撫州曹山本寂禪師語錄 2.34

2.34

If it were a different kind in words, then back-and-forth words would all be of a kind. Therefore Nanquan said: 'Where wisdom does not reach, be strictly mindful not to speak of it; if you speak of it, horns will grow on your head. Calling it thusness has already altered it.' One must go directly and practice among different kinds; now, one must speak of matters within difference toward difference. Having no words within words—only then is it like this. When Nanquan was ill, someone asked: 'Where will the Venerable go after a hundred years?' Nanquan said: 'I will go to a patron's house at the foot of the mountain to become a water buffalo.' [The monk] said: 'If I plan to follow the Venerable, can I?' Nanquan said: 'If you follow me, bring a stalk of grass in your mouth.' (This is a word of the śramaṇa turning the body. Therefore it is said: if you plan to approach, bring a stalk of grass in your mouth to draw close to him; this is called taintless, and only then is it worthy of offering to him.)