虛堂和尚語錄 3.121

3.121

Ascending the hall to thank the two ranks [of monastery officers], he cited: "Shitou instructed the assembly, saying: 'Words and movements have no connection [with it].' Yaoshan said: 'Non-words and non-movements also have no connection.' Shitou said: 'Here, a needle cannot penetrate.' Yaoshan said: 'Here, it is like planting flowers on a rock.'" The Master said: "'If your wisdom matches that of your teacher, you diminish your teacher's virtue by half; only when your wisdom surpasses your teacher's are you worthy of receiving the transmission.' Furthermore, as for the superior and inferior points within this, is there anyone who can clearly distinguish them?" He struck his staff.