緇門警訓 4.53

4.53

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!