六祖大師法寶壇經 1.28

1.28

"Two days later, a boy passed by the pestle shed reciting the verse. As soon as Huineng heard it, he knew this verse had not seen the original nature; although he had not received instruction, he had long understood the great meaning. He then asked the boy: 'What verse are you reciting?' The boy said: 'You barbarian don't know: the Great Master said, "For people in this world, birth and death is a momentous matter. Wanting to transmit the robe and the Dharma, he ordered the disciples to compose verses to show him. If one awakens to the great meaning, he will transmit the robe and the Dharma, and make him the Sixth Patriarch." Senior Monk Shenxiu wrote a formless verse on the wall of the south corridor; the Great Master ordered everyone to recite it, [saying that] cultivating according to this verse, one will avoid falling into evil destinies; cultivating according to this verse brings great benefit.' Huineng said: '(One edition adds: I also wish to recite this, to form an affinity for a future life.) Superior one, I have been treading the pestle here for more than eight months, and have not once walked to the front of the hall. I hope you will lead me before the verse so that I may pay homage.' The boy led him before the verse to pay homage. Huineng said: 'Huineng cannot read; please read it for me, superior one.' At that time, Zhang Riyong, vice-prefect of Jiangzhou, was present and read it aloud. Having heard it, Huineng said: 'I also have a verse; I hope the vice-prefect will write it for me.' The vice-prefect said: 'You too would compose a verse? That is a rare thing.' Huineng said to the vice-prefect: 'Those who wish to study unexcelled bodhi must not look down on beginners. The lowliest people may have the highest wisdom; the highest people may lack all sense and wisdom. If one looks down on people, one incurs immeasurable and boundless sin.' The vice-prefect said: 'Just recite your verse, and I will write it for you. If you obtain the Dharma, you must deliver me first. Do not forget these words.' Huineng's verse said: