龍舒增廣淨土文 9.4

9.4

Confucius transformed three thousand disciples, and his essential teachings do not go beyond the single book of the Analects, which opens with the phrase: "To learn and practice it at timely intervals." Is not the meaning of this single phrase the most urgent of first priorities? Learning means learning to become a gentleman, to become a sage. Practice is like the practice of archery and the practice of etiquette. One who learns to be a gentleman or a sage cannot reach it abruptly, and thus must gradually practice it at timely intervals. If one learns broadness and generosity, one practices it at times of narrowness and pettiness. If one learns gentleness and harmony, one practices it at times of anger and rage. If one learns reverence and respect, one practices it at times of arrogance and pride. If one learns goodness and kindness, one practices it at times of cruelty and perversity. If one learns yielding and deferring, one practices it at times of contentious dispute. If one learns diligence and agility, one practices it at times of laxity and indolence. This being so, what is called "timely practice" means practicing when facing the circumstance, so that practice is not in vain; one's practice will certainly succeed. When it succeeds, it naturally brings delight; hence it is said, "Is it not a pleasure?" If one can awaken to this principle, then all the goods spoken of throughout the Analects can be fulfilled completely. One knows from this that placing this single phrase at the very head of the book was deeply intentional. Those who cultivate the Western direction and advance toward the Way especially value practice; therefore, this must not be left unknown.