虛堂和尚語錄 4.24

4.24

Yuanwu said: 'The fellow from Qizhou has attained it indeed, but he lacks an awl behind his head.' When he met Huqiu and saw the ox pass the window lattice, he was brilliantly and suddenly emancipated, continuing the authentic succession of Dongshan, like the blazing sun shining in the sky eclipsing the light of the stars; whenever a single word or fragment of his writing reached the rivers and lakes, those who obtained it were like those finding a luminous night-gem. His Way moved people like this! I once associated with the patch-robed monks of Lotus Peak; beholding his calligraphy and ornamentation, the brushwork was crisp and vigorous, its manner soaring as if in dance, commanding awe in people.