虛堂和尚語錄 8.76

8.76

謝新舊執事監收，上堂：「進退有常，除擢特異，其進也，如青山白雲開遮自在；其退也，如巖壑生秋澹靜囦默。要知進退一如，自然和氣可掬。只如刊禾鐮子，刈得幾箇祖師頭？出來露箇消息看。」

Ascending the hall in gratitude to the incoming and outgoing administrative officers and overseers of the harvest: "Advancement and withdrawal have their norms; appointments and promotions are special. Advancing is like green mountains and white clouds opening and shutting at will; withdrawing is like autumn rising in cliffs and gorges, serene and deeply silent. You must know that advancing and withdrawing are uniform; naturally harmonious energy will be abundant. Just take the sickle for cutting grain: how many patriarchs' heads has it reaped? Come forward and give a bit of news to see!"