黃龍慧南禪師語錄 1.43

1.43

因泐潭馳書來，上堂，舉：「五祖戒和尚，為智門馳書到德山，圓明接得乃問：『這箇是智門底，那箇是專使底？』戒直上覰。山云：『欲觀前人，先觀所使。』」師乃云：「古人隔山見煙，便知是火。況某何幸，伏蒙泐潭禪師遠垂華翰，曲慰山懷，實當慚抱。而況禪師通明學海，博達古今，可謂擎天日月，誨人無倦。某是何草芥，承沐如是？」以拂子擊禪床，下座。

Because a letter had arrived by courier from Letan, ascending the hall, he cited: "Reverend Jie of Wuzu carried a letter for Zhimon to Deshan. Yuanming received it and asked: 'This is Zhimon's; which is the special envoy's?' Jie peered straight up. Deshan said: 'If you wish to examine the man before you, first observe his envoy.'" The master then said: "When the ancients saw smoke beyond the mountain, they knew at once it was fire. How much more fortunate am I! I have humbly received Chan Master Letan's elegant letter sent from afar, graciously comforting my mountain sentiments; truly, I feel shame and humility. Furthermore, the Chan master is thoroughly illuminated in the ocean of learning and broadly versed in ancient and modern times; he may be called the sun and moon propping up the sky, never weary of instructing people. What mustard stalk am I, to be bathed in such favor?" Striking the Chan seat with the fly-whisk, he descended from the seat.