虛堂和尚語錄 10.168

10.168

Smelting gold and refining jade, forging the sage and melting the ordinary—without relying on tongs and hammer, a great vessel is immediately formed. In the clear frost and bright moon, the gateway of the complete penetration samādhi is realized; in the faint clouds and low sky, the confused dream of a toilful life is shattered. Longevity equal to emptiness and existence, eternally guarding the transformed city—at the very first stroke, how do you understand it?" Striking the bell once, he said: "The kalpa-stone has a day to wear away, / But the grand sound has no end."