虛堂和尚語錄 2.81

2.81

He also cited: "Guishan asked Yangshan: 'Severe cold in midwinter is an annual affair; what about the movements of the sun's shadow as they shift?' Yangshan came forward, folded his hands, and stood. Guishan said: 'I truly knew you could not answer these words.' Xiangyan arrived, and Guishan brought up the previous words. Xiangyan said: 'I alone can answer these words.' Guishan brought them up again; Xiangyan also came forward, folded his hands, and stood. Guishan said: 'Fortunately, Jizi did not understand.'" The master said: "Had Guishan not had that later remark, he could have wrapped it up completely; but alas, his function was excessive, causing both peg and rope to be exposed."