大慧普覺禪師宗門武庫 1.33

1.33

Master Zhi of Fuyan was a native of Dongchuan. When he first wandered on pilgrimage, he met Master Zhenru and clarified the right view. He was appointed as a senior monk in the guest hall at Guishan. Because of a verbal mistake, he begged to resign and become the gardener to redeem his fault. Zhenru said, "Your merit is thin; tending the garden to serve the assembly is indeed what is appropriate." After two years, he sought a replacement, took leave of Zhenru, and wished to go investigate Zhenjing and Wuzu. Zhenru said, "Wandering everywhere to visit the exemplary models of past sages—let your travel not be delayed." He first arrived at Dongshan, where he had a spiritual accord in the room, and Zhenjing appointed him to lead the assembly as a senior monk. After a long time, he also arrived at the assembly of Master Xuan of Sizhu. He frequently visited Wuzu; Wuzu tested and examined him and found that he truly possessed qualities surpassing others. Wuzu said to Sizhu, "Head Monk Zhi is an accomplished scholar of the monastic grove; why not appoint him to lead the assembly?" Sizhu did as he said, and Wuzu also ascended the hall to praise his understanding and method. When Drafter Li was military commissioner of Changsha, Sizhu recommended him in a letter. Before long, the seat at Fuyan became vacant. Ping Purong again recommended someone else, but the commissioner said, "We must first respond to Sizhu." However, he could not find the letter and did not know the name. While sitting facing guests, a rat dragged a scroll of writing from the shelf and dropped it in front of him. Taking it up and looking at it, it was Sizhu's letter recommending Head Monk Zhi. The commissioner marvelled at it and immediately sent a sincere invitation.