禪林寶訓 3.52

3.52

Miaoxi said: “The ancients first selected the Way and virtue, and secondly promoted talent and learning for advancement. At that time, if one was not a fine vessel, should one place oneself before others, those who saw and heard of it would mostly hold him in low esteem. From this, monastics reflected on polishing their reputation and integrity to establish themselves. Recently I have seen the monastic grove wither and fall: students pay no heed to the Way and virtue, lack integrity and righteousness, and have no sense of shame. They mock pure simplicity as crude and uncouth, and praise clamorous shallowness as brilliant and agile. Therefore, the discernment of the younger generation is unclear; skimming and copying, they use it to supply eloquence of speech. Day by day and month by month it deepens, culminating in a frivolous and shallow wind. When it comes to speaking of the Way of the sages, they are as bewildered as if facing a wall. This is almost beyond rescue!” (Letter to Han Zicang).