禪林寶訓 3.53

3.53

Miaoxi said: “Formerly, Huitang wrote the Record of Names at Huanglong, saying: ‘In ancient times, when students studied, they dwelt in caves, ate of the earth and trees, and wore animal hides and grasses, not tying their minds to fame and profit, nor registering their names with government offices. From the Wei, Jin, Qi, Liang, Sui, and Tang dynasties onward, cāturdiśa monasteries were first founded to gather students from the four quarters, selecting the worthy to correct the unworthy, and causing the wise to guide the foolish and deluded. From this, host and guest were established, and superior and inferior were distinguished. Now, the multitudes of the four seas are gathered in a single monastery; for one who undertakes this responsibility, it is truly difficult. The essence lies in bringing the great to completion and relinquishing the small, placing first what is urgent and putting off what can wait, not scheming for private gain but devoting oneself to benefiting others. Compared to those who anxiously scheme for their own single person, the difference is truly between heaven and earth. Now Huanglong has inscribed the names of its successive abbots on stone, so that those who come later may see and inspect them, asking: Who had the Way and virtue? Who had benevolence and righteousness? Who was impartial toward the assembly? Who benefited his own person? Alas, can one not be fearful?’ (Stone Inscription).”