禪林寶訓 2.2

2.2

When the Venerable Zhantang Zhun first studied under Zhenjing, he often lit a lamp inside his bed-curtain to read. Zhenjing scolded him, saying, 'What is called a student is one who seeks to discipline the mind. Though your learning may be extensive, if your mind is not disciplined, of what benefit will even endless learning be? Moreover, the divergent teachings of the hundred schools are as high as mountains and as deep as the sea; how could you master them all? Now, forsaking the root to chase after the branches is like making the noble serve the base; I fear it will obstruct your work on the Way. You must cut off all entangling conditions at once and seek wondrous awakening. Looking back on them on another day, it will be as easy as pushing open a door to enter the mortar room; it will not be difficult at all.' Zhantang immediately cast aside what he had been studying and focused single-mindedly on Chan contemplation. One day, hearing a monk reading Zhuge Kongming's 'Memorial on Taking the Field', he had an open awakening. His blockages were instantly dissolved, and his eloquence became unimpeded. Among his peers, few could surpass him.