袁州仰山慧寂禪師語錄 1.17

1.17

Guishan instructed the assembly, saying: "All sentient beings are entirely without buddhadhātu." Yanguan instructed the assembly, saying: "All sentient beings entirely have buddhadhātu." Two monks from Yanguan's community went to investigate. Upon arriving at Guishan, they heard Guishan's expounding, but could not fathom its depths and seemed to develop a slighting and arrogant attitude. One day, during a conversation with the Master, they advised him, saying: "Elder brother, you must study diligently; the Buddhadharma cannot be taken lightly." Thereupon, the Master drew this circular figure [○], held it out in his hands to show them, and then tossed it behind his back. He then stretched out both hands toward the two monks, asking for it back. The two monks were at a loss. The Master said: "My elder brothers, you must truly study diligently; the Buddhadharma cannot be taken lightly." Then he stood up and left. At that time the two monks were returning to Yanguan. Having walked thirty li, one monk suddenly had an awakening, and thereupon said: "One should know that when Guishan says 'All sentient beings are entirely without buddhadhātu,' believing this is not mistaken." He immediately returned to Guishan. The other monk walked forward a few more li; while crossing a stream, he suddenly had an awakening and sighed to himself, saying: "Guishan's saying 'All sentient beings are entirely without buddhadhātu'—there is indeed clear reason for him to speak thus!" He also returned to Guishan and long relied upon his teaching seat.