不与邪师相辩
[12] Not With Evil ‘Teachers’ Debating [With] One Another
某某魔子不依佛菩萨祖师所说，反依魔于所说。
Such-and-such ‘Māra’s son’, [who does] not rely [on the] Buddhas, Bodhisattvas [and] Patriarchs’ that spoken, instead relies [on] demons, on that spoken.
[Note 1: Even if the person in question is not a demon’s disciple literally, if there is alignment in ‘teachings’ and practices, that person is as good as being on the demons’ side.]
其人尚不足为正人君子，况可谓善知识乎？
[As] this person [is] still not capable [of] being [an] upright [and] noble person, how is it so, [that he] can [be] called [a] ‘good-knowing friend’?
[Note 2: Such a person is usually a notorious liar, thus lacking in even basic integrity. There should thus be distrust by default, for personal physical and mental safety, lest one is harmed bodily and spiritually.]
现在邪师说法，如恒河沙。只可自知，不可与彼相辩。
Present evil ‘teachers’ speaking [the] ‘Dharma’, [are] like [the] Ganges River’s sands. [They] only can [be] personally known, [and there] must not [be] with those debating [with] one another.
[Note 3: Unless very skilful and eloquent in the Dharma, there should be keeping clear from evil ‘teachers’. Exactly since there are so many, with more and more of such evil ‘teachers’ as this Dharma-Ending Age (末法时期) deepens, there should be saving of time and effort from managing most likely fruitless disputes with them. More diligence should be spent on learning, practising and sharing of the Right Dharma (正法) with others more receptive.]
何以故？以彼欲借此以得名闻利养。不但不肯依从，或反增彼魔力。
Why thus? With those desiring [to] use this as a pretext for getting fame [and] gain, [they are] not only not willing [to] comply, perhaps instead [using these to] increase [their] demonic powers.
[Note 4: The more well-regarded one is, the less should there be private or public interactions with the demonic, if any, lest the demonic ride on one’s fame to gain personal fame.]
[Note 5: Well-meaning and clear private or public pseudonymous or anonymous letters can perhaps be written to urge apologies for and corrections of wrong ‘teachings’ and practices. They can also be shared to warn the masses, should there be wilful lack of repentance, while continuing to harm the confused. However, there must be certainty that there are no misrepresentations, lest oneself becomes a slanderer too.]
轻则肆口谤毁，重则或招暗祸，不可不知。
Lightly, then [by their] irresponsible speech slandered. Heavily, then perhaps attracting hidden misfortune. [This] must not [be] not known.
[Note 6: Never risk ruining the reputation of Buddhism and personal reputation by associating with the demonic. Never risk becoming influenced too, to have more greed, hatred and delusion, thus turning away from Buddhism.]
净土宗十三祖印光大师
Pure Land Tradition’s Thirteenth Patriarch Great Master Yìnguāng
《印光法师文钞三编》：
Dharma Master Yìnguāng’s Collected Writings’ Third Compilation:
卷一：书一：第十二则：复应脱大师书三
Scroll 1: Book 1: Excerpt 12: Third Reply Letter [To] Great Master Yīngtuō
[Ref: #12 / 3.1.1.12]
Namo Amituofo : Translation and notes by Shen Shi’an
