- **Four Luminosities Employing Firmness and Gentleness Chan Master's Letter in Response to a Chan Practitioner**
The great matter of birth and death is of utmost importance. Impermanence is swift and does not wait for anyone. In this fleeting world, within the dream of a hundred years, if one does not awaken to the fundamental origin, to turn one's back on enlightenment and cleave to the dust, then when the four elements disperse and the breath of life is exhausted, one will drift aimlessly, with no fixed destination. How could this not be terrifying? Therefore, the ancients said: "If one does not thoroughly investigate the matter of birth and death, one is not a true man."
Now, you have already left the household life, shaved your head, and donned the robes. You should regard this matter as the most urgent. Day and night, be diligent and vigilant, as if saving your head from fire. Do not vainly pass the time (四明用剛軟禪師答禪人書)