虛堂和尚語錄 4.7

4.7

When a beginner studies the Way, he is like a monkey from the deep mountains bound by an iron chain. Seeing people, he feels estranged and just keeps leaping about until his body is exhausted and his breath spent. Only then is he taught skills: thrusting spears, wielding staves, carrying water, or striking balls. When he has practiced until he is thoroughly proficient, only then can this chain be removed. Before the wind, beneath the moon, beside the water, or at the base of the clouds, leave him to what is natural. If you suddenly call out, 'Sun the Eldest, come here!' he will instantly leap before you; and when you ask him about the skills he has practiced, it will be like fire bursting from water. If you investigate thoroughly in this way, how could it not be marvelous? There are those who simply say, 'Xutang is old in years and lonely at heart.' Little do they know that a dog does not choose a poor home."