No Attachment to Dust

Zengetsu, a Chinese master of the T'ang dynasty, wrote the following advice for his pupils:

• Living in the world yet not forming attachments to the dust of the world is the way of a true Zen student.
  
  
• When witnessing the good action of another encourage yourself to follow his example. Hearing of the mistaken action of another, advise yourself not to emulate it.
  
  
• Even though alone in a dark room, be as if you were facing a noble guest. Express your feelings, but become no more expressive than your true nature.
  
  
• Poverty is your treasure. Never exchange it for an easy life.
  
  
• A person may appear a fool and yet not be one. He may only be guarding his wisdom carefully.
  
  
• Virtues are the fruit of self-discipline and do not drop from heaven of themselves as does rain or snow.
  
  
• Modesty is the foundation of all virtues. Let your neighbors discover you before you make yourself known to them.
  
  
• A noble heart never forces itself forward. Its words are as rare gems, seldom displayed and of great value.
  
  
• To a sincere student, every day is a fortunate day. Time passes but he never lags behind. Neither glory nor shame can move him.
  
  
• Censure yourself, never another. Do not discuss right and wrong.
  
  
• Some things, though right, were considered wrong for generations. Since the value of righteousness may be recognized after centuries, there is no need to crave immediate appreciation.
  
  
• Live with cause and leave results to the great law of the universe. Pass each day in peaceful contemplation.