緇門警訓 7.26

7.26

Now, to transmit and uphold the lamp of the patriarchs and to continue the lifespan of the Buddha is no small responsibility. You should take the former worthies as your model, make solemn your comportment, and maintain an inspiring presence. Restrain your anger and curb desires; regulate your vital energy and nourish your mind. Do not let gain and fame move your feelings, nor allow gain and loss to trouble your mind. Do not drift up and down with the ways of the world, nor pursue the rights and wrongs of others. Keep black and white within your breast; let neither joy nor anger show upon your face. Rejoice in the joy of others as your own joy; grieve at the sorrows of others as your own sorrow. Accommodate the multitude and honour the virtuous; overcome the self and return to propriety. Do not, over a small rift, abandon those you have long held dear; do not, going against public justice, cast aside those from whom you have long been estranged. Do not boast of your abilities, nor rely on your influence. Do not protect your own shortcomings, nor conceal the merits of others. Seeing virtue, do not forget your personal conduct; when situated in honour, do not forget the humble. Furthermore, learning fundamentally cultivates one's nature—how could one feel resentful that others do not know him? The Way values preserving one's life intact; do not seek to be employed by the worldly. If others admire righteousness, in principle one should extend what is left over to them. You must certainly make your mind sincere, truly instruct them by rules and guidelines, draw widely upon the various scriptures, and profoundly point out the wondrous school. The chamber of compassion and the robe of forbearance must not be parted with even for an instant; when desiring to enter the great square and the jewel place, in hasty moments you must always be thus. Be regular in activity and rest; be scrupulous regarding suspicion. Men are not to be despised; Heaven is not to be deceived. When the multitude comes and goes, neither pursue nor turn them away; toward people's slander and praise, harbour neither hatred nor greed. Within, have nothing to be ashamed of; without, have nothing to be anxious over. Or if your renown and praise overflow, and offerings and sustenance are bountiful and abundant, fear the causes and effects of the four destinies and be cautious with the intersecting property of the Triratna. Birth and death are not yet escaped, and the suffering of karma is hard to flee. Just when you attain your ambition, urgently contemplate benefiting the upright. The body is like a walking latrine; gain is called a soft thief. A hundred years is not long; within the three realms there is no peace. It is a pity to waste an inch of time—one ought to seek liberation. The ancient patriarchs of the past all set forth excellent models: leaning on his staff, one single-mindedly ate dirt; Danxia had only a coarse cloth gown; Zhaozhou's head was covered in blue ash; Master Lang wove grass to make a mat. Some sat in deep Chan and long practice; others declined imperial edicts of favour. In general, moderation incurs few losses, whereas extravagance invites ridicule; humility brings glory, and stepping back avoids resentment. As we drift further from the Buddha, practising the Way becomes difficult. Observe the times when advancing and halting, so as not to bring disgrace upon yourself.