筠州洞山悟本禪師語錄 1.47

1.47

At evening instruction, no lamps were lit. A monk came forward to ask a question. After he withdrew, the Master ordered an attendant to light a lamp, and then called forth the monk who had just asked the question. The monk came forward. The Master said: "Bring three ounces of powder and give it to this senior monk." The monk flicked his sleeves and withdrew. From this he awakened to the profound purport, and thereupon exhausted all his robes and property to provide a meal. After three years, when taking his leave, the Master said: "Take care." Xuefeng was standing in attendance at the time and asked: "Just as this monk takes his leave and departs, when will he return?" The Master said: "He only knows to go away once; he does not understand returning again." That monk returned to the hall and passed away sitting upright beside his robes and bowl. Xuefeng reported this up to the Master. The Master said: "Even though it is like this, he is still three lifetimes behind this old monk."