圓悟佛果禪師語錄 18.9

18.9

He brought up [the following case]: "Longya asked Cuiwei: 'What is the meaning of the Patriarch's coming from the West?' Cuiwei said: 'Pass me the meditation board.' Longya brought the meditation board to Cuiwei; as soon as Cuiwei took it, he struck him. Longya said: 'As for striking, strike as you will, but still there is no meaning of the Patriarch's coming from the West.' Longya also asked Linji: 'What is the meaning of the Patriarch's coming from the West?' Linji said: 'Pass me the cushion.' Longya brought the cushion to Linji; as soon as Linji took it, he struck him. Longya said: 'As for striking, strike as you will, but still there is no meaning of the Patriarch's coming from the West.' Later, after becoming abbot, a monk asked: 'When the Venerable saw those two venerable adepts in those years, did you agree with them or not?' Longya said: 'As for agreeing, I agree, but still there is no meaning of the Patriarch's coming from the West.'" The Master commented: "This fellow's inquiry was reckless, and his study muddled. Although he looks behind and gazes ahead, what can he do about hiding his body while exposing his shadow? Since there is no meaning of the Patriarch's coming from the West, what is the use of agreeing? If you can discern within this, this mountain monk will give you a staff; if you cannot discern it, you will lose your nostrils along with it all at once."