汾陽無德禪師語錄 1.120

1.120

師云：「某比欲林泉樹下依眾過時，幸蒙汾陽遠邀，經過貴縣，又感堂頭和尚與諸院和尚，降尊就卑，光揚佛日，堅請舉唱。實慚無德，豈効先賢，主事大眾，同成佛事。說什麼即得？寶華座上，獨有慈尊，金剛道場，別無異黨。狐非師子數，燈非日月明。雷門之下，布鼓難施。而今還有擊鼓者？有即出來。」僧問：「淨名杜口，猶涉繁詞，列眾陞堂，擬談何事？」師云：「喫棒得也未。」「淨名杜口又如何？」師云：「敗將不斬。」

The Master said: "I previously intended to pass the time among the trees and springs relying on the assembly. Fortunately, receiving Fenyang's distant invitation, I passed through your honorable county, and was further moved that the abbot and the venerables of the various cloisters humbled themselves to elevate the lowly, glorifying the Buddha-sun, and firmly requested me to proclaim and sing. Truly ashamed of having no virtue, how could I emulate the past worthies? The administrators and the great assembly together accomplish the Buddha-work. What can I say that would be fitting? On the precious flower throne, there is only the Compassionate Honored One; at the vajra bodhimanda, there is no other faction. Foxes are not counted among lions; lamps do not match the brightness of the sun and moon. At Thunder Gate, a cloth drum is difficult to beat. Is there anyone now who beats the drum? If there is, come forward." A monk asked, "Vimalakīrti's closing his mouth still involved redundant words. Now as the assembly lines up and you ascend the hall, what do you intend to talk about?" The Master said, "Are you ready to take the staff?" "What about Vimalakīrti closing his mouth?" The Master said, "A defeated general is not beheaded."