Then He replied:Prefect Wei asked, "How should we train ourselves at home? Will you please teach us."
And continues:"Learned Audience, those who wish to train themselves (spiritually) may do so at home.
It is quite unnecessary for them to stay in monasteries.
And He goes into the stanza:The Patriarch 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 (i.e., join the Order)?
http://www.dharmaweb.org/index.php/Sutr ... nd_Answers" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;For a fair mind, observation of precepts (Sila) is unnecessary.
For straightforward behavior, 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 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 very presence.
(Those who need a commentary, click here and scroll to the bottom until one sees the similar stanza}
Now, as fellow Chan-nists or Zennies, how is this workable for you today?