不擇師無以法
鳥之將息必擇其林。人之求學當選於師。師乃人之模範。模不模範不範。古今多矣。為模範者世唯二焉。上則智慧博達行業堅貞。猶密室燈光徹窓隙。次乃解雖洞曉行亦藏瑕。如犯罪人持燈照道。斯二高座皆蘊師法。其如寡德適時名而不高。望風依附畢世荒唐。東晉安師。十二出家。貌黑形陋。師輕視之驅役田舍。執勞三年。方求師教授辨意經。執卷入田因息就覽。暮歸還師經已闍誦。師方驚嘆乃為剃髮。至受具戒恣其游學。投佛圖澄。見以奇之。異哉小童。真世良驥不遇青眼困駕鹽車。自非伯樂奚彰千里之駿。故出家者慎宜詳擇察。有匠成之能方具資稟之禮。故南山云。真誠出家者怖四怨之多苦。厭三界之無常。辭六親之至愛。捨五慾之深著。能如是者名真出家。則可紹隆三寶度脫四生。利益甚深功德無量。比真教凌遲慧風掩扇。俗懷侮慢道出非法。並由師無率誘之心。資缺奉行之志。二彼相捨妄流鄙境。欲令道光焉可得乎。
A bird, about to rest, will choose its perch. A person seeking knowledge should choose their teacher. A teacher is a model for others. But whether they are a true model depends entirely on their own character—this has been true from ancient times to the present. In this world, there are only two kinds of genuine models. The highest kind possesses deep wisdom, broad learning, and unwavering moral integrity—like a lamp shining from a sealed room through a crack in the door. The second kind, though their understanding may be clear, still carries flaws in their conduct—like a criminal holding a lamp to light the road. Both of these can serve as teachers. As for those of shallow virtue who merely adapt to the times, they enjoy little renown, and those who cling to them will waste their entire lives in confusion.
During the Eastern Jin dynasty, the great teacher Dao'an left home at twelve. He was dark-skinned, ugly in appearance, and his teacher looked down on him, putting him to work in the fields. After three years of labor, he finally asked his teacher for instruction and was given the Sutra on Distinguishing Intentions. He took the scroll with him to the fields and read it during his breaks. Returning at dusk, he recited the entire sutra from memory for his teacher. His teacher was astonished and finally shaved his head to formally ordain him. After receiving full precepts, Dao'an was free to travel and study. He went to the renowned master Fotudeng, who recognized his extraordinary nature. "Remarkable youth!" he said. "A truly fine steed of the world—yet without a discerning eye, it is burdened with pulling a salt cart. Were it not for the horse expert Bole, who would recognize the excellence of a thousand-mile horse?"
Therefore, those who leave home should choose their teachers with great care. Only when a teacher has the ability to mentor and guide should one offer them the proper rites of apprenticeship. As the master Nanshan said: "Those who sincerely leave home fear the many sufferings of the four afflictions, grow weary of the impermanence of the three realms, bid farewell to the deepest love of family, and let go of their profound attachment to the five desires. One who does this is truly one who has left home. Such a person can carry forward the Three Jewels and liberate all sentient beings—their benefits are profound, their merit boundless."
Yet now the true teaching has declined, and the wind of wisdom has been blocked. People harbor contempt and arrogance, and the path is practiced improperly. All because teachers lack the heart to guide, and students lack the will to follow. When both sides abandon each other, they drift aimlessly into vulgar territory. How then can the light of the Way possibly shine?