緇門警訓 7.30

7.30

The method of reading the sutras is something junior students must know. One should purify the three karmas. If the three karmas are without defect, all hundreds of blessings will gather together. As for the three karmas, they are body, speech, and mind. First, sitting upright and straight as if facing the Venerable Face—then the body karma is purified. Second, having no extraneous words from the mouth and cutting off all playful laughing—then the speech karma is purified. Third, having the mind undistracted and putting an end to all conditions—then the mind karma is purified. When the inner mind is tranquil and outer objects are all abandoned, only then does one tally and awaken to the true source, and perhaps delve deeply into the principle of the Dharma. This can be called water clarifying and the pearl shining, clouds dispersing and the moon brightening. An ocean of meaning wells up within the breast; a peak of wisdom congeals before the ears and eyes. Never treat it lightly; it is truly no small matter. When both mind and Dharma are forgotten, self and other are both benefited. If one can be like this, one truly repays the Buddha's kindness.