虛堂和尚語錄 9.62

9.62

閏正月望為新慶遠長老上堂：「不知歲之餘閏，不知月之大小，懵懵懂懂，如是者僅三十年，一旦眼睛活，便見朝旨踵門，趣歸慶遠。衲僧家潛行密用，得與麼靈驗。且上馬見路一句作麼生？」卓主丈：「江南春信早，紫蕨已伸拳。」

Ascending the hall on the full moon of the intercalary first month for the new Elder of Qingyuan: "Not knowing the intercalary remnants of the year, not knowing the long and short months, muddled and confused—it was like this for nearly thirty years. Suddenly his eyes came alive, and he immediately saw the imperial decree arrive at his door, urging his return to Qingyuan. Patch-robed monks walk secretly and function hiddenly; how can they attain such marvelous efficacy? And what is the single phrase for seeing the road upon mounting the horse?" Striking the staff: "Spring news in Jiangnan comes early; the purple bracken has already extended its fist."