Whether moving or still, awake or asleep, do not leave Chan behind

行住坐卧不离禅

Some people investigate, “Who is mindful of the Buddha?” Some recite the Six Syllable Great Bright Mantra. In short, these are training your mind to be honest and to be mindful of cultivation. You must remain continuously mindful of cultivation and of investigating Chan. I would like to tell you a four-line verse so everyone can investigate Chan according to its meaning.

Moving or still, awake or asleep,Do not let go of it.

Do not stray from the thought of Chan investigation.

Once you let go of it, You will miss it right in front of you.

If you wander away from this thought, you will face the Buddha and fail to recognize him – even when he is with you in person. Therefore, no one should miss the time for investigating Chan. “Moving or still, awake or asleep, / Do not let go of it. / Once you let go of it, / You will miss it right in front of you.” So, apply your effort well. I hope some of you will be enlightened.

有的参「念佛是谁」，有的念六字大明咒，总而言之就叫你的心老老实实的，不要离开修道这一念。你修道这一念、参禅这一念，总要保持着绵绵密密的。我给你们说四句偈颂，你们各位就本着这个意思去修行去参，「行住坐卧，不离这个」就是不离参禅的这一念；「离了这个，当面错过」你要离开这个，你就当面遇到佛也会错过，你也不认识，所以我们每一个人不要当面错过参禅这个时间。「行住坐卧，不离这个；离了这个，当面错过」所以各位都要好好用功，希望有人开悟。