圓悟佛果禪師語錄 14.44

14.44

The Way proceeds from awakening and understanding, with establishing resolve coming first. For an ordinary person bound to the ground of ordinary worldliness to wish to step forward, transcend realization, and directly enter the realm of sages—how could this be a small cause and condition? One should indeed maintain a mind of iron and stone, cut off the flow of birth and death, and undertake the original correct nature, not seeing any dharma inside or outside even in a fine speck of dust, making the chest vast and open, entirely without hindrance. All actions and functions then emerge from the root. Once the root is firm and solid, it can turn all things; this is called the diamond true body, which once attained is permanently attained—how could it rely on external seeking? Therefore, an ancient master said: 'It is difficult to attain the wonder of this lineage; one must be meticulous in applying the mind.' If you can suddenly awaken to the correct cause, that is the step to transcending the dust. When the ancients waved a fan across the river or blew a cloth fluff, there was a point of dynamic arousal; as for being shoved in the mouth or struck on the back, they also allowed the bottom of the bucket to fall out, because of focused concentration over a long period resulting in a sudden glimpse one day. How could this be obtained from outside? It all comes from self-verification and self-awakening.