鎮州臨濟慧照禪師語錄 1.52

1.52

A monk asked, “What is the intention of coming from the West?” The Master said, “If there were an intention, one could not even save oneself.” The monk said, “Since there is no intention, how did the Second Patriarch attain the Dharma?” The Master said, “Attaining is non-attainment.” The monk said, “If it is non-attainment, what is the meaning of non-attainment?” The Master said, “Because you rush about everywhere seeking, your mind cannot rest. Therefore the Patriarch said: ‘Alas, man! Searching for a head with your head!’ If at his words you turn your own light around to shine inward, seeking nothing else, and know that your body and mind are no different from the patriarchs and Buddhas, immediately having nothing to do—only this is called attaining the Dharma. Virtuous monks! Today this mountain monk cannot help it; speaking on encounter occasions, I have let out much unseemly filth. Do not misunderstand! According to my insight, there are really not so many principles: when there is need to use it, use it; when not needed, stop. Just as in various places they speak of the six perfections and ten thousand practices as the Buddha's Dharma, I say these are the gate of embellishment and the gate of Buddha-affairs, not the Buddha’s Dharma. Even observing the fast and upholding the precepts, or carrying an oil lamp without spilling it—if your eye of the Way is not clear, you will have to pay off all your debts, and the day will come when you are billed for the cost of your meals. Why is this so? Entering the Way without comprehending its principle, you return in bodily form to repay the offerings of the faithful. The elder was eighty-one, but the tree grew no ears. Even sleeping alone on an isolated peak, eating one meal at the hour of the rabbit, sitting constantly without lying down, and practicing the Way during the six periods—these are all people who create karma. Even giving away head, eyes, marrow, brain, kingdom, cities, wife, children, elephants, horses, and the seven treasures—all such views cause pain to body and mind and thus bring forth painful fruit. It is not as good as having nothing to do, being pure and unmixed. Even bodhisattvas who have completed the tenth stage seek the traces of this follower of the Way and can never find them. Therefore the devas rejoice, the earth spirits support his feet in their hands, and the Buddhas of the ten directions all praise him. Why is this so? Because the functioning of the person of the Way who is listening to the Dharma right now leaves no traces.”