禪林寶訓 3.22

3.22

Sixin said to Caotang: "In the office of an abbot, the issuing of words and execution of affairs must above all be rooted in sincerity and trust. When words are sincere and trustworthy, their impact will certainly run deep. When words are not sincere and trustworthy, their impact will certainly be shallow. Insincere words and untrustworthy deeds—even ordinary commoners in daily life cannot bear to carry them out, fearing they will be despised by their fellow villagers. How much more so for the master of a monastic grove, who proclaims and transforms on behalf of the buddhas and patriarchs! If his words and deeds lack sincerity and trust, who among the monks of the lakes and seas will follow him?" (Veritable Record of Huanglong)