禪林寶訓 2.30

2.30

Lingyuan's learning in the Way and righteous conduct were pure and sincere, and his virtue was profound; he had the style of the ancients. Composed, dignified, and sparing of words, he was especially respected by scholar-officials. He once said, 'What ordinary people neglect, sages are cautious of. How much more so for one who is a master of a monastic grove, assisting in proclaiming the Buddha's transformation! If one's practice and understanding do not correspond, how could one do it? The essential point is to constantly inspect and reprimand oneself, not letting fame and gain sprout in one's mind. If the rules and instructions are not yet trusted, and the patch-robed monks are not yet compliant, one should withdraw, reflect, and cultivate virtue to await the future. I have never seen a case where the person is upright yet the monastic grove is not well-ordered. What is called "observing the countenance of a virtuous person causes people's [bad] intentions to melt away"—the true reality lies in this.'" (*Record of Heard Words*)