虛堂和尚語錄 2.157

2.157

Ascending the hall on Mid-Autumn, a monk asked: "The moon is round in heaven, and it is mid-month among humans—everyone knows this exists. I wonder, to whom does the tree in the middle belong?" The Master said: "The one who holds the contract deed gets it." The monk said: "If so, then heavenly fragrant cassia seeds fall in profusion." The Master said: "You have already mistaken it long ago." The monk said: "When Great Master Ma was enjoying the moon, one person said it was just right for making offerings, one person said it was just right for practicing cultivation, and one person strode off and left. What was the meaning of this?" The Master said: "In an acre of land, three snakes and nine rats." The monk said: "Great Master Ma said, 'The scriptures enter the canon, Chan returns to the sea; only Puyan alone transcends beyond things.'" The Master said: "Beat the donkey so the horse knows." The monk bowed, and the Master let out a hiss.