虛堂和尚語錄 2.64

2.64

Ascending the hall, a monk asked: "The world is so vast and broad; why put on the seven-strip robe upon hearing the sound of the bell?" The master said: "Where the water is shallow there are no fish; dropping the hook is in vain." The monk said: "The long period has already passed; what about the matter midway?" The master said: "All along, it cannot be gathered up." The monk said: "Chanting praises atop the bell tower and planting vegetables beneath the bedposts—what side of the matter does this clarify?" The master said: "Scraping the skin to see the bone." The monk said: "Head Monk Sheng said a fierce tiger sits blocking the road; what then?" The master said: "A beggar's mat-bag."