摩訶止觀 5.142

5.142

Having finished explaining the sharpness and dullness of the other person's faculties, how does one settle the mind? The teacher should ask: 'Regarding concentration and wisdom, toward which is your aspiration set?' If the person says: 'I have heard the Buddha say: "A good friend is like the form and light of the moon, gradually growing round and full; again, like steps of a ladder, gradually rising higher. Skillful speech turns people's minds; it is the complete causal condition for attaining the Path. With longing aspiration, one thirsts to drink, like a calf following its mother."' One should know that this is a follower of faith. If the person says: 'I have heard the Buddha say: "If the body of a clear mirror does not move, colors and images are distinctly clear; if clean water has no waves, fish and stones naturally appear. One delights in casting off bad awareness, like discarding a heavy burden."' One should know that this is a follower of the Dharma. Once the faculties are known, in the case of a single person, there are eight ways of settling the mind.