法演禪師語錄 1.20

1.20

Ascending the hall, [the Master] cited: "Yaoshan had long not ascended the hall. The manager reported: 'The assembly has long been yearning for your instruction, Venerable Priest.' Yaoshan said: 'Strike the drum.' Just as the assembly gathered, Yaoshan returned to the abbot's quarters. The manager said: 'You promised to preach the Dharma for the assembly, Venerable Priest; why did you not set forth a single word?' Yaoshan said: 'For sūtras there are sūtra masters; for treatises there are treatise masters. How can you blame this old monk?'" The Master said: "Although he obstructed others with himself, what can be done about the thief's body already being exposed? Do you people wish to know Yaoshan? Idly holding a scroll of scripture, leaning against the pine he stands, / Smiling, he asks the guest where he has come from."