汾陽無德禪師語錄 1.75

1.75

師云：「適來上座問：『如何是諸佛行李處？』對他道：『直下無生路，行時不動塵。』且問諸上座，既是無生路，且作麼進步？誠進看。若不進步，不可有自然釋迦、天然彌勒，所以發足超方入聖階梯，精進為務；若不精進，無有是處。故經云：『未曾有一法，從懶惰懈怠中得。』精進猶如牛二角，習學日久，身心純熟，正念現前，舒卷自在，所以無功之功，其功大矣。誌公云：『勇猛精進成懈怠。』且問諸上座，既是精進，為什麼却成懈怠？若是久參先德，不在此限；晚學初心也須子細。大眾既精進，專甲不懈怠，言多則去道遠矣。久立，珍重。」

The Master said: "Just now the venerable elder asked, 'What is the walking-ground of all Buddhas?' I answered him, 'Directly, the path of non-arising; when walking, one does not stir the dust.' Now let me ask the venerable elders: since it is the path of non-arising, how do you take a step forward? Really step forward and see! If you do not take a step forward, there cannot naturally be a Śākyamuni or inherently a Maitreya. Therefore, in setting forth on the path to transcend the world and ascending the ladder into holiness, vigorous progress is the essential task. If one does not make vigorous progress, it is impossible. Hence the sūtra says: 'Not a single dharma has ever been obtained from laziness and negligence.' Vigorous progress is like the two horns of an ox: through long practice, body and mind become pure and mature, right mindfulness manifests before you, and unfolding and folding become free and unobstructed. Therefore, the achievement of non-achievement—its achievement is indeed great! Master Baozhi said: 'Heroic and vigorous progress turns into negligence.' Now let me ask the venerable elders: since it is vigorous progress, why does it turn into negligence? If you are ancient worthies of long practice, you are not subject to this limit; but late students and beginners must examine this carefully. Since the great assembly is vigorously progressing, I too am not negligent; yet when words are many, one is far from the Way. You have been standing long; take care."