禪林寶訓 1.30

1.30

Venerable Yan of Wuzu said: "Nowadays, those studying the Way in the monastic groves whose reputations do not flourish and who are not trusted by people are so because their pure conduct is not immaculate and their personal integrity is not dependable. Instead, they rashly seek fame and profit, broadly flaunting their showy embellishments, and thus are mocked by those with discernment, thereby obscuring their essential wondrousness. Even if they had the Way and virtue like the buddhas and patriarchs, those who hear and see them would doubt and not believe. In the future, if you people have a patch of thatch to cover your heads, you should encourage yourselves with this." (From A Letter from Fojian to Foguo).