筠州洞山悟本禪師語錄 1.64

1.64

Offering words of guidance, he said: "Even if you say 'originally not a single thing exists', you still do not deserve his robe and bowl. Here, one must present a turning phrase. Tell me, what phrase can be presented?" There was a senior monk who presented ninety-six turning phrases that did not satisfy the Master's intention; only the very last turning phrase satisfied the Master's intention. The Master said: "Ācārya, why didn't you say so earlier?" Another monk listened secretly, but missed only that final turning phrase, and thereupon asked the senior monk for instruction. The senior monk refused to say. For three years he attended upon him with towel and pitcher, yet the senior monk never cited it for him. The senior monk fell ill, and the monk said: "For three years I have asked you to cite the previous words, but have not received your compassion. If I cannot obtain it by good means, I will take it by bad means." He then took up a knife and faced him, saying: "If you do not cite it for me, I will kill you right away, senior monk." Terrified, the senior monk said: "Ācārya, wait a moment; I will cite it for you." He then said: "Even if you bring it forward, there is nowhere to put it." The monk bowed in thanks.