圓悟佛果禪師語錄 15.40

15.40

When the World-Honored One held up a flower, Kāśyapa smiled; when the Second Patriarch bowed, Bodhidharma transmitted the mind. How could there be anything else? The arrowheads met each other. When their spirits converged and they mastered the principle, it was beyond the reckoning of words and thoughts. Only those who know of the transcendent lineage style can realize it; though ten million kalpas may pass, it is still like morning and evening. Therefore, the Buddhas and Patriarchs were never careless in seeking people; they required those forged of pure steel, of sharp faculties and superior wisdom. Only then would they bring up the essentials and strike the key moments—like glue adhering to lacquer, understanding three upon the presentation of one, turning freely like a wheel, without a nest or burrow and cut off from all leakage—only such a person could be approved. Furthermore, they had to be refined to the point where difficulties intertwined and people could not interrogate or distinguish them, moving their blades with ease and room to spare. When in practical use, showing their skill in full flow, transcending the lineage and surpassing conventions, not leaning on the master's teachings but emerging solely from their own chests, standing like a wall a thousand fathoms high, startling the crowd and overcoming opponents—only then were they worthy of being entrusted. As the Dharma is not taken lightly, the Way is also revered and dignified; this is what is called 'when the source is deep, the stream flows long.'