四明尊者教行錄 5.58

5.58

[Yang] Yi states: Recently I raised questions, and from afar I have received your instructional reply. Reverently hearing your definitive discourse, it especially cleansed my ignorant mind. It is indeed the ultimate discourse of dragons and elephants, continuing the heroic resonance of clouds and thunder. Understanding in accordance with it and reverently following its practice, it is sufficient to illuminate forms and emptiness and to merge mind and objects into one; rebirth occurs in accordance with one's vows, with blessings and wisdom both adorned. In receiving prediction upon the crown of the head, what delay could there be? I have attained the authentic flavor of the Dharma-milk. Nevertheless, within the reach of my vulgar learning, keeping my tongue tied is not permissible. Where there is doubt, one must contend, without regard to self and other; showing it face to face, one hopes to reach the fundamental source. As an echo moves following sound, manifested in responding; as mirror and fire instantly illuminate in accord, revealed in form and rule. Speaking in accord with principle demonstrates the swift release of the critical mechanism; interpreting in reliance upon sūtras savors the dregs in deep study. Yet as for transcending propositions and terminating negations, it remains ultimately distant and obscure. Discarding words and forgetting deliberate thoughts, how could one take up grasping at conditions? Only the ancestral style of Shaoshi, rooted in the smile on Gṛdhrakūṭa—a thought flittingly arising already strays from the path to the Western Heaven; motionlessly forgetting sentiments is precisely sitting in the cave of mountain ghosts. If there is cultivation and realization, one fears cutting one's flesh to make a wound; transmitting mind with mind points the finger for the moon. The path of self and other is severed; the ways of sentient beings and Buddhas are equal. Even if one takes it upon oneself directly, before it arrives it is already lost. Thus Huangbo gave painful blows of the staff to Linji, which took three times before he realized it on his own; the Boatman wielded his oar against Jiashan, who was suddenly enlightened in a single instant. If there were no probing and provocation at all, the ancestral style would then vanish. However, the verbal thrusts of Shaoshi seek accord with the Way; reverently receiving your instructions, I only accumulate deep veneration. I trust that in the intervals of guiding the assembly, you truly attain the joy of profound meditation. While not yet anticipating paying my respects in person, I only amass my devoted reliance. I respectfully present this letter of inquiry and thanks.