明覺禪師語錄 2.29

2.29

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.”