摩訶止觀 5.4

5.4

A swift horse takes to the right path merely upon seeing the shadow of the whip. As for the dull and foolish, the venomous fumes have penetrated them deeply, causing them to lose their original mind. Since they do not believe, they cannot get started; lacking the hook of hearing the Dharma, even when listening they cannot understand. Lacking the eye of wisdom, they do not distinguish the true from the false; paralyzed and afflicted throughout their bodies, they cannot advance a single step, unknowing and unawares. For people of such great masses of sin, why bother expounding it? As for those who loathe the worldly but dally with the inferior vehicle, clinging to twigs and leaves, mingling like dogs in their pursuits, revering monkeys as Śakra, and honoring rubble as bright jewels—how could one discuss the path with such persons of darkness? Furthermore, there is a class of dhyāna practitioners who do not comprehend the capacities of others, dispensing exclusively milk medicine. Whether examining the mind, treading the mind, harmoniously fusing, seeking awareness, extinguishing, or realizing clearly—all these follow one single rut. Obstacles and difficulties are of ten thousand varieties, yet in their confusion they fail to recognize them; the moment they see an unusual sign, they judge it to be the path. Being unsuited vessels themselves and lacking the skill to guide others, the blind and lame master and disciple both fall together, stumbling blindly in the night—truly pitiable! One must not expound this calming and contemplation to the aforementioned people. As for calming and contemplation, to the lofty it is lofty, and to the lowly it is lowly.