廣弘明集 27.271

27.271

All such encumbering obstacles are indeed immeasurable. By what means does the sage attain to being unobstructive and sovereign? It truly comes from distancing all worldly defilements and taking self-exertion as the foundation. In whatever is required and relied upon, there is nothing where one does not labor diligently; managing it oneself without relying upon others, others then serve one's purpose. What is called 'attaining by yielding'—its principle flows freely; 'gaining by seeking'—its principle is blocked. Bodhisattvas do not seek self-benefit, but wish only to benefit sentient beings. Therefore, the benefit naturally resides within themselves and they attain unhinderedness. Sentient beings always benefit themselves and forget others; therefore they are constantly bound and without release. Sageliness can be attained through seeking; it is not eternally separated without a ford. If one now wishes to learn sageliness and cast off the worldly, one should adhere to the practice of the sages. Although their paths are immeasurable, the essential destination across the ford is liberation alone. Thus the scripture says: 'If one is bound oneself, to wish to untie another's bonds—there is no such possibility.' If one now wishes to learn the bodhisattva path, one must discard the bonds of the ordinary person. The bonds of the ordinary person consist merely in wishing to obtain the five desires and indulge the mind at will; this is truly a great bond. The bodhisattva practitioner casts them aside without a backward glance.