圓悟佛果禪師語錄 15.12

15.12

Understanding speech does not depend on the tongue; being able to speak does not lie in words. Clearly knowing that words on the tongue are not a place to rely on, then the ancient masters' one word or half a phrase had no other intention than wanting people to directly match and verify the fundamental great matter of cause and condition. Therefore the sūtra teachings are like a finger pointing at the moon; knowing it is such a matter, one then desists. When the place of practice is close-knit, the time of enjoyment is broad and open; over days and years without shifting, handling, taking up, and letting go proficiently, small realms can all be illuminated and broken through, cut off without leaving a trace. When it comes to the juncture of life and death, knots and mesh will not be mixed up; clear and unmoving, one carefree departs. This is the Chan of the Nirvana Hall on the thirtieth day of the twelfth month.