圓悟佛果禪師語錄 3.35

3.35

When Privy Councillor Deng brought the imperial decree granting the purple robe and master's title, [the Master] ascended the hall and said: "This single stick of incense is respectfully offered to pray for and honor the current Emperor. I humbly pray that the imperial foundation endure forever, the precious reign flourish ever more, and the holy longevity be perpetually exalted for hundred thousands of myriads of years. Next, I offer incense respectfully for the Grand Councilor of the Bureau of Military Affairs in the Two Secretariats. I humbly pray that he long dwell in the Three Excellencies, perpetually reside in the high halls of state, his lifespan equal to the tall pines, his blessings and fortune deep as the immense sea." Taking the seat, a monk asked: "The master's title is bestowed from afar, fully bringing forth the great dynamic capacity of the Buddhas and patriarchs; the dyed robe is donned for the first time, solely revealing the true eye of humans and gods. Putting aside a hundred coils and a thousand layers for now, what is the matter at the very peak of the solitary summit?" The Master said: "An utpala flower blooms in the fire." The monk continued: "Before the physical omens were divided, what was the face?" The Master said: "It has no face." The monk continued: "When the dragon finds water, its spirit increases; when the tiger meets the mountain terrain, its ferocity grows." The Master said: "Who is not like that?" The monk continued: "If Śūnyatā did not know how to sit within the crag, how could heavenly flowers come to shake the earth?" The Master said: "You have been seen through by the Ācārya instead." The monk continued: "How will you repay the sagely and brilliant Son of Heaven?" The Master said: "Outside this mind, there is no other mind." The monk continued: "Do you allow the student to turn around and catch his breath, or not?" The Master said: "Where do you apply effort?" The monk continued: "A three-piece patch-robe beyond the blue mountain barrier; a single burner of aloeswood incense amidst the white clouds." The Master said: "All praise together!" The Master then said: "The Great Way is free of obstruction—who aspires toward it? Empty space has no front or back—where can it be carved? Far transcending Bhīṣmagarjitasvararāja, loftily surpassing the crown of Vairocana. It completely cuts off dust and tracks, free of forms and names; an ocean-like mouth cannot proclaim it, the Buddha-eye cannot catch sight of it. Yet what can be done when, sitting at ease in the crag, the devas rain down flowers; closing the door in a pure room, the Brahmā voice comforts and instructs? From afar receiving the great grace of the One Man, particularly assisted by the prime minister; forged and refined into the dyed robe, the master's title is repeatedly bestowed upon this rock cavern. Since it has descended from heaven, by principle it should be directly undertaken. The springs and rocks glisten; the forests and ridges add their splendor. When the wind moves, the grass bends; when water arrives, a channel is formed. Thereby the gate of liberation is struck open, the Treasury of the True Dharma Eye is displayed, the melody of the unborn is tuned, and the song of great peace is sung, delighting in the transformation of non-action. Do you completely understand? The utpala flower blooms, but when smelled, it has no fragrance; the name comes from the Bureau of Military Affairs, the favor arrives from the Ninth Heaven. Grass and trees give off radiance; the qilin and dragon are not deemed omens. Pledging to exert an iron-and-stone heart, I gaze up in gratitude to repay the kindness vast as hills and mountains."