緇門警訓 4.53

4.53

增一阿含經云。眼以色為食。耳以聲為食。鼻以香為食。舌以味為食。身以觸為食。意以法為食。涅槃以無放逸為食。如今叢林中三八念誦。鳴鐘集眾。維那白云。眾等當勤精進如救頭然。但念無常慎勿放逸。此語與增一頗同。往往聞者以為常例。如風過樹略不餐采。佛祖之意遂成虛設矣。

The Ekottarika Āgama states: 'The eye takes forms as food; the ear takes sounds as food; the nose takes fragrances as food; the tongue takes flavors as food; the body takes touch as food; the mind takes dharmas as food; and nirvāṇa takes non-negligence as food.' Nowadays, during the three-eight chantings in the monasteries, the bell is rung to assemble the community, and the karmadāna proclaims: 'All of you should be diligent and energetic, as if rescuing your burning heads; merely be mindful of impermanence, and beware of negligence!' These words are quite identical to the Ekottarika Āgama. Yet those who hear them often treat them as routine formalities, like wind passing through trees, giving them hardly any regard. The intention of the buddhas and patriarchs has thus been rendered in vain!