虛堂和尚語錄 2.27

2.27

He also cited: "Huangbo, on the occasion of Linji taking his leave, Huangbo said, 'Where are you going?' Linji said, 'If not south of the river, then north of the river.' Huangbo struck him; Linji caught the staff and gave him a slap. Huangbo burst into loud laughter, called his attendant, and said, 'Bring the late master Baizhang's meditation board and whisk.' Linji also called the attendant, 'Bring fire!' Huangbo said, 'Just take them with you; in the future, you will stop the tongues of people throughout the world.'" The Master said, "Concealed harmony and overt concurrence were not lacking, but how can the two mahāsattvas help that with time it became an abuse? If a monk at Baolin came to take his leave, I would strike him on the back with the staff. Why? Better that moss grow in the hall than to lead people into the weeds."