虛堂和尚語錄 6

English (machine translation) 6

Language: English

[He] brought up: "One day, the World-Honoured One saw Mañjuśrī standing outside the gate, and said, 'Mañjuśrī, Mañjuśrī! Why do you not enter the gate?' Mañjuśrī said, 'I do not see a single phenomenon outside the gate. Why do you tell me to enter the gate?'"

6.3

Substituting, [Xutang] said: "The ones who inspire me are many."

6.4

[He] brought up: "Because a non-Buddhist asked, 'What Dharma did you speak yesterday?' the World-Honoured One said, 'I spoke the determinate Dharma.' He asked again, 'What Dharma do you speak today?' He said, 'I speak the indeterminate Dharma.' The non-Buddhist said, 'Yesterday you spoke determinate; why today do you speak indeterminate?' The World-Honoured One said, 'Yesterday was determinate; today is indeterminate.'"

6.5

Substituting for the non-Buddhist: "They looked at each other and left."

6.6

[He] brought up: "When the World-Honoured One was about to enter nirvāṇa, Mañjuśrī requested that he turn the wheel of Dharma again. The World-Honoured One scolded him, saying, 'I have lived in the world for forty-nine years without ever speaking a single word. You request that I turn the wheel of Dharma again—did I ever turn the wheel of Dharma?'"

6.7

Substituting for Mañjuśrī, [Xutang] said: "The World-Honoured One's final attentiveness."

6.8

[He] brought up: "Emperor Wu of Liang requested Mahāsattva Fu to explain a sutra. As soon as the Mahāsattva ascended the seat, he struck the desk once with a ruler, and immediately stepped down from the seat. The Emperor was startled. Master Zhi then asked, 'Does Your Majesty understand?' The Emperor said, 'I do not understand.' Master Zhi said, 'The Mahāsattva has finished explaining the sutra.'"

6.9

Substituting for Emperor Wu, [Xutang] said: "Truly, it is rarely heard."

6.10

[He] brought up: "Because Emperor Suzong asked, 'What Dharma did the Master attain at Caoxi?' National Teacher Zhong said, 'Does Your Majesty see a single wisp of cloud in the empty sky?' The Emperor said, 'I see it.' The Master said, 'Is it nailed down? Is it hung suspended?'"

6.11

Substituting, [Xutang] said: "Where is Caoxi?"

6.12

[He] brought up: "National Teacher Zhong asked Nanquan, 'Where do you come from?' Nanquan said, 'Jiangxi.' The Master said, 'Did you bring Great Master Ma's true likeness?' Nanquan said, 'Just this is it.' The Master said, 'What about the one behind you?' Nanquan stopped."

6.13

Substituting for Nanquan: "He wiped with his foot and immediately walked away."

6.14

[He] brought up: "When Magu arrived, National Teacher Zhong shook his staff once and stood upright. The Master said, 'Since you are like this, what need is there to see me?' Magu also shook his staff once."

6.15

Substituting, [Xutang] said: "You ought to see me."

6.16

[He] brought up: "Because Army Commissioner Yu asked, 'When the Master dwelt on Mount Baiya, how did you practice cultivation?' National Teacher Zhong called a novice, rubbed his crown with his hand, and said, 'When clearly awake, speak frankly of being clearly awake; when distinct, speak frankly of being distinct. Hereafter, do not be deceived by others.' The Commissioner was silent."

6.17

Substituting, [Xutang] said: "From now on, this disciple will no longer bow to the Buddha."

6.18

[He] brought up: "Because Hanshan asked, 'If the ancient mirror is not polished, how does it shine?' Fenggan said, 'In an ice vase there is no reflection; the monkey reaches for the moon in the water.' Hanshan said, 'This is not shining; please say further.' Fenggan said, 'When the myriad virtues are not brought forth, what do you tell me to say?' Hanshan and Shide both bowed and withdrew."

6.19

Substituting, [Xutang] said: "It was brought about because of me."

6.20

[He] brought up: "Upādhyāya Budai would often go back and forth along the thoroughfares carrying a cloth bag and a torn mat. Inside the cloth bag were stored alms-bowls, wooden clogs, fish, rice, vegetables, meat, tiles, stones, earth, and wood—he had every kind of thing. At times, in crowded places, he would open the bag, scatter the contents, and say, 'Look, look!' He would also pick them up one by one and ask people, 'What is this called?' The crowd had no reply."

