圓悟佛果禪師語錄 16.26

16.26

Miaoxi showed me your letter, showing diligent effort in this matter with very deep feeling; truly, you have not forgotten your compassionate vows. Illumining and shattering the pathways of meaning and emotional understanding with the authentic eye of the lineage, seeing through liver and gall, how clear-sighted you are! The authentic school has long been desolate; later generations practice in stereotyped ruts and cling to ancestral ways, becoming increasingly dull, with none in the world perceiving their error. Everyone generates understanding following words; the ancestral Way is nearly extinguished. Were it not for transcendent and brilliantly awakened persons, how could it be corrected? This genuine right mindfulness is truly an external protector. The times are turbulent; dwelling in the mountains and leading a congregation cannot be guaranteed either, and there is not yet an available opportunity to devise a way to turn around. Your disciple, Gaofori, during one summer sent students to tread the high peak of ancient Yunmen behind the mountain, intending to cut thatch and live in seclusion. His aspiration is very worthy of esteem. Now I am sending Qian to go; I, the old man of the mountain, have written a few words and a preface, and have also spared some extra funds to help complete it, which you may take a look at. His wish to take up the hoe depends precisely on your lofty judgment.