圓悟佛果禪師語錄 20.149

20.149

Śākyamuni showed extinction between the twin trees, reclining in the auspicious posture; Fazhen of Zhihai has concluded his work, sitting erect upon his seat. For forty years his reputation in the Way stood high; in his seventy-first year his life's conditions ended. His virtue spread throughout the realm; his fame galloped beyond the seas. Men and devas looked up to him with reverence; court and commonalty bowed down in veneration. We had hoped he would forever serve as a raft and bridge, perpetually glorifying the buddhas and ancestors; how could we have expected him to withdraw his hand in the midst of busyness, pulling himself away from the hustle and bustle? At last, in the imperial capital, he conducted great Buddhist affairs; now, before the jade tree is buried, he first enters the cloud casket. The gong'an is ready-made; a decisive settlement must be made. Since the great assembly is already on the march, feel free to swing your arms; if one's tricks do not match the ledger, they become omens and auspicious signs, boundless and limitless. We ask the venerable master to step forth from the abbot's quarters.