虛堂和尚語錄 3.22

3.22

That evening, in an informal gathering, [the master said]: "Tonight I shall put aside the profound and subtle mechanisms of the Buddha Dharma, and solely explain to all of you a slightly larger Dharma door, to mark the occasion of entering the monastery and meeting you for the first time. You must not take it as ordinary, falling into emotional consciousness and divining at random. If it is said that the relic originally flew from Wushi Ridge into the mountain, emitting light and displaying auspicious signs, this is nothing beyond what you all already know. If it is said that the six sublime places extend forty-five li from Baofang Market straight to Mingzhou, this too is nothing beyond what you all already see. How can one manage not to fall into views and understanding? Therefore it is said: 'The Dharma is free from seeing, hearing, perceiving, and knowing. If one engages in seeing, hearing, perceiving, and knowing, that is seeing, hearing, perceiving, and knowing, not seeking the Dharma.' Furthermore, in this ancient Chan monastery of Mao, eminent patch-robed monks are like a marketplace; each has entrusted himself to a competent teacher. Who would be willing to receive your ghost-offering food?" Suddenly calling the attendant, he said: "Put away the Gong County tea pitcher."