大慧普覺禪師宗門武庫 1.115

1.115

The Master said one day: "Here with me there is no Dharma to give people; I merely settle cases based on confessions. It is just like when you bring a lapis lazuli bottle, treasuring it exceedingly, and the moment I see it I smash it for you. You bring a maṇi jewel, and I snatch it again. Seeing you come like that, I cut off both your hands as well. Therefore Master Linji said: 'Meeting a buddha, kill the buddha; meeting a patriarch, kill the patriarch; meeting an arhat, kill the arhat.' Tell me: since he is called a good friend, why does he want to kill people? Look, what principle is that? Nowadays the brethren do not awaken to this when doing their practice—where does the fault lie? It is solely because they want to clarify it. Take for instance: like this will not do, not like this will not do, both like this and not like this will not do at all. How could you bring a single turning word and clarify it? You will never be able to clarify it. The ancients were exceedingly direct and blunt; you refuse to walk in the direct and blunt place, and just because you want it to be utmost distinct, you conversely make your attainment delayed."