虛堂和尚語錄 3.128

3.128

At the informal gathering on a winter night, a monk asked: "At the winter solstice, the one yang arises; the Eastern Mountain walks on the water. Given the conditions of the season, we wish to hear the essential Dharma." The Master answered: "It is also just a fixed dharma." The monk said: "Since the Eastern Mountain walks on the water, why does it become a fixed dharma?" The Master answered: "This old monk's mouth is the gate of misfortune." The monk said: "When Dongshan was having fruit on a winter night, he asked the head monk: 'There is a thing black as lacquer, constantly in active use; in active use it cannot be contained. Tell me, where does the fault lie?' The head monk said: 'The fault lies in active use.' Dongshan ordered the fruit table to be removed. What is the meaning of this?" The Master answered: "Official horses kicking one another." The monk said: "Tonight, if the Venerable suddenly asks the head monk: 'There is a thing black as lacquer, constantly in active use; in active use it cannot be contained. Tell me, where does the fault lie?' And the head monk of Jingshan also says: 'The fault lies in active use.' What about that?" The Master answered: "Give him two trays of fruit." The monk said: "As Dongshan removed the fruit table, while Jingshan adds another tray, is there any superiority or inferiority?" The Master answered: "Because he is a fellow carrying a plank." The monk said: "May this student tonight borrow the awe-inspiring brilliance of the great assembly to pose another question?" The Master answered: "A thieving ghost is detested by people." The monk then shouted. The Master answered: "Indeed." The monk made bows.