虛堂和尚語錄 3.21

3.21

復舉：「本朝太宗皇帝因僧朝見，帝宣對，僧奏云：『陛下還記得否？』帝曰：『何處相見來？』僧云：『自從靈山一別，直至于今。』帝曰：『以何為驗？』僧無對。後來雪竇代云：『貧道得得而來。』」師云：「垂衣端拱，百國來賓，者僧不是無對，無奈天威逼人。」

He brought up [the case]: "When Emperor Taizong of our dynasty received a monk in audience, the Emperor summoned him for a dialogue. The monk stated to the throne: 'Does Your Majesty still remember?' The Emperor asked: 'Where did we meet before?' The monk said: 'Ever since we parted on Gṛdhrakūṭa, right up until today.' The Emperor asked: 'What proof is there?' The monk had no reply. Later, Xuedou said in his place: 'This poor monk came with great effort.'" The master said: "Letting down robes and folding hands, a hundred nations come as guests. It was not that this monk had no reply; helplessly, the majesty of Heaven pressed upon him."