虛堂和尚語錄 3.95

3.95

復舉：「本朝太宗皇帝因僧朝見，帝賜坐，問云：『卿甚處來？』僧奏云：『廬山臥雲庵。』帝云：『臥雲深處不朝天，因甚到者裡？』僧無對。後來雪竇明覺大師代云：『難逃至化。』」師云：「明覺固是食息不忘，當時若問臣僧：『臥雲深處不朝天，因甚到者裏？』但鞠躬近前奏云：『請陛下高垂天鑑。』管取皇情大悅。」

He also cited: "Because a monk came to imperial audience, Emperor Taizong of our dynasty bestowed a seat on him and asked: 'Where do you come from, sir?' The monk reported: 'Woyun Hermitage on Mount Lu.' The Emperor said: 'Deep in the sleeping clouds you did not pay court to Heaven; why have you arrived here?' The monk had no answer. Later, Great Master Xuedou Mingjue spoke in his place: 'It is hard to escape the ultimate transformation.'" The Master said: "Mingjue indeed did not forget it even while eating and resting. Had he asked this humble monk back then: 'Deep in the sleeping clouds you did not pay court to Heaven; why have you arrived here?' I would have simply bowed, stepped forward, and said: 'I request Your Majesty to hang high the heavenly mirror.' I guarantee the imperial mood would have been immensely pleased."