6.21

Substituting, [Xutang] said: "An ugly woman knitting her brows."

6.22

[He] brought up: "Wuzhuo went to Mount Wutai. Mañjuśrī asked, 'From where has the Venerable come?' He said, 'From the south.' [Mañjuśrī] asked, 'How is the Buddha Dharma maintained in the south?' He said, 'The bhikṣus of the final age rarely observe the precepts.' [Mañjuśrī] asked, 'How large is the assembly?' He said, 'Perhaps three hundred or five hundred.' Wuzhuo then asked, 'How does the Upādhyāya maintain it here?' [Mañjuśrī] said, 'Ordinary beings and sages dwell together; dragons and snakes are intermingled.' [Wuzhuo] asked, 'How large is the assembly?' [Mañjuśrī] said, 'The front three-three, the back three-three.'"

6.23

Substituting, [Xutang] said: "I almost did not reach here."

6.24

[He] brought up: "When Wuzhuo met Mañjuśrī on Mount Wutai, while drinking tea, Mañjuśrī held up a glass cup and asked, 'Is there still this in the south?' [Wuzhuo] said, 'No.' Mañjuśrī said, 'With what do you usually drink tea?' Wuzhuo had no reply."

6.25

Substituting: [He] made a bow with clasped hands and immediately stood up.

6.26

[He] brought up: "Nanquan instructed the assembly: 'Old Teacher Wang is going to sell his body; is there anyone who will buy it?' At the time, a monk came forward and said, 'I will buy it.' [Nanquan] said, 'Neither setting a high price nor a low price, how will you buy it?' The monk had no reply."

6.27

Substituting, [Xutang] said: "If someone tends to the affairs, I will not refuse either."

6.28

[He] brought up: "Nanquan instructed the assembly: 'The Dharma-body possesses the four great elements. If someone can speak of it, I will give him a pair of trousers.' Daowu came forward and said, 'The nature-ground is not empty; empty is not the nature-ground. This is the earth element; the [other] three elements are also like this.' Nanquan did not go back on his previous words and gave him a pair of trousers."

6.29

Substituting for Daowu: [He] chattered his teeth and pinched an incantation gesture.

6.30

[He] brought up: "Huangbo instructed the assembly: 'All of you are wine-dreg-guzzling fellows! Traveling on pilgrimage like this, where could there ever be today? Do you know that in the Great Tang Empire there are no Chan masters?' At that time, a monk came forward and said, 'What about those in various places who guide disciples and lead assemblies?' [Huangbo] said, 'I do not say there is no Chan, only that there are no masters.'"

6.31

Substituting for the monk, [Xutang] said: "I am deeply indebted to your completion."

6.32

[He] brought up: "When Zhaozhou was at Nanquan's place, on the well pavilion he saw Nanquan walking past, so he hung down one foot and said, 'Save me, save me!' Nanquan struck the ladder, saying, 'One, two, three, four, five.' Zhaozhou donned his dignified deportment, went up to the abbot's quarters, and said, 'Just now I thank the Upādhyāya for saving me.'"

6.33

Substituting, [Xutang] said: "This old monk had no opening."

6.34

[He] brought up: "Because Xitang met an imperial envoy on the road and detained him for a meal, a donkey happened to bray. The envoy said, 'Dhūta.' Xitang raised his head, and the envoy pointed to the donkey. Xitang then pointed to the envoy. The envoy had no reply."

6.35

Substituting, [Xutang] said: "This humble official's fault."

6.36

He cited: "When Li Bo asked Guizong, 'Mount Sumeru containing a mustard seed—I do not doubt this; but a mustard seed containing Mount Sumeru—is this not false?' Guizong said, 'People say that the prefect has read ten thousand volumes of books; is that true?' [Li Bo] said, 'Yes.' Guizong said, 'Your body is the size of a coconut; where do you put ten thousand volumes of books?' Lord Li could only bow his head."

6.37

On behalf of Li, he said, "I had thought there was no one [here]."

6.38

He cited: "When Layman Pang asked Damei, 'I have long echoed [the name of] Damei (Great Plum); I wonder if the plum is ripe yet?' Damei said, 'Where will you sink your teeth in?' The Layman said, 'Smashed into a hundred pieces!' Damei said, 'Return the pit to me!'"

6.39

On his behalf he said, "It comes out even."

