虛堂和尚語錄 2.31

2.31

Ascending the hall, he cited: "Huangbo instructed the assembly: 'All of you are people who swallow distiller's grains! Going on itinerant pilgrimage like this, where will you find today? Do you realize that in the great Tang empire there are no Chan masters?' At that time a monk came forward and said, 'What about those in various places who guide disciples and lead assemblies?' Huangbo said, 'I do not say there is no Chan, only that there are no masters.'" The Master said, "Many miss the mark regarding this little bit of talk. Zhen Dianxiong said: 'The leopard in the mist glosses its fur, never descending to eat; the yard bird nurtures its courage, waiting to startle people in the end.' He only knew of the intention to nurture people of talent, but did not know that a fire snake in the dead ashes burns the face. If you penetrate this, you personally see Huangbo; otherwise, by no means understand it in the manner of those who swallow distiller's grains."