虛堂和尚語錄 4.3

4.3

A genuine patch-robed monk possesses eyes that penetrate the barrier; at the rustling of wind or the stirring of grass, he discerns the incoming dynamic completely. This is because his practice is secure and intimate, not falling before the sound or after the phrase. Having attained it so wonderfully, when it comes into action it naturally covers heaven and earth. How could he be mentioned in the same breath as those who cling to grass and attach to trees! When the blind ass of Jibei first arrived at the rapids of Gao'an, he could not yet kick and trample, but went back into Mount Huangbo, peeking his head out and revealing his shadow. Look at how that old fellow tested people's eyes: the moment he saw him, he cast out a snapped string, saying, 'Coming and going like this—when will it ever end?' Although he had not yet deployed his poisonous hand, it was already dead ten parts to nothing. [Linji] then made a formal confession, saying, 'It is only because of a grandmotherly heart.' Still fearing it was not genuine, toward the perilous spot [Huangbo] gave him another squeeze, saying, 'Dayu talks too much! When I see him, I'll give him a thrashing.' This little bit surpasses an arrow dipped in poison; if one's vision falls even slightly short, there is no doubt of losing body and life. However, since his stride was already high, the pitfall was set in vain; instead, he gave Huangbo a slap, saying, 'Why talk of waiting to see him? Strike him right now!' This is already treating a donkey's saddle tree as his father's jawbone. Father and son accorded in dynamic without a single seam; only then did [Huangbo] say, 'Lead this lunatic away to join the hall.' Both of them lost their advantage. How can this compare to those nowadays who illegitimately occupy the teacher's seat, enveloping learners with real dharmas, nurturing talent with comfortable quarters, seeking succession through giving up robes and yielding food, and drawing each other along to make their own faction flourish? Bitter indeed, bitter indeed—the true sound has died out! When ancient venerable masters acted on the blade of a sword to seek a person, they still could not obtain half a one; how much less with rules and measures! If one is a true, genuine patch-robed monk possessing eyes that penetrate the barrier, he will not willingly die under the words of Huangbo and Linji."