虛堂和尚語錄 2.82

2.82

Ascending the hall to thank [the monk who] held the whisk, a monk asked: "'If one's wisdom equals the master's, one reduces the master's virtue by half; only when one's wisdom surpasses the master's is one worthy of transmission.' What kind of wisdom surpasses the master's?" The master said: "Suddenly going, suddenly coming, cutting off past and present." The monk said: "Then the student has a share in looking up with reverence." The master said: "Shut your dog mouth." The monk said: "If so, then the head monk and the keeper of the canon become utterly useless." The master said: "Unless one has taken great pains, one does not know." The monk said: "That is somewhat better." He then bowed. The master said: "Pulling one's head back quickly is the mark of a skilled hand."