虛堂和尚語錄 3.98

3.98

復舉：「慈明因泉大道來參，明云：『片雲橫谷口，遊人何處來？』泉云：『夜來何處火，燒出古人墳。』明云：『未在，更道。』泉便作虎聲，明打一坐具，泉推倒慈明，明亦作虎聲，泉退身笑云：『我參七十餘員善知識，惟師可以繼得臨際正宗。』」師云：「叢林中往往道：慈明當時末後更與一喝，使泉大道無立地處。是則是，殊不知，有際天之洪濤，可以容吞舟之魚。夜深久立。」

He also cited: "When Master of the Way Quan came to study with Ciming, Ciming said: 'A slip of cloud lies across the mouth of the valley; where has the traveller come from?' Quan said: 'Where did the fire come from last night that burned open an ancient tomb?' Ciming said: 'Not yet; speak further.' Quan then made the sound of a tiger. Ciming struck him with his sitting mat. Quan pushed Ciming down. Ciming also made the sound of a tiger. Quan stepped back, laughed, and said: 'I have studied with over seventy spiritual friends; only you, Master, can succeed to the orthodox lineage of Linji.'" The Master said: "In the monasteries it is often said: 'If Ciming at that time had given one more shout at the very end, he would have left Master Quan with no ground to stand on.' That may be so, but they do not know that there are heaven-reaching billows that can hold a boat-swallowing fish. You have been standing long in the deep of the night."