諸經要集 16.54

16.54

The reason people do not attain the Way is that their minds and spirits are muddled and indolent. The reason the mind and spirit are muddled and indolent is that external objects disturb them in abundance. These matters are, in brief, three: first, power, profit, glory, and fame; second, seductive charms and sensual elegance; third, sweet fats and rich savors. Although glory and fame are employed daily, they fundamentally burden the mind without a moment's pause; seductive charms and sensual elegance, by comparison, run yet deeper; sweet fats and rich savors are an exceedingly urgent encumbrance. The myriad affairs in all their multiplicity are merely the branches and leaves of these three. The sages knew that without cutting off these three matters, seeking the Way would be unattainable. Like water and fire, if held back and concentrated, their utility is entirely preserved; if breached and dispersed, their efficacy becomes increasingly meager. Therefore, the treatise says: “When the substance is minute, its force is great; when the substance is heavy, its force is minute.” Thus, contemplating and fathoming this, it is indeed through diligent effort that one awakens to the Way; falling into indolence and arrogance is truly because craving for sights and sounds obstructs the sagehood. For this reason, the Śākya struck the Dharma drum in the Deer Park, and the Master proclaimed his virtuous voice in Zou and Lu. Even what ears and eyes have not heard—how could the mind and consciousness grasp it?