虛堂和尚語錄 8.47

8.47

上堂：「鐘鼓之鳴，可以節禮樂；權衡之正，可以定錙銖。而我比丘，為佛弟子，有道有德，有仁有義，結夏已一月，業識茫茫，殊不在己，良可悲也。驀然有箇牙如劍樹、口似血盆，出來便喝，擬議便掌，老僧道：『爾且住，我今年七十七，爾也饒我些子。』者漢回頭一覷，冷笑而去。且道，他笑箇甚麼？」卓主丈：「投我以木桃，報之以瓊瑤。」

Ascending the hall: "The sounding of bells and drums can regulate ritual and music; the balance of scales can determine drams and ounces. Yet we bhikṣus, as disciples of the Buddha, possess the Way and virtue, benevolence and righteousness. The summer retreat has already been entered for a month, yet karmic consciousness is vast and boundless, entirely beyond our own control; how lamentable indeed! Suddenly there is one with teeth like a grove of swords and a mouth like a basin of blood, who comes forth shouting immediately, slapping without hesitation. This old monk says, 'Hold on a moment, I am seventy-seven this year; grant me some leeway.' That fellow turns his head, takes a glance, laughs coldly, and walks away. Now tell me, what was he laughing at?" Striking with his staff: "'She threw me a peach, and I requited her with a fine gem.'"