禪宗決疑集
Collection of Zen Doubt-Resolution
西蜀野衲智徹述
Written by the Wild Monk Zhi Che of Western Shu
源湛流清門
Gate of Clear Source, Pure Flow
原夫法不孤起。有自來由。欲盡群疑須開微惑。昔年行履今日披陳。學者見聞從其簡易。余出家時晚。進道心堅不顧危亡專心直向。縱使逢魔逢難此念不忘。假饒遇辱遇榮一心不變。故名擔板漢。是為執固人。不下鐵心腸。焉領如是事。早年雖處五欲之中。如遊園觀相似。塵勞袞袞世事紛紛。觸境無為心常憺怕。得來不喜應用無方。失去何憂現前無所。余初居學地。歷事多艱微細推窮。無深趣向。壯年𭞨強作事不讓庸人。勇猛功夫究竟難為。道伴實情相告剖析來因。道在人弘無論僧俗。
The Dharma does not arise alone; it has its causes and conditions. To resolve all doubts, we must clarify subtle confusions. Today, I lay open my past practices and experiences, so that learners may see and hear them in a simple and accessible way.
I became a monk late in life, but my resolve to pursue the path was firm. I did not care about danger or death, and focused single-mindedly on the goal. Even when faced with demons or difficulties, I never forgot this intention. Even when met with insult or honor, my mind remained unchanged. Therefore, I am called a "Plank-Bearer" — a stubborn person. Without an iron will, one cannot achieve such things.
In my early years, though I was immersed in the five desires, it was like strolling through a garden. Amidst the turmoil of worldly affairs and endless distractions, I remained unaffected by circumstances, my mind always peaceful and calm. When gain came, I did not rejoice; when loss occurred, I did not worry. I adapted to all situations without attachment.
When I first began my studies, I encountered many hardships. I examined things closely, but had no deep inclination toward anything. In my prime, I was stubborn and arrogant, competing with ordinary people. Practicing with fierce determination was ultimately difficult. My fellow practitioners honestly advised me, analyzing the root causes.
The path depends on people to spread it, regardless of whether they are monks or laypeople.