禪林寶訓 3.7

3.7

Xuetang said to Qie'an: "When managing affairs, one must weigh importance; before speaking, one must first deliberate. Strive to accord with the Middle Way, and do not allow bias or partiality. If things are done hastily and violently, there is rarely any success; even if one manages to accomplish it, it can never be entirely sound. Being among the assembly, I have thoroughly seen both benefits and ills: only the virtuous win people over through forbearance. I always hope that those of aspiration and ability in later generations will act with careful scrutiny; only then will it be of fine benefit. Lingyuan once said: 'When ordinary people reflect inwardly in everyday stillness, they can mostly understand; but when they become entangled in affairs and rush outward, they immediately disrupt harmony and lose the substance of the Dharma. If you truly wish to think of inheriting the responsibility of the buddhas and patriarchs and enlightening future generations, you cannot fail to constantly examine and rebuke yourself.'"