奉事師長
Serve Teachers and Elders
古德云。生我者父母。成我者師友。是知師者迷途之明導。暗室之慧燈。苦海之舟航。人天之眼目。恩逾父母德重乾坤。弟子所以事師不敢慢易也。豈不見捨全身而求半偈。斷一臂而扣真乘。以身為座而奉師。腰石負舂而續祖。賣心肝而學般若。投火聚以證菩提。方之古人深為慶幸。奉師學道可不勉哉。應知出世投師須求正見。參方請益莫附邪宗。要明罪福之因。由審辨正邪之利害。正則成佛。邪則成魔。打頭不遇作家到老翻成骨董。是以如來知師非而捨去。夫子擇善者而從之。觀古聖之如斯。何今人而不爾。況當末運多有邪師。凡欲修行切莫親近。但存正念終值明師。要了大緣慎勿容易。是故弟子事師。即同事佛也。可謂四事供養。敢辭勞萬兩黃金亦消得。
An ancient worthy said: "My parents gave me life, but my teachers and friends helped me realize it." From this we know that a teacher is a clear guide on the path of confusion, a lamp of wisdom in a dark room, a ferryboat across the sea of suffering, and the eyes and guide for gods and humans alike. Their kindness surpasses that of parents, and their virtue is heavier than heaven and earth. Therefore, a disciple should serve their teacher with reverence and never be careless.
Have we not heard of those who offered their entire bodies for half a verse of scripture, or cut off an arm to reach the true vehicle? Some used their own bodies as seats to serve their teachers, while others carried stone pestles on their backs to pound rice and pass on the lineage. They offered their hearts and minds to study wisdom, and threw themselves into blazing fires to attain enlightenment. When we compare ourselves to these ancients, we should feel deeply fortunate. If we sincerely serve our teacher and study the Way, how can we not strive diligently?
Know this: When leaving home to seek a teacher, you must look for one with correct insight. When consulting masters and seeking guidance, do not follow heretical sects. You must clearly understand the causes of good and evil karma, carefully distinguish between right and wrong, and recognize the consequences. Correct views lead to Buddhahood; wrong views lead to demonic states. If from the start you do not encounter a true master, you will end up as a worthless antique in old age. This is why the Tathagata left when he saw his teacher was wrong, and why Confucius followed only those who were good. If the ancient sages acted this way, why don't people today do the same?
Especially in this degenerate age, there are many false teachers. If you wish to cultivate, never get close to them. Just maintain correct mindfulness, and eventually you will meet an enlightened master. To complete this great matter, be careful not to take it lightly. Therefore, when a disciple serves their teacher, it is like serving the Buddha himself. Even offering the four necessities and tirelessly serving without complaint—even ten thousand ounces of gold is not too much.