虛堂和尚語錄 2.70

2.70

Ascending the hall on the Double Ninth, a monk asked: "Principle does not follow changes in phenomena; phenomena do not shift with principle. On the day of nine-nine, why beat the drum and ascend the hall?" The master said: "Principle and phenomena cannot restrain him." The monk said: "What kind of person is he?" The master said: "Head light, tail heavy, feet trailing in the sand." The monk said: "You have pointed it out wrong to someone!" The master said: "This mountain monk is advanced in years." The monk said: "Fenyang said: 'On the ninth day of the Double Ninth, the chrysanthemums are fresh.' What is the meaning of this?" The master said: "I have no rhinoceros horn to part the waters, so naturally I am unstained by dust." The monk said: "Today Fenyang loses his integrity." The master said: "Where do you see Fenyang?" The monk then shouted. The master said: "Shooting with a corded arrow, do not shoot birds at roost."