Day 1 Following the Guidelines of Buddhadharma

When criticized by others, let them wrong you;
They will tire themselves trying to burn the sky with a torch.


When I hear abuse, it is like drinking ambrosia;
Melt it, and suddenly one enters the inconceivable.


If we regard criticism as merit,
The critics will become reliable friends.
Do not hate those who slander you;
How else can you manifest the unborn power of compassion?



These stanzas do not address methods of practice. Rather, they offer the Ch'an practitioner pertinent advice concerning problems he or she might face in daily life.