禪林寶訓 3.48

3.48

Miaoxi said to Layman Chaoran: “Public opinion under heaven cannot be discarded. Even if suppressed so that it cannot be exercised, what can one do about public opinion? Therefore, when the monastic grove recommends a person who possesses the Way, those who hear and see it unfailingly offer joyful congratulations; but if it recommends one who is inappropriate, the assembly unfailingly sighs in grief and lamentation. In truth there is no other reason: it is because public opinion is exercised or not exercised. Alas, by this one can foretell the rise and fall of the monastic grove!” (Ke'an ji).