虛堂和尚語錄 3.98

3.98

He also cited: "When Master of the Way Quan came to study with Ciming, Ciming said: 'A slip of cloud lies across the mouth of the valley; where has the traveller come from?' Quan said: 'Where did the fire come from last night that burned open an ancient tomb?' Ciming said: 'Not yet; speak further.' Quan then made the sound of a tiger. Ciming struck him with his sitting mat. Quan pushed Ciming down. Ciming also made the sound of a tiger. Quan stepped back, laughed, and said: 'I have studied with over seventy spiritual friends; only you, Master, can succeed to the orthodox lineage of Linji.'" The Master said: "In the monasteries it is often said: 'If Ciming at that time had given one more shout at the very end, he would have left Master Quan with no ground to stand on.' That may be so, but they do not know that there are heaven-reaching billows that can hold a boat-swallowing fish. You have been standing long in the deep of the night."