南宗頓教最上大乘摩訶般若波羅蜜經六祖惠能大師於韶州大梵寺施法壇經 1.16

1.16

Having received the robe and Dharma, Neng departed at the third watch. The Fifth Patriarch personally escorted Neng to the Jiujiang Station, and there they parted at once. The Fifth Patriarch instructed: "Go, strive to take the Dharma south. Do not propagate this Dharma for three years. Once hardships are overcome, propagate and transform later on, skillfully guiding deluded people. If their minds open, there will be no difference from my awakening." Having taken his leave, he departed toward the south.