4.125

4.125

若深山絕域，無所資待，不假外護；若修三種三昧，應仰勝緣。夫外護者，不簡白黑，但能營理所須。莫見過、莫觸惱、莫稱歎、莫汎舉而致損壞。如母養兒，如虎銜子，調和得所。舊行道人，乃能為耳。是名「外護」。

If one is in deep mountains and desolate regions with nothing to depend upon, one does not rely on an external protector; but if one practices the three kinds of samādhi, one should rely on superior conditions. As for an external protector: without distinguishing between white and black (lay and monastic), they simply manage what is needed. They must not see faults, must not cause irritation, must not praise excessively, and must not promote carelessly so as to cause ruin. Like a mother raising a child, or like a tigress holding her cub in her mouth, they keep things properly attuned. Only a seasoned practitioner of the path can do this. This is called the "external protector."