虛堂和尚語錄 1.60

1.60

Ascending the hall, he cited: "Xuefeng, Yantou, and Qinshan went to Hebei to pay respects to Linji. On the road they met Senior Ding. Feng said, 'Is Upādhyāya Linji in good health?' Ding said, 'He has already passed away.' Xuefeng and Yantou looked at each other and sighed deeply. They further asked, 'What words and phrases did he usually give to show his disciples?' Ding said, 'On this lump of red flesh there is a true person without rank, constantly entering and exiting through the face-gates of each of you. Those who have not yet attained proof, look! Look!' Qin said, 'Why not say, "not a true person without rank"?' Ding seized him and said, 'The true person without rank and not a true person without rank—how far apart are they? Speak quickly! Speak quickly!' Qinshan changed color and could not reply. Xuefeng and Yantou urged peace. Ding said, 'If not for the sake of the faces of these two old sacks of pus, I would choke you to death, you bed-wetting ghost!'" The Master said, "Although Senior Ding levied taxes according to the goods, what could he do about Xuefeng and Yantou? If someone can distinguish black from white here, I will change bowls, brew tea, and make an offering to you."