諸經要集 3.67

3.67

Now, the ordinary passions are hard to restrain, comparable to mountain apes; they constantly follow external objects, resembling mad elephants. The three karmas are agitated, and entanglements multiply. Therefore, the Buddha established the teaching to order their constant regulation. Thus the sūtra says: 'One should be the master of the mind, not mastered by the mind. With actions of body, speech, and mind not mingling with evil, the bodily precepts and mental wisdom remain immovable as a mountain.' Furthermore, a sūtra says: 'Bring it to one place, and no matter will fail to be accomplished.' Yet the nature of the mind is deluded and inverted, with self-view foremost; afflictions and delusions are difficult to gather, and the defilements of distraction are constantly active. At all times, it rises high and is difficult to bend. Unless one takes refuge in a quiet place, subdues the three poisons, lets the body wander not, keeps the mouth silent and sealed, sleeps little and awakens much, sits constantly and reduces food, contemplates the correct Dharma, knows beyond existence and non-existence, straightens the body and rectifies the intention, and fastens mindfulness before oneself—teachings such as these are called gathering mindfulness.