續傳燈錄 31.31

31.31

鳳棲慧觀禪師上堂。前村落葉盡。深院桂花殘。此夜初冬節。從茲特地寒。所以道。欲識佛性義當觀時節因緣。時節若至其理自彰。喝一喝。恁麼說話成人者少。敗人者多。

Chan Master Huiguan of Fengqi ascended the hall and said: 'In the village ahead, the fallen leaves are exhausted; in the deep courtyard, the osmanthus blossoms have faded. This night marks the early winter season; from this moment on, it turns extraordinarily cold. Therefore it is said: "If you wish to know the meaning of Buddha-nature, you must observe the seasonal conditions. When the season arrives, its principle manifests on its own."' Giving a shout, [he said]: 'Speaking like this, few are built up, and many are ruined!'