諸經要集 2.5

2.5

I have heard that quiescent cessation is unmoving, and thus without form and without words; yet responding to stimulus it penetrates through, and so there are names and teachings. Therefore, a four-line verse is difficult to hear, while the fire of the trichiliocosm is easy to enter. May it be that in the freezing cold and quiet night, under the bright moon during the long hours, dwelling alone in leisure, one recites the scriptures, voicing the musical tones, with words clear and distinct and the flavor of the phrases flowing beautifully, the cadence and rhymes harmonizing to please the hearts of the multitude, benefiting the goodness of living beings! This is sufficient to make dark spirits leap with joy and minds feel delight. With long practice and mastery, the text and meaning are thoroughly understood, and with reverent mind one recites with earnest devotion, his utmost sincerity secretly moving [the unseen]. Indeed we know that upholding a single verse brings vast and profound blessings, and copying a single word produces merit surpassing accumulated kalpas. Thus Kāśyapa received it on his crown without begrudging flaying his skin, and Sattva rejoiced in his heart without hesitating to shed his blood. This is the initial portal of the nectar and the ultimate virtue of entering the Path.