樂邦遺稿 1.52

1.52

Master Gushan's *Mituo xizi chao* states: "Observing worldly people, their intention toward goodness is slight, while their intention toward evil is heavy. How could they attain rebirth in the Pure Land? Please verify this through present realities: Facing a Buddha image, they are not as reverent and cautious as when receiving an eminent guest; studying the scriptures and teachings, they are not as diligent and toiling as when pursuing wealth and profit. In defaming another, their breath is coarse and words fluent; in praising another, their breath is slack and speech hesitant. If they dislike someone, they conceal his good and trumpet his flaws; if they like someone, they cover his shortcomings and praise his virtues. If they themselves accumulate evils, they become enraged when others privately mention them; if they perform a trifling good, they resent that others do not know of it. Regarding evil matters, they secretly spend a thousand pieces of gold and can keep their mouths firmly shut; when bestowing charity on a wholesome person, they boast of their merit having just prepared a single meal. Minds directed in all such ways are just about to sink into the evil destinies. To seek rebirth in the Pure Land with such scant goodness—how difficult indeed!"