往生集 1.89

1.89

The appraisal says: Burning the body and burning the arm are repeatedly permitted in the Mahāyāna sūtras; however, these are deeds of great beings who have attained forbearance, not the realm of the initial mind. Those who seek the Western Direction should emulate Master Qin’s practice of Chan and homage to the buddhas; they need not imitate his burning of an arm. If one can use the pure devotion and courageous vigor of burning an arm to subdue one’s evil habits, then what is burned will also be vast. The ancients said, “Be good at learning from Liuxia Hui.” Is this not indeed so?