宗鏡錄 100.21

100.21

Answer: "Study is not non-existent, but briefly there are two meanings. First: if we discuss the great source, fundamental correct wisdom is not learned from the mind, nor does it consist in conscious thought; perfect, luminous, complete understanding is not caused by mental thought. Therefore the Tiantai teaching says: 'The hands do not hold the scroll, yet constantly read this sūtra; the mouth has no sounds of words, yet everywhere chants all the scriptures; the Buddha does not preach the Dharma, yet one constantly hears the pure voice; the mind does not deliberate, yet universally illumines the dharmadhātu.' This speaks of those of the highest faculties, who awaken abruptly upon hearing and personally verify it at the time. Second: if one has not yet realized and reached it, there is also the power of assisting its emergence and the efficacy of giving seal and approval. Or, if the workings of one's faculties are hesitant and slow, down to medium faculties and lower grades, and when studying the gates of discriminative wisdom, one must rely on an illuminated teacher to distinguish the false from the correct: first entering through faith based on understanding what one hears, and later according with it without thought. One must attain complete penetration in every single thing and freedom from obstruction in every single affair; only then, encountering conditions and facing objects, will one not lose the purport or lose one's way regarding the source. Therefore it is said: 'He who gathers all things into oneself—is it not only the sage?' Furthermore, if we summarize the broad outline, one must realize it oneself; even if there is assistance, it also points to knowing it oneself."