大慧普覺禪師宗門武庫 1.68

1.68

In the assembly of the Reverend Liangshan Guan, there was a gardener who had attained Chan, but many in the assembly did not believe it. One day, a monk went to probe him, wanting him to reveal some news of his realization, and asked the gardener: 'Why do you not step forward and ask the abbot one or two questions to form an affinity?' The gardener said: 'Unless I do not go forward to question him, if I do go forward, I must make that old fellow come down from his meditation seat and stand on the ground.' When Liangshan ascended the hall, the gardener indeed stepped forward and asked: 'What happens when a thief inside the house is hard to guard against?' Liangshan said: 'If you recognize him, he causes no harm.' [The gardener] said: 'What after recognizing him?' Liangshan said: 'Banish him to the land of the unborn.' [The gardener] said: 'Could that be the place where he settles his body and establishes his life?' Liangshan said: 'Dead water does not harbor a dragon.' [The gardener] said: 'What is a dragon in living water?' Liangshan said: 'It stirs up swells without making waves.' [The gardener] said: 'What happens when it suddenly overturns the pool and topples the peak?' Liangshan indeed rushed down from his dharma seat, grabbed hold of him, and said: 'Acārya, do not let the corner of this old monk's kāṣāya get wet!' The Master remarked: 'One must know that when an awakened person meets an awakened person, their letting go and seizing hold are naturally magnificent to behold.'