明覺禪師語錄 1.78

1.78

Ascending the hall on the winter solstice, a monk asked, "The drumbeats have just ceased, and the assembly from the seas has gathered together. We request the master to offer a phrase on the new solar term." The Master said, "Three days before, five days after." He further asked, "If so, then hearing what has never been heard." The Master said, "A short rope does not reach a deep spring." He asked, "Mañjuśrī wields the sword—what is its meaning?" The Master said, "An eighty-year-old monk idle at the abhiseka." He further asked, "The student does not understand." The Master said, "Across the four seas there are no waves; the disk of the moon is solitary." The monk paused for a long while. The Master shouted and said, "Where have you gone?" The monk bowed. The Master said, "Letting you off for one move." The Master then said, "Meeting without bringing it out, but as soon as a thought arises one already knows it exists—already he is an unaccomplished fellow; if he further takes chaotic strides forward, it is truly a bitter grievance. Dharma-fellows of Chan! Look at those awakened ones of old: before departing Tuṣita they had already descended to Jambudvīpa; before emerging from the mother's womb they had already finished delivering people. If one speaks of walking seven paces in all directions, gazing at the four quarters, and 'In the space between heaven and earth, I alone am the most honored,' still there were people who would not let him pass. Nowadays, skillfully speaking of strange deviations while unwilling to bear the burden—truly they are to be pitied. Therefore it is said: Heavenly demons and outsiders are fellows who betray kindness and virtue; the śrāvakas of the Single Vehicle are people who deceive themselves. Seeing such unjust matters, you ought immediately to be indignant and drive them away, shout them away; yet following the convention, you say, 'I do not know, I do not understand.' In such an ocean of suffering, when will you ever stick your head out?"