Master Juefan Huihong observed that while Dong Po’s writings and charms live on through the ages, and his immersion in Buddhism also goes deep, the only thing unfortunate about Dong Po, however, is that he couldn’t relinquish the longing for immortality. Not only did his pursuits yield no benefit, but he ultimately died from it.
If even someone as remarkable as Dong Po couldn’t have exempted from it, what hope is there for the rest of mankind! Today, there are those who speak of ‘no-birth’ all the time while inwardly yearning for eternal life, and those who set out to study no-birth only to soon switch their focus to longevity practices. Such behavior stems from lacking true understanding and stability.
Therefore, a Buddhist must not – even for an instant – lose hold of the right view.
by Grand Master Lian Chi (蓮池大師), the Eighth Patriarch of Pure Land Buddhism
東坡(一) – 錄自明末蓮池大師《竹窗隨筆》(初筆)
洪覺範謂東坡文章德行炳煥千古，又深入佛法，而不能忘情於長生之術，非唯無功，反坐此病卒。予謂東坡尚爾，況其餘乎! 今有口談無生，而心慕長生者；有始學無生，俄而改業長生者。蓋知之不真，見之不定耳。故道人不可剎那失正知見。
Buddha Mind 