禪林寶訓 2.58

2.58

Gao'an said: "The general principle of an abbot is to take the monastic grove as his home, making proper distinctions and conferring duties upon appropriate vessels. His movements and actions concern the principle of security and danger; his successes and failures touch the very source of education and transformation. Serving as a model for others, how could one take it lightly? I have never seen an abbot who was lax and remiss yet able to make patch-robed monks submit, or one whose institutional rules were degenerating yet wished to prohibit violence and insolence in the monastic grove. Formerly, Chen of Ayuwang dismissed the head monk, and Wei of Yangshan demoted the attendant monk; these instances are recorded in the canonical writings and suffice as fine models. Nowadays, people each indulge their private desires, greatly debasing the rules and compass of Baizhang. They are negligent in rising early, and mostly neglect participation in assemblies, rites, and laws. Some indulge in greed and gluttony without fear, or cause clamour and contention on account of gain and sustenance. As for flatterers and ugly evils, none are absent. Alas! Hoping for the flourishing of the Dharma gate and the prosperity of the lineage teachings—how could that be possible?" (Longchang Ji)