明覺禪師語錄 1.68

1.68

On the day the Master received the invitation at Cuifeng, the patrons of Dongting and the special envoy from Mingzhou argued with each other incessantly. The Master then ascended the seat and addressed the great assembly generally: "There is no need to make a commotion about the matter. Moreover, for monks there is neither stubborn fixity nor absolute necessity. To stay is like a lone crane perching coldly on a pine top; to leave is like a wisp of cloud suddenly drifting across the human world. In response, there are neither differing sources between this and that, nor diverging paths between motion and stillness. Now I deliberate with you all: reflecting that for twenty-three years I have concealed my traces at Dongting, receiving the gracious favor of the faithful from near and far, living harmoniously with the assembly just achieved, and the Tripiṭaka according to the old path having recently returned, how could I suddenly forget gratitude and abruptly proceed forward? That would truly not do. Yet the prefect of Siming has dispatched an envoy posthaste, and luggage has suddenly arrived. Having already traversed several prefectures and journeyed a thousand leagues, their earnest entreaties press so hard, coming even to this point. Considering advancing or retreating, I cannot decide for myself. May I ask the great assembly: is it better to stay at Cuifeng, or better to go to Xuedou?" At that time the monks shouted in a loud voice, "It is better to go to Xuedou!" The Master then looked and said to the patrons of Dongting, "Do not be astonished; you should each know the time. Moreover, the Buddhadharma is entrusted to princes and ministers, and an abbacy is also decided by conditions. Being there or being here is fundamentally without separation. I hope you will unroll the letter of invitation to fulfill the command that has come." He then descended from the seat.