禪林寶訓 1.44

1.44

Baiyun said to Wuweizi, “What can be spoken of but cannot be practiced is better left unsaid; what can be practiced but cannot be spoken of is better left undone. In speaking words, one must consider their final outcome; in establishing practice, one must examine its potential harms. Thereupon, the former wise ones were cautious in their words and discerning in their deeds. In speaking words, it was not merely to show off their principles, but to inspire unawakened students; in establishing practice, it was not merely for personal perfection, but to instruct students who had not yet matured. Therefore, their spoken words had structure and their established practices had propriety; consequently, their words did not accumulate misfortune, and their actions did not court disgrace. Their words became classics, and their actions became models. Thus it is said, ‘Words and deeds are the hinge and spring of the gentleman, the great root of personal cultivation.’ They move heaven and earth and affect ghosts and spirits—how could one not be reverent toward them?” (Baiyun's Broad Records)