虛堂和尚語錄 2.53

2.53

Ascending the hall, a monk asked, "In investigation one must genuinely investigate; in enlightenment one must genuinely be enlightened. What is genuine investigation?"
The master said, "Distinct and still."
The monk said, "The long period is already half over, like a winter melon soaked in cold water. What expedient means does the Venerable have?"
The master said, "Pure and vivacious."
The monk said, "Zhaozhou instructed a monk, 'Go wash your bowl.' That monk was thereupon enlightened. What is the meaning of this?"
The master said, "Burning paper money to draw ghosts."
The monk said, "We have eaten our gruel and washed our bowls; why are we not enlightened?"
The master said, "A sweet melon is sweet all the way to its stem."
The monk bowed.
The master said, "Indeed."