龍舒增廣淨土文 7.12

7.12

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.