虛堂和尚語錄 2.20

2.20

Ascending the hall, he cited: "Xinghua, because a monk asked, 'What happens when they come from all four directions and eight quarters?' Xinghua said, 'Strike the one in the middle.' The monk then bowed. Xinghua said, 'Yesterday I went to a village vegetarian feast; halfway along the road I ran into a bout of violent wind and torrential rain, and was able to take shelter in an ancient temple.'" The Master said, "When Xinghua had this monk produce a bladeless axe, he immediately hoisted high the flag of surrender. Had Baolin seen him bow at that time, he would have just stopped. Why? For the time being, let this fellow carry a board and pass his entire life in vain."