鎮州臨濟慧照禪師語錄 1.85

1.85

When the master was initially in Huangbo's assembly, his conduct was pure and single-minded. The head monk praised him, saying, "Although he is a junior monk, he is different from the rest." He then asked, "How long has the Sthavira been here?" The master said, "Three years." The head monk said, "Have you ever gone to ask for instruction?" The master said, "I have never asked for instruction; I do not know what to ask." The head monk said, "Why do you not go ask the Abbot, 'What is the precise and great meaning of the Buddha Dharma?'" The master went to ask. Before his words were finished, Huangbo struck him. The master came down. The head monk asked, "How did the questioning go?" The master said, "Before my words were finished, the Venerable struck me. I do not understand." The head monk said, "Just go ask again." The master went to ask again, and Huangbo struck him again. In this way he asked three times and was struck three times. The master came and said to the head monk, "Fortunately, receiving your kindness, you had me inquire of the Venerable. Three times I asked, and three times I was struck. I regret that my karmic hindrances prevent me from grasping the profound meaning; for now I take my leave." The head monk said, "If you leave, you must take your leave of the Venerable." The master bowed and withdrew. The head monk went first to the Venerable's place and said, "The junior monk who asked questions is very upright according to the Dharma. If he comes to take leave, use expedients to receive him. In the future, carved and shaped into a great tree, he will provide cool shade for the people of the world." When the master went to take leave of Huangbo, Bo said, "You must not go elsewhere. Go to Dayu at the shoals of Gao'an; he will surely explain it to you." The master arrived at Dayu's. Dayu asked, "Where have you come from?" The master said, "I have come from Huangbo's." Dayu said, "What words did Huangbo have?" The master said, "Three times I asked about the precise and great meaning of the Buddha Dharma, and three times I was struck. I do not know if I was at fault or not at fault." Dayu said, "Huangbo was such a grandmother, wearing himself out completely for your sake, and yet you come here asking whether you were at fault or not at fault!" At these words the master attained great awakening, and said, "After all, there is not much to Huangbo's Buddha Dharma!" Dayu seized him and said, "You bed-wetting imp! Just now you were saying you were at fault or not at fault, and now you say there is not much to Huangbo's Buddha Dharma! What truth did you see? Speak quickly! Speak quickly!" The master punched Dayu in the ribs three times. Dayu pushed him away, saying, "Your teacher is Huangbo; it has nothing to do with me." The master took leave of Dayu and returned to Huangbo. Seeing him arrive, Huangbo asked, "This fellow coming and going—when will there ever be an end to it?" The master said, "It is only because of grandmotherly kindness." Having paid his respects, he stood in attendance. Huangbo asked, "Where have you been?" The master said, "Yesterday, obeying your compassionate instruction, I went to visit Dayu." Huangbo said, "What words did Dayu have?" The master then recounted the previous conversation. Huangbo said, "How can I get hold of that fellow? I'd wait and give him a sound beating!" The master said, "Why speak of waiting for him to come? Have it right now!" With that, he slapped him. Huangbo said, "This madman coming here to stroke the tiger's whiskers!" The master gave a shout. Huangbo said, "Attendant, lead this madman to the monks' hall." Later, Guishan brought up this story and asked Yangshan, "At that time, did Linji draw on Dayu's power, or Huangbo's power?" Yangshan said, "Not only did he ride the tiger's head, but he also knew how to grasp the tiger's tail."