法苑珠林 45.5

45.5

Now, when reason is received, speech ceases; when its import is violated, disputation arises. Thus straightforward speech is the root of virtue, and receptive acceptance is the source of practice. Therefore, relying on speech, virtue becomes manifest; through receptive acceptance, practice is made complete. For instance, the eye is deficient in seeing itself, so it must borrow a mirror to view its form; hair is clumsy at arranging itself, so it must employ a comb to untangle itself. Hence, that by which the face takes shape is the power of the bright mirror; that by which the hair is ordered is the efficacy of the dark comb; that by which conduct becomes fragrant is the benefit of words. For this reason, when a person is about to ruin themselves, they will surely not accept the words of correct remonstrance; when one's life is about to end, one can surely not be treated by an excellent physician.