汾陽無德禪師語錄 1.49

1.49

A monk asked, "What is the guest within guest?"
The Master said, "Joining palms before the hut, inquiring of the World-Honored One."
"What is the host within guest?"
The Master said, "Facing each other, yet no person is seen."
"What is the guest within host?"
The Master said, "Battle clouds stretch across the sea; drawing the sword, roiling the Dragon Gate."
"What is the host within host?"
The Master said, "With three heads and six arms upholding heaven and earth, wrathful Nata smashes the Emperor's bell."
He asked, "What is the affair before the single phrase?"
The Master said, "Not falling into verbal explanation, the clear intent is disclosed; the moment a fine hair stirs, discrepancy arises."
"What is the affair after the single phrase?"
The Master said, "When two battle lines meet, there is no dodging."
"Then it penetrates skin and pierces to the bone."
The Master said, "Dragging crosswise and hauling upside down, left to the flying dust."
"In the end, I would never dare to let down the Venerable Monk."
The Master said, "Utmost filial piety is Chonghua."
He asked, "How is it when a single hair threads through myriad holes?"
The Master said, "Across ten thousand miles, not a fine hair remains."
"Do you still allow the student to sweep it away, or not?"
The Master said, "If there is anything, you must remove and banish it; if there is nothing, do not apply effort."
"Then I shall practice according to the principle."
The Master said, "The principle is indeed like this; how do you practice?"
The monk stamped his foot on the ground. The Master said, "For one who knows the tune before his very eyes, there is no need for another to announce it."