汾陽無德禪師語錄 1.16

1.16

The Master said: "You ask and I answer—what end could there be? To the ends of the future, there will never be a time of rest. Yesterday, this mountain monk was touched by the prefectural city's distant invitation; today I have already repaid the Buddha's kindness. Benefiting beings according to their capacity, each person's understanding and awakening is only in the present moment. The Heavenly Sons of the Sun and Moon stand before us; the lofty and precipitous peaks of Mount Meru dwell upon our heads. Moving the city, the Way is broad, shaking heaven and earth; debating at the pagoda, fame is high, filling the cosmos. Therefore, the pearl is born within the palm, the herb is gathered from the forest; bringing forth medicine to prolong time, waiting for the person to transmit the Dharma. Thus there was standing in the snow and severing an arm, carrying stones and pounding chaff; only when meeting such resolute people is one capable of receiving the decree. How much more so for this mountain monk, who is crude and careless in all matters—how could I ascend to this seat? Truly I should be ashamed and fearful. Now the prefectural governor, the magistrates, all the officials and donors, along with the monastics and laypeople in this assembly, are all people who received the Buddha's entrustment at the Gṛdhrakūṭa assembly. Do you still remember that matter of entrustment? If you remember it, disclose the news before the great assembly of humans and devas, so that we may distinguish heterodox from orthodox; do not just withhold consent in your belly, secretly harbouring doubts. A bodhimanda is hard to encounter; it is only in the present moment. Is there anyone? Is there anyone? Do not say that Chan is an empty skull; it is crucial to distinguish black from white. If there is no one, then there is no need to speak, raising erroneous words. Much talk exhausts the spirit; few words are easily understood. The officials have stood long, and I fear it brings no benefit. Take care."