禪林寶訓 4.8

4.8

Shui'an said: 'When the ancient virtuous ones served as abbots, they led by example to practice the Way, never behaving with laxity or self-indulgence. In ancient times, Fenyang often lamented, "In this semblance age, morals are degraded and practitioners difficult to transform." Ciming said, "It is very easy; the only worry is that the leader of the Dharma cannot guide them skillfully." Fenyang said, "Even when the ancients were pure and sincere, it took twenty or thirty years to achieve fruition." Ciming said, "This is not the discourse of sages; one who is skilled at reaching the Way takes only a thousand days of effort." Some thought Ciming's words extravagant and would not listen, and because the region of Fen was bitterly cold, the evening instruction was suspended. An extraordinary bhikṣu said to Fenyang, "There are six mahāsattvas in the assembly; why do you not preach the Dharma?" Within three years, there were indeed six who attained the Way. Fenyang once composed a eulogy: / "The golden staff of the foreign monk gleams with light; / He came to Fenyang to request the Dharma. / Six people have become great vessels; / He urged and requested that it be expounded."' (Records of Things Heard at West Lake and Biographies of Monks)