禪林寶訓 4.2

4.2

The venerable master Fozhi Yu said: 'That a fine horse in its swift gallop dare not run wildly is due to the restraint of the bit and bridle. That petty people in their stubborn wilfulness dare not indulge their passions is due to the control of penal laws. That the consciousness in its wandering drifts dare not grasp at objects is due to the power of mindful illumination. Alas, a practitioner without mindful illumination is like a fine horse without bit and bridle, or petty people without penal laws; by what means could one sever greed and desire or regulate false thoughts?' (Dharma Talk Given to Layman Zheng)