禪林寶訓 2.21

2.21

When Lingyuan heard that Juefan had been banished to the southern sea regions, he sighed and said: 'An orchid planted in the middle of a path can never retain its verdure through the seasons; a cassia tree growing in a secluded ravine will preserve its red blossoms throughout the year. Throughout past and present, those of talent and wisdom who lost their lives to slander and met with disaster are many; those who could drift with the world and preserve themselves are few. Therefore the sage said: "In the present age, those of keen intelligence and deep perception who come close to death are those fond of criticizing others; those of broad eloquence and greatness who imperil themselves are those fond of exposing others' faults." This is truly the case with Juefan.' (*Zhangjiang ji*).