樂邦遺稿 1.38

1.38

Now, realizing the mindful mind within no-mind, and recognizing the non-thought within thought, abiding neither in existence nor non-existence, how could subject and object remain? Thus thought after thought is perfectly bright, mind after mind is empty and tranquil. If one is ignorant of this principle, every dharma becomes a fault; if one truly accords with its source, every gate connects to the wondrous. Now, to demonstrate perfect cultivation without departing from the ultimate truth, so that those bearing heavy loads to distant places may attain rest for their shoulders, and those drifting in the bewildered ford may quickly ascend the other shore, nothing takes precedence over the contemplation gate of buddhānusmṛti and pure karma of the West. Thus the Vimalakīrti-sūtra says: 'Although knowing that all buddha-lands and sentient beings are empty, one always cultivates the pure land to teach and transform sentient beings.' Is this not what it means? I have ventured, for laymen and laywomen, to broadly gather the essentials of the sūtras and treatises to compose the Pure Practice Teaching of the West, demonstrating what they should cultivate and enabling them to attain its purpose. If there are those who see this text yet still cannot arouse faith and establish practice, they are like someone frantic with fever jumping into a cesspool, with only a single hair showing, wanting to extend rescue—there is nothing that can be done for them.