6.40

He cited: "When Zhaozhou went up to the Dharma hall, Zhuyu looked east and looked west. Zhuyu said, 'What are you doing?' [Zhaozhou] said, 'Testing the water.' [Zhuyu] said, 'Here I do not have a single drop; what are you testing?' Zhaozhou leaned his staff against the wall and left."

6.41

On his behalf he said, "Do not say you gained the advantage."

6.42

He cited: "Dongshan, because a monk asked, 'Among the three bodies, which one expounds the Dharma?' Dongshan said, 'I am always earnest about this.' The monk later asked Caoshan, 'Dongshan said, "I am always earnest about this"—what was his meaning?' Cao said, 'If you want a head, chop it off and take it.' The monk also asked Xuefeng; Feng struck him right across the mouth with his staff, saying, 'I too once went to Dongshan.' The monk was speechless."

6.43

On his behalf he said, "It chokes one to death!"

6.44

He cited: "When Xingshan entered the mill room, upon meeting, Shishi said, 'It is not easy, practitioner.' Shishi said, 'What is not easy? Open-heart bowls are brought full; lidless platters are joined together.' Xing was speechless."

6.45

On his behalf he said, "Beneath the Dragon Gate."

6.46

He cited: "Zhangjing, when his junior disciple returned from traveling to various quarters, asked, 'How many years have you been away from here?' [The disciple] said, 'Since leaving the upādhyāya, it has been nearly eight years.' Jing said, 'What have you discerned?' The junior disciple drew a circle on the ground. Jing said, 'Only this, or is there something else?' The junior disciple erased the circle, bowed, and withdrew."

6.47

On his behalf he said, "Without a servant in the house, one does not make a gentleman."

6.48

He cited: "When a monk was taking leave, Xuefeng asked, 'Where are you going?' He said, 'To pay respects to the upādhyāya of Jingshan.' [Xuefeng] said, 'If Jingshan suddenly asks you, "How is the Buddhadharma in this place?" how will you speak?' The monk said, 'I will speak when he asks.' Feng struck him, then turned and asked Jingqing, 'Where was this monk at fault that he received the stick?' Qing said, 'He questioned Jingshan through to the bottom.' Feng said, 'Jingshan is in Zhejiang; how did he question him through to the bottom?' Qing said, 'Haven't you heard it said: "A distant question has a near response"?' Feng stopped."

6.49

On his behalf he said, "The marking line of Lu Ban."

6.50

He cited: "Xuefeng took leave of Dongshan. Shan said, 'Where are you going?' He said, 'Returning to the mountains.' Shan said, 'At that time, which road did you come out by?' He said, 'I came out by Flying Ape Ridge.' Shan said, 'Which road are you taking now?' He said, 'I am going by Flying Ape Ridge.' Shan said, 'There is one person who does not go by Flying Ape Ridge; do you know him?' He said, 'I do not know him.' Shan said, 'Why do you not know him?' He said, 'He has no face.' Shan said, 'Since you do not know him, how do you know he has no face?' Feng had no reply."

6.51

On his behalf he said, "Not seen with the eyes."

6.52

He cited: "When Gushan came to study, as soon as he entered the gate, Xuefeng grabbed him and said, 'What is this?' Shan accorded and awakened, raised his hands, and danced. [Xuefeng] said, 'Are you making an intellectual understanding?' [Shan] said, 'What intellectual understanding could there be?' Feng gave him confirmation."

6.53

On Gushan's behalf he said, "The upādhyāya ultimately does not deceive this lad."

6.54

He cited: "Lingyun asked a monk, 'Where are you going?' He said, 'Going to Xuefeng.' [Lingyun said,] 'I have a letter to send to Xuefeng.' [The monk] said, 'Please do so.' Lingyun took off his sandal and threw it before him. The monk then departed. Feng asked, 'Where have you come from?' He said, 'Lingyun.' Feng said, 'Is the upādhyāya well?' He said, 'He had a letter to send.' Having spoken, he took off his sandal and threw it before him. Feng stopped."

6.55

On his behalf he said, "Mindful of your coming from afar."

6.56

He cited: "One day Changqing ascended the hall. When the assembly had gathered and settled, Qing pulled out a monk and said, 'Great assembly, bow to this monk!' He also said, 'What excellence does this monk have that the great assembly should be made to bow to him?' The assembly had no reply."

6.57

On their behalf he said, "Fine, fine, fine."

