佛言 沙門行道 無如磨石磨刀 漸漸利用 刀以鑿物 不損其鋒 道以潛行 不見其功 匠以規矩 能為方圓 道以行持 福至自然
fó yán shā mén xíng dào wú rú mó shí mó dāo jiàn jiàn lì yòng dāo yǐ záo wù bù sǔn qí fēng dào yǐ qián xíng bù jiàn qí gōng jiàng yǐ guī jǔ néng wéi fāng yuán dào yǐ xíng chí fú zhì zì rán
Key Message
The Way works inwardly and its merit is not visible, but practiced steadily, blessings arrive of themselves — naturally and inevitably.
▸A monk's practice of the Way is like sharpening a knife on a whetstone — gradually it becomes useful and sharp.
A monk's practice of the Way is like sharpening a knife on a whetstone — gradually it becomes useful and sharp. A knife cuts objects without dulling its edge; the Way, practiced inwardly, does not display its merit externally. A craftsman with a compass and square can make both squares and circles; one who practices and upholds the Way finds that blessings arrive naturally. The section beautifully captures the gradual, quiet, and natural character of spiritual practice.