禪林寶訓 3.27

3.27

Caotang Qing Hechang said: "A fire that blazes across the plain arises from tiny sparks; water that collapses a mountain leaks from a mere trickle. Now, when water is faint, a handful of earth can block it; but when it swells, it carries away trees and stones and submerges hills. When fire is faint, a ladle of water can extinguish it; but when it rages, it scorches cities and burns mountain forests. How is this any different from the water of drowning affection and the fire of wrath? When the ancients governed their minds, they guarded against thoughts before they were born and feelings before they arose; thus the effort expended was minimal, yet the achieved result was immense. When emotions and nature become confused, and love and hate clash, internally it harms one's own life, and externally it harms others. It becomes exceedingly perilous, beyond rescue." (Letter to Han Zicang)