觀心論疏 1.19

1.19

The verse states: 'All who come seeking the Dharma, / Mostly listening to obtain mere words, / If they do not know to inquire into contemplating the mind, / Have not yet obtained true Dharma joy.' This single verse explains the fault of listeners who retain names and grasp at characteristics without an open mind, not knowing how to seek the principle. How so? A sūtra states: 'Arising-arising is inexpressible, up to non-arising non-arising is inexpressible.' The quiescent mark of all phenomena cannot be expressed in words; that they are now proclaimed expediently consists of phrases outside the principle, just as a medical prescription is an external condition for curing an illness. Now students retain names and grasp at characteristics, rely on their understanding to look down on others, and increase their arrogance, failing to cultivate the inner contemplation of the smṛtyupasthānas to reveal the principle beyond words and eliminate the illness of defilements—what benefit does this have for the student? Just as looking at a prescription without taking the medicine, what profit does it bring to the sick person? If illness must be cured by taking medicine, a student must contemplate internally to attain the Way.