虛堂和尚語錄 2.32

2.32

At the informal gathering for the winter solstice, a monk asked: "Mañjuśrī was the teacher of seven buddhas; why could he not bring the woman out of samādhi?" The Master said, "The domestic ghost causes trouble." The monk said, "Wangming was a śrāvaka from the world below; why was he able to bring her out?" The Master said, "A half bolt of cloth, fully sealed." The monk said, "'Not falling into cause and effect'—why did he fall into being a wild fox?" The Master said, "Digging a pond does not wait for the moon; when the pond is made, the moon comes naturally." The monk said, "'Not blinding cause and effect'—why was he freed from being a wild fox?" The Master said, "Brocade wrapped around a strange stone." The monk said, "What about when Lao Guan met a monk and stretched noodles?" The Master said, "With money, one can make the ghosts run." The monk said, "What about when Ruzu met a monk and faced the wall?" The Master said, "Not an inch of grass grows." The monk said, "Today the student has made a small effort and met with great fortune." He then bowed. The Master said, "You are missing an awl behind your head."