勅修百丈清規 2.4

2.4

Nature is the great origin of human beings. Stirring heaven and earth, none know its beginning; exhausting myriad generations, none know its end. Both the Buddha and sentient beings equally possess this nature. Awakened to it, one ascends to wondrous enlightenment; deluded about it, one wanders in birth and death. From kalpa to kalpa in the different destinies of the six paths, karmic retribution turns and revolves without end. What we rely upon is the vastness of the sacred teachings, which can serve as a refuge. We disciples humbly take up the form and robes and join the Dharma lineage: following its practices is the vinaya, proclaiming its words is the teachings, and transmitting its mind is Chan. By following what we call the great origin, to harmonize with the Buddha's total substance and wondrous functioning, only then can we be called children of the Buddha and continue the wisdom life. How could memorializing on the anniversary of his demise be mere worldly etiquette?