虛堂和尚語錄 2.13

2.13

He also cited: "The Great Being Shanhui of this mountain met the ascetic Song of India, who said, 'I made a vow with you in the presence of Vipaśyin Buddha. Now the robe and bowl are in the palace of Tuṣita Heaven; when will you return?' He bid the Great Being look at his reflection over the water, where he saw a circular halo and a jeweled canopy. The Great Being said to him, 'At the place of the furnace and bellows there is much blunt iron; at the gate of a good physician there are plenty of sick people.'"
The Master said: "Hilarious, hilarious! At that time, when he said, 'Please, Great Being, look at your reflection over the water,' if he had picked up the door mallet and the cypress board and struck him right across the mouth, he would still have saved half of it. Why further talk about furnace, bellows, blunt iron, good physician, and sick people? By the time one returns to the original, the sword has long since gone. This mountain monk usually sides with principle and does not side with relatives. Is there anyone who will take the lead for the Great Being? If not, the night is deep; take care."