退墮策勵門
Chapter on Encouragement Against Backsliding
此舉退與不得力事分兩說。學人不得一例而舉。此下重明這箇退字。使學者知之。退者退菩提心。退長遠心。退精進心。佛不欲禮。道不欲修。善知識不欲見。道友不欲親。話頭不欲舉。只好散誕自在。若有這般退念起時。或是用心過度或是宿業障深善根微弱。數數向諸佛菩薩像前。五體投地然指然香。發露前愆求哀懺悔。勇猛舉起話頭。此念如湯消氷倏爾無餘。純一淨念學者須知。余遇此退念起時。即便然香發露懺悔。求佛哀祐即舉話頭。此念應時隨滅。此是已驗之事。故錄此以警後學者也。
There are two distinct cases regarding "withdrawal" or loss of momentum. Practitioners should not treat them as the same. The following passage clarifies the meaning of this "withdrawal," so that students may recognize it.
"Withdrawal" means abandoning the aspiration for enlightenment, giving up the long-term commitment, letting go of diligent effort. One no longer wishes to pay respect to the Buddha, no longer desires to cultivate the path, avoids seeking guidance from wise teachers, keeps distance from spiritual friends, and refuses to engage with the meditation topic (huatou). One simply wants to be idle, drifting without discipline.
If such thoughts of withdrawal arise—whether due to excessive exertion in practice, deep karmic obstructions from the past, or weak roots of virtue—then you should repeatedly prostrate yourself before images of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, touching the ground with the five parts of your body. Burn incense or even a finger as an offering, confess your past mistakes openly, and sincerely repent, seeking compassion and forgiveness.
Then, with courageous resolve, take up the meditation topic (huatou) again. The thought of withdrawal will vanish like snow melting in boiling water, disappearing in an instant. Then, with a pure, single-minded focus, continue.
Students should know this: Whenever I myself encountered such thoughts of withdrawal, I would immediately burn incense, confess my faults, and beg for the Buddha's compassionate aid. Then I would take up the huatou, and the thought would instantly dissolve. This is something I have personally tested. Therefore, I record it here as a warning for future practitioners.