虛堂和尚語錄 3.57

3.57

Ascending the hall, he cited: "Because a monk asked Upādhyāya Fajis of Jingshan: 'How is it when breath is extinguished like ashes?' Ji said: 'It is still the labor of people of the time.' The monk said: 'How is it after the labor?' Ji said: 'Plowing someone's field without planting.' The monk said: 'What is it ultimately?' Ji said: 'When the grain ripens, one does not approach the threshing floor.' Upādhyāya Ying'an took it up, saying: 'The phoenix pavilion's incense has sunk; in the snow nest the night is cold; the moon shines on half the window, and harmony gently gathers.'" The Master said: "One person wants to be greedy but cannot become poor; one person wants to be rich but cannot become rich. If you want to know that poverty and wealth do not correspond, please each return to your original position and stand."