禪林寶訓 2.25

2.25

Lingyuan said, "In recent times, those who serve as elders encounter two kinds of conditions, and often show that their wisdom and discernment are not clear; struck by two winds, they forfeit the Dharma-body. First, when encountering adverse conditions, they are often struck by the wind of decline; second, when encountering favorable conditions, they are often struck by the wind of gain. Once struck by these two winds, the feelings of joy and anger mingle in their hearts, and a look of pent-up indignation surfaces on their faces. This results in bringing disgrace to the Dharma gate and inviting mockery from worthies and the eminent. Only the wise are adept at transforming these into methods for gathering and transforming others, splendidly guiding those who come after. For instance, when Venerable Langye went to Suzhou to visit Fan Xiwen, he received over a thousand strings of cash in offerings from donors. He then sent someone to secretly tally the number of monks in all the monasteries in the city, and covertly sent money to all of them, holding a vegetarian feast on the same day on behalf of all the donors. He himself took leave of Lord Fan in advance and set sail early at daybreak that day. By the time it was fully light and the multitude realized he had gone, some pursued him as far as Changzhou before catching sight of him, receiving the benefit of the Dharma and returning. Looking at this single action of this old master, he caused the monastics and laity of Gusu to all give rise to faith and deepen their seeds of the Way. This is what is meant by transforming them into methods for gathering and transforming others. Compared to those who steal the Dharma seat and seek only gain and sustenance to plan for their own person, the difference is truly between heaven and earth." (Letter to Venerable De)