Why Did the Ancient Patriarchs and Great Masters Rarely Cite Scriptures When Expounding the Dharma?

Question: Why did the eminent patriarchs and great masters of the past generally not cite scriptures when expounding the Dharma?

Answer: The eminent patriarchs and great masters of the past were truly enlightened bodhisattvas who possessed genuine cultivation, realization, and virtuous conduct. Therefore, when expounding the Dharma, they spoke solely from their own wisdom and insight, without overcomplicating matters, without concealment, speaking truthfully and discussing principles in accordance with reality. If they occasionally cited scriptures, it was for two reasons: first, for those whose karmic conditions were immature and whose faculties of faith and wisdom were insufficient; second, to provide supplementary clarification when the Dharma principles were profound, using the Buddha's sutras as an aid.

On the other hand, practitioners in ancient times possessed deep virtuous roots, abundant merit, meditative concentration, and wisdom. Their faith faculty was robust, and they possessed the discriminative wisdom to discern the Dharma. They had the correct ability to evaluate and accept the patriarchs' teachings. Thus, the patriarchs and bodhisattvas could confidently expound the insights and realizations of their own wisdom without reservation.

In contrast, sentient beings today possess meager virtuous roots, deficient in merit, meditative concentration, and wisdom. Their faith faculty is insufficient, and they lack the discriminative wisdom to discern the Dharma. Many listen to deception but not to earnest advice. Therefore, when expounding the Dharma today, it is necessary to cite scriptures extensively to inspire faith.

Additionally, if the Dharma expounder has practiced for a short period, lacking genuine wisdom and realization, and has not yet fully comprehended the Dharma principles, they inevitably resort to citing scriptures. Even when scriptures are cited, two problems arise: first, sentient beings cannot grasp them accurately; second, the expounder themselves has not fully integrated the meaning of the scriptures. Thus, misunderstandings and misinterpretations remain unavoidable. This is the result of sentient beings' karmic obstructions—heavy karmic obstructions and meager merit make the path of cultivation tortuous, marked by advancing and retreating, with no clear end in sight.