圓悟佛果禪師語錄 15.37

15.37

Chan is not conceptual thought; the Way is beyond merit and achievement. If one investigates Chan with conceptual thought, it is like drilling ice to seek fire or digging the earth to find the sky—it only wearies the spirit. If one studies the Way through merit and achievement, it is like adding mud onto soil or throwing sand into the eyes—one will only become increasingly exhausted. If one halts consciousness and quiets妄想 (deluded thoughts), then the waves of the Chan river will cease and the waters of samādhi will become clear; if one does away with effort and ceases all striving, then the Great Way will be level and open, penetrating in all directions. Therefore, a monk asked Shitou: 'What is Chan?' Shitou said: 'A brick.' The monk asked: 'What is the Way?' Shitou said: 'A block of wood.' How could this be distinguished by conceptual thought or merit and achievement? Unless you directly comprehend it頓 (at once) and penetrate it by cutting off the flow, Chan and the Way will be distinct and evident; the moment you attempt to construct an understanding, you are a thousand or ten thousand miles away. You must頓 (at once) abandon and entirely dispel all previous worldly knowledge and clever disputation. Then naturally, on this most real ground, you will realize and awaken for yourself without leaving behind any trace of realization or awakening. It is good only when you are leisurely, mysteriously empty, and thoroughly unimpeded.