法苑珠林 48.63

48.63

In the Jin dynasty, at Mount Wozhou in Shan, there was Zhidun, style Daolin. His original surname was Guan, and he was a native of Chenliu; some say he was a native of Linlü in Hedong. In youth he possessed divine comprehension, being sharp-witted and exceptionally clear. When Wang Xizhi of the Jin observed Dun's literary brilliance, he was amazed beyond measure, finding him without peer; thereupon he loosened his lapels and untied his sash, lingering with him without pause. He then invited him to reside at Lingjia Temple, wishing to be near him. Dun also took refuge at Mount Shan, establishing a temple on the minor peak of Wozhou to practice the Way. A monastic community of over a hundred people constantly followed and learned from him. As some were occasionally lax, Dun composed a motto inscribed to the right of his seat to admonish them, saying: 'Strive, strive! The ultimate Way does not brook dawdling. Why linger and stagnate, sinking and destroying what is marvelous and divine? Vast is the triple realm; remote and unending is the long exile. Troubles and toils converge from without; the benighted mind gallops within. Sacrificing oneself, pursuing thirst and longing, distant and far, forgetting fatigue. A person's single lifetime is as tiny as a hanging drop of dew. My body is not me—so all this endless bustle, for whom is it deployed? The attained person cherishes virtue, knowing that peace is inevitably accompanied by danger. In solitary stillness, soaring purely, cleansing defilements in the pool of dhyāna. Carefully observe the luminous prohibitions; gracefully speak of the profound rules. Calm the mind in the spiritual Way; raise one's aspiration to the unconditioned. Clear and bright, dispel the three obscurations; melt away the six defects. Empty the five aggregates; open wide the four limbs. The non-pointer is illustrated by pointers; distinct, yet do not depart from it. Once wondrous awakening is unfolded, make one's knowledge even more profound. Yielding and compliant, entrust oneself to balance, moving in step with things. Beyond this, neither think nor deliberate.'