禪林寶訓 2.18

2.18

Lingyuan said to Master Yichuan: 'Misfortune can produce fortune, and fortune can produce misfortune. Misfortune producing fortune occurs because when dwelling amidst disaster and danger, one is earnest in seeking security and deep in seeking principle; thus one can be reverent, fearful, and circumspect. Therefore, it is natural that fortune arises. Fortune producing misfortune occurs because when dwelling in peace and tranquility, one indulges one's extravagant desires, gives free rein to arrogance and negligence, and shows especially great slight and insolence. Therefore, it is natural that misfortune arises. The sage said: "Many hardships fulfill one's resolve; absence of hardships ruins one's person." Gain is the beginning of loss; loss is the principle of gain. From this we know that fortune cannot be repeatedly relied upon through luck, nor can gain be constantly coveted. Dwelling in fortune while reflecting on misfortune, one's fortune can be preserved; seeing gain while reflecting on loss, one's gain will surely be realized. Therefore, the exemplary person does not forget danger in times of safety, nor forget chaos in times of order.' (*Bitie*).