明覺禪師語錄 2.29

2.29

師與僧眾入城緣化，學士先有公文止絕僧道投刺，師亦同例，乃有頌寄士云：「碧落煙凝雪乍睛，住山情緒寄重城，使君道在未相見，空戀甘棠影裏行。」學士回答云：「勞勞世務逐浮沈，一性澄明亘古今，目擊道存無阻隔，何須見面始知心。」復令人請師，相見了，士云：「道存無阻，因甚入來不得？」師云：「他後見別處長老，學士不請舉向伊。」士云：「舉著又何妨？」師云：「山僧罪過。」士云：「好好。」師云：「諾諾。」

When the Master entered the city with the monastic assembly to raise donations, the Academician had previously issued an official order barring Buddhist and Daoist monks from presenting calling cards. The Master was treated according to the same rule, whereupon he sent a verse to the Academician, which read:

“The azure sky’s mist congeals, the snow just clearing;
Sentiments of dwelling in the mountains are posted to the manifold walls of the city.
Though the governor is where the Way abides, we have not met;
In vain I yearn, walking within the shade of the sweet pear tree.”

The Academician replied:

“Toiling with worldly affairs, chasing floating and sinking;
The single nature is pure and clear, spanning past and present.
Meeting the eyes the Way is present, with no obstruction;
Why must we meet face-to-face before knowing each other’s mind?”

He then sent someone to invite the Master. After they met, the Academician said, “Since the Way is present without obstruction, why could you not come in?” The Master said, “Later, when meeting senior venerable monks elsewhere, do not bring this up to them, Academician.” The Academician said, “What harm would there be in bringing it up?” The Master said, “This mountain monk is at fault.” The Academician said, “Very well, very well.” The Master said, “Indeed, indeed.”