筠州洞山悟本禪師語錄 1.6

1.6

師遊方首謁南泉，值馬祖諱辰修齋。泉問眾曰：「來日設馬祖齋，未審馬祖還來否？」眾皆無對。師乃出對曰：「待有伴即來。」泉曰：「此子雖後生，甚堪彫琢。」師曰：「和尚莫厭良為賤。」

When the Master went on pilgrimage, he first visited Nanquan, arriving just when the memorial feast was being held for Mazu's anniversary. Nanquan asked the assembly: 'Tomorrow we offer a feast for Mazu; I wonder if Mazu will come or not?' The assembly had no answer. The Master then stepped forward and replied: 'As soon as he has a companion, he will come.' Nanquan said: 'Though this lad is young, he is very worthy of being carved and polished.' The Master said: 'Upādhyāya, do not debase the fine into the base.'