虛堂和尚語錄 8.62

8.62

師乃云：「耳目之察，不足以分物理；情識之論，不足以定功勛。山僧進院以來，每日僕僕尚爾，收息不暇，又何暇分物理，定功勛耶？」擊拂子云：「自小持齋今已老，見人無力下禪床。」

The Master then said: "The inspection of ears and eyes is insufficient to distinguish the nature of things; the discussions of sentiment and consciousness are insufficient to determine merits. Since this mountain monk entered this monastery, every day I have been bustling about in this way, having no leisure even to catch my breath—how could I have any leisure to distinguish the nature of things or determine merits?" Striking with his whisk, he said: "Having observed the pure fast from youth, I am now old; / Seeing guests, I lack the strength to step down from the meditation bench."