摩訶止觀 5.3

5.3

Seventh, the actual cultivation of calming and contemplation. The preceding six sections relied on the sūtras to open up wondrous understanding; here we rely on wondrous understanding to establish right practice. Oil and flame rely on one another; eyes and feet mutually assist each other. When practice and understanding are both applied vigorously, the three obstacles and four māras rise up in confusion, vying with one another; heavy torpor and immense distraction cloud and perturb the light of concentration. One must neither submit to them nor fear them. If one submits to them, they will lead one toward the evil destinies; if one fears them, this hinders the cultivation of the correct Dharma. One should contemplate torpor with contemplation, so that it becomes bright right within torpor; one should calm distraction with calming, so that it becomes serene right within distraction. This is like a pig rubbing against a golden mountain, like the many streams flowing into the sea, like firewood making a fire burn fiercer, or like wind increasing the garuḍa's power. This adamantine contemplation cuts through the ranks of afflictions; these sturdy feet cross the wilderness of birth and death. Wisdom purifies practice, and practice advances wisdom. Illuminating and nourishing, guiding and penetrating, they intertwine and adorn each other. Like two hands of a single body, they rub against one another. Not only do they clear away obstructions and advance one's own path internally, but they also master the sūtras and treatises and instruct those who have not yet heard externally. Being a master to oneself and mastering others, both benefits are fully complete. Who else could be a teacher of humans and a national treasure? Furthermore, one emulates the Buddha's compassion without any stinginess, expounding calming and contemplation and bestowing it upon others; this is opening the gates and emptying the treasury, giving away the wish-fulfilling jewel. This jewel radiates light and rains down treasures, illuminating darkness and enriching deficiency, brightening the night and relieving destitution. Driving two wheels, one reaches far; flapping two wings, one flies high. Moist as jade and fresh as jasper, how could words fully express it? Even powdering one's bones in Fragrant City or casting oneself from the Snowy Mountains—how could that ever suffice to repay such virtue?