修習止觀坐禪法要 1.59

1.59

一、調食者，夫食之為法，本欲資身進道；食若過飽，則氣急身滿，百脈不通，令心閉塞，坐念不安；若食過少，則身羸心懸，意慮不固。此二皆非得定之道。若食穢觸之物，令人心識昏迷；若食不宜之物，則動宿病，使四大違反。此為修定之初，須深慎之也。故經云：「身安則道隆，飲食知節量；常樂在空閑，心靜樂精進；是名諸佛教。」

First, harmonizing food: food as a practice is originally meant to sustain the body and advance along the Path. If one overeats, the breath becomes rushed, the body bloated, the hundred channels blocked, causing the mind to become obstructed and seated mindfulness uneasy. If one eats too little, the body becomes emaciated, the mind suspended in anxiety, and thoughts unstable. Neither of these is the path to attaining concentration. If one eats impure or defiled items, they cause the human mind and consciousness to become bewildered and dull. If one eats improper items, they stir up chronic ailments and cause the four great elements to conflict. In the beginning of cultivating concentration, one must be deeply cautious regarding these things. Thus a sūtra says: 'When the body is at ease, the Path flourishes; know moderation in food and drink; always take pleasure in quiet seclusion; with a tranquil mind, take pleasure in vigorous effort—this is called the teaching of all Buddhas.'