禪林寶訓 2.35

2.35

Yuanwu said, "An abbot takes the wisdom of the multitude as wisdom, and the mind of the multitude as mind, constantly fearing that a single thing will not have its nature fully understood, or that a single matter will not accord with its principle. Diligently consulting and adopting, they seek only goodness. One should ask whether the principle is right or wrong; why debate whether the matter is great or small? If the principle is right, though the expenditure be great, what harm is there in carrying it out? If the matter is wrong, though the expense be small, what harm is there in eliminating it? For the small is the beginning of the great, and the minute is the sprout of the conspicuous. Therefore the worthy are cautious at the start, and the sage maintains vigilance. A trickle not stopped will eventually turn into mulberry fields; a flare not quenched will ultimately burn the plains. Once the spread has grown fierce and disaster has formed, though one wishes to remedy it, it will already be too late. The ancients said, 'Not being scrupulous about minor conduct will ultimately compromise great virtue.' This is what it means." (Letter to Fozhi)