虛堂和尚語錄 1.176

1.176

Ascending the hall, [the Master] cited: "Linji addressed the assembly: 'In my late master's assembly, I asked about the great meaning of the Buddhadharma and was beaten three times, as if by a broom of artemisia twigs. Nowadays I yearn for a beating—who can deliver the blows?' There was a monk who came forward and said, 'I will deliver the blows.' Linji raised his stick; the monk moved to take it, and Linji immediately struck him."
The Master said: "This monk actually only wanted to see through Linji completely."