Hui Neng: Training Yourself At Home.
Jun 10, 2011 9:54:55 GMT 1
Post by Shi Da Dao on Jun 10, 2011 9:54:55 GMT 1
The Sutra Of Hui Neng.
'The Patriarch added, "Learned Audience, those who wish to train themselves (spiritually) may do so at home. It isquite unnecessary for them to stay in monasteries. Those who train themselves at home may be likened unto a native of the East who is kind-hearted, while those who stay in monasteries but neglect their work differ not from a native of the West who is evil in heart. So far as the mind is pure, it is the 'Western Pure Land of one's own essence of Mind.'"
Prefect Wai asked, "How should we train ourselves at home? Will you please teach us."
The Patriach replied, "I will give you a 'Formless' Stanza. If you put its teaching into practice, you will be in the same position as those who live with me permanently. On the other hand, if you do not practice it, what progress can you make in the spiritual path, even though you cut your hair and leave home for good? The stanza reads:
The Patriarch added, "Learned Audience, all of you should put into practice what is taught in this stanza, so that you can realise the Essence of Mind and attain Buddhahood directly."
The Sutra of Hui Neng - Pages 44-45 - HK Buddhist Book Distribution Press - with a Translation Preface written by Wong Mou-Lam, dated 1929.
'The Patriarch added, "Learned Audience, those who wish to train themselves (spiritually) may do so at home. It isquite unnecessary for them to stay in monasteries. Those who train themselves at home may be likened unto a native of the East who is kind-hearted, while those who stay in monasteries but neglect their work differ not from a native of the West who is evil in heart. So far as the mind is pure, it is the 'Western Pure Land of one's own essence of Mind.'"
Prefect Wai asked, "How should we train ourselves at home? Will you please teach us."
The Patriach replied, "I will give you a 'Formless' Stanza. If you put its teaching into practice, you will be in the same position as those who live with me permanently. On the other hand, if you do not practice it, what progress can you make in the spiritual path, even though you cut your hair and leave home for good? The stanza reads:
For a fair mind, observation of the precepts (Sila) is unnecessary.
For straightforward behaviour, practice in Dhyana (contemplation) may be dispensed with.
On the principle of gratefulness, we support our parents and serve them filially.
On the principle of righteousness, the superior and the inferior stand for each other (in time of need).
On the principle of mutual desire to please, the senior and the junior are on affectionate terms.
On the principle of forbearance, we do not quarrel even in the midst of a hostile crowd.
If we can persevere till fire can be obtained through rubbing a piece of wood,
Then the red lotus (the Buddha-nature) will shoot out from the black mire (the unenlightened state).
That which is of bitter taste is bound to be good medicine.
That which sounds unpleasant to the ear is certainly frank advice.
By amending our mistakes, we get wisdom.
By defending our faults, we betray an unsound mind.
In our daily life, we should always practice altruism,
But Buddhahood is not to be attained by giving away money as charity.
Bodhi is to be found within our own mind,
And there is no necessity to look for mysticism from without.
Hearers of this stanza who put its teaching into actual practice
Will find paradise in their presence.
For straightforward behaviour, practice in Dhyana (contemplation) may be dispensed with.
On the principle of gratefulness, we support our parents and serve them filially.
On the principle of righteousness, the superior and the inferior stand for each other (in time of need).
On the principle of mutual desire to please, the senior and the junior are on affectionate terms.
On the principle of forbearance, we do not quarrel even in the midst of a hostile crowd.
If we can persevere till fire can be obtained through rubbing a piece of wood,
Then the red lotus (the Buddha-nature) will shoot out from the black mire (the unenlightened state).
That which is of bitter taste is bound to be good medicine.
That which sounds unpleasant to the ear is certainly frank advice.
By amending our mistakes, we get wisdom.
By defending our faults, we betray an unsound mind.
In our daily life, we should always practice altruism,
But Buddhahood is not to be attained by giving away money as charity.
Bodhi is to be found within our own mind,
And there is no necessity to look for mysticism from without.
Hearers of this stanza who put its teaching into actual practice
Will find paradise in their presence.
The Patriarch added, "Learned Audience, all of you should put into practice what is taught in this stanza, so that you can realise the Essence of Mind and attain Buddhahood directly."
The Sutra of Hui Neng - Pages 44-45 - HK Buddhist Book Distribution Press - with a Translation Preface written by Wong Mou-Lam, dated 1929.