禪林寶訓 2.16

2.16

Lingyuan said: 'When grinding and polishing on a whetstone, one does not see it wear down, yet at times it is worn away. When planting trees and raising livestock, one does not see them grow, yet at times they become large. When accumulating virtue and repeating noble deeds, one is unaware of their goodness, yet at times they prove useful. When abandoning righteousness and turning against principle, one is unaware of their evil, yet at times they lead to ruin. If a student can truly reflect deeply on this and put it into practice, becoming a great vessel and spreading a fine name, this is an unchanging principle through past and present.' (*Bitie*).