龍舒增廣淨土文 7.12

7.12

譬如人有一官而不受，必欲修學為大魁，其志固美矣。然大魁不可必得固，不若且受其官，一向修學。如得大魁，則若錦上添花；若不得之，不失其為官人。修西方者，且受官之謂也。一向修學者，兼以參禪方謂也。不得大魁者，參禪未悟之謂也。不失其為官人者，直脫輪迴大受快樂之謂也。既生西方見佛聞法，烏有不大悟哉？故西方之說誠不可廢。

For example, suppose a man has an official post available but does not accept it, insisting that he will study to become the principal graduate [in the imperial examinations]; his aspiration is certainly admirable. However, the principal graduate cannot be obtained with certainty; it is certainly better to accept the post for now and devote oneself to studying. If he obtains the position of principal graduate, it will be like adding flowers to brocade; if he does not obtain it, he will not lose his status as an official. Cultivating [rebirth in] the West corresponds to accepting the post for now. Devoting oneself to studying corresponds to concurrently practicing Chan meditation. Not obtaining the position of principal graduate corresponds to practicing Chan without awakening. Not losing his status as an official corresponds to directly escaping transmigration and greatly enjoying bliss. Once born in the West, seeing the Buddha, and hearing the Dharma, how could one fail to have a great awakening? Therefore, the teaching of the West truly must not be discarded.