人天眼目 3.178

3.178

Jiyin said: "This is like Guo Zhongling and Li Xiping of the Tang; both were called princes, yet they were not of the royal seed. They arrived at it through meritorious service. The Prince of Qin under Gaozu and Suzong under Minghuang, however, were born into the imperial household and both had the royal seed; they did not arrive at it through meritorious service. What is called internal succession is the merit of no-merit; the ancient sages prized it. What is called external succession occurs by borrowing meritorious enterprise; hence it is also named 'borrowed phrase.' Chan Master Caoshan Benji's verse says in brief: 'When the wondrous and bright essence is exhausted, one knows injury and impact; / Strength lies in encountering conditions without borrowing.' Chan Master Yunju Hongjue said: 'Thoroughly clear in every respect, penetrating every single thing—this is merely called a person who has settled affairs; ultimately, it is not called honored and noble. One must know that the single road of the honored and noble is distinct of itself.'"