Chapter Thirteen: On the Order 5

The Founding Master said to several of his disciples, “Whether people or things, they do not create any sound when they are separated, but as they gradually come closer and touch each other, sound inevitably results. Just as metal scraping against metal produces a metallic sound and rock scraping against rock produces a stone-like sound, so too when righteous people get together they produce a righteous sound and when wicked groups get together they produce a wicked sound. Look! Even though it has been several thousand years since all the sages of the past established their orders, their wonderful sounds overflowing with loving-kindness and compassion remain clear and smooth to this day and ring in all sentient beings’ ears. To the contrary, aren’t myriads of people still on guard against the turbulent tunes of virtueless people? It wouldn’t matter so much if you were total strangers to begin with, but since you already have encountered one another and been practicing together, there definitely will be some sort of sound produced. Be cautious at all times, so that you do not produce a bad sound but forever produce only wonderful sounds. If wonderful sounds are produced endlessly, it will not only be a fortunate thing for yourselves but will also be a wonderful event for the entire world.”