法演禪師語錄 2.62

2.62

On New Year's Day, ascending the hall, he said, "Before Bhīṣmagarjitasvararāja it was just like this; after Bhīṣmagarjitasvararāja it is also just like this. The Buddhas of the three periods are also just like this; the four-sevens of the Western Heaven and the two-threes of the Tang land are also just like this. The year before last and last year were also just like this; next year, the year after next, the year after that, and beyond, will also be just like this. If someone suddenly came forward and said, 'Upādhyāya! Upādhyāya!'" The Upādhyāya himself said, "If not called to a halt by him, for a hundred years it would still be just like this." He further said, "The first month opens auspicious fortune, and all things are renewed. Last year I begged for fire, bringing it back along with smoke; today I carry spring water, returning with the moon. As the sun's course shifts, the days grow longer after the solstice. In front of the veranda there is a straight path, but no one is willing to halt their steps. In early spring it is still cold; I respectfully wish the head monk and the great assembly ten thousand blessings in their daily life. Su Wu herded sheep by the seaside for many days with joy; Li Ling looked toward Han from the terrace, laughing all day long. Where does the conclusion lie? Humaneness and duty are severed only where there is poverty; worldly affection turns ever more toward wealthy gates."