6.58

He cited: "A nun presented an earthenware bowl to Master Lingshu. He held it up and asked, 'Where was this made?' The nun said, 'It was made in Dingzhou.' Lingshu then smashed it to pieces. The nun had no reply."

6.59

On her behalf he said, "I do not understand the upādhyāya's meaning."

6.60

He cited: "Upādhyāya Yunju Ying heard that a monk was living in a hermitage below the mountain. He ordered his attendant to deliver a pair of trousers to him. The monk said, 'I have the trousers my mother gave birth to me in,' and would not accept them. [Yunju] again ordered the attendant to go and ask, 'Before your mother gave birth to you, what did you wear?' The monk was speechless."

6.61

On his behalf he said, "Only dare to deceive each other."

6.62

He cited: "Yunmen once brought up: 'Great Master Mazu said: "All words are of the Devadatta school; take this as the primary principle." Then he said: "Good words, only no one asks me."' At that time a monk asked, 'What is the Devadatta school?' Yunmen said, 'In the Western Heaven there are ninety-six kinds; you are of the lowest kind.'"

6.63

On his behalf, he bowed and withdrew.

6.64

He cited: "Yunmen asked the head monk, 'Are the mountains, rivers, and the great earth identical to, or different from, your own self?' He said, 'Identical.' Yunmen said, 'Are all living creatures—moths, mosquitoes, and ants—identical to, or different from, your own self?' He said, 'Identical.' Yunmen said, 'Why treat them with shields and daggers?'"

6.65

On the head monk's behalf, he stuck out his tongue and stood sideways.

6.66

He cited: "Yunmen asked a monk, 'Where have you come from?' He said, 'I have come from paying respects to the stūpa.' Yunmen said, 'You are mocking me.' The monk said, 'I really have come from paying respects to the stūpa.' Yunmen said, 'You do not even keep the five precepts.' The monk was speechless."

6.67

On his behalf he said, "I have only newly entered the Way."

6.68

He cited: "Upādhyāya Sheng of Yexian asked a monk, 'At dusk you lodge in the woods; where did you depart from this morning?' He said, 'I have never practiced Chan.' Yexian said, 'You are entering hell in this very body.' The monk was speechless."

6.69

On his behalf he said, "Who does not receive the favor?"

6.70

He cited: "Yexian asked a monk, 'Where have you recently departed from?' He said, 'Xiangzhou.' Yexian pulled a novice over, gave him a slap, and shouted him out. The monk was speechless."

6.71

On his behalf he said, "Entering the water, one sees the tall person."

6.72

He cited: "Han Wengong asked a monk, 'I have heard that you are able to lecture on the *Zhaolun*; is that so?' He said, 'It is.' The Lord said, 'Sengzhao has [the chapter on] "Things Do Not Shift"; is that so?' He said, 'It is.' The Lord took a teacup, smashed it, and said, 'Is this shifting, or not shifting?' The monk was speechless."

6.73

On his behalf he said, "Without going through an affair, one does not gain wisdom."

6.74

He cited: "One day at Luopu, an attendant said, 'Dharma Master Sengzhao composed the *Four Treatises*; they are truly extraordinary.' Luopu said, 'Lord Zhao was extremely extraordinary, but after all he never saw the Patriarch.' The attendant was speechless."

6.75

On his behalf he said, "Beating the grass startles the snake."

6.76

He cited: "Upādhyāya Yong of Baoying, because a monk asked, 'Where have the sages from antiquity gone?' Baoying said, 'If not ascending to the heavens, then entering hell.' The monk said, 'And what about the upādhyāya?' Baoying said, 'Do you know where this old fellow Baoying ends up?' As the monk hesitated, Baoying struck him across the mouth with his whisk, called him forward again, and said, 'This command ought to be executed by you!' and struck him again with the whisk."

6.77

On the monk's behalf, at the point of hesitating, he looked with his eyes and pointed with his finger.

6.78

He cited: "Zhen Dianxiong served as head monk in the assembly of Upādhyāya Nan of Guizong. At that time, Guizong asked, 'I hear that the head monk often uses the story of the woman coming out of samādhi for people; is that so?' Zhen said, 'No.' Guizong said, 'Extravagant yet not frugal, frugal yet not extravagant; why do you say no?' Zhen said, 'If it is a true patch-robed monk, he cannot lack his salt and sauce.' Guizong called his attendant: 'Tell the head cook that tomorrow he should only boil plain congee.'"

6.79

On his behalf he said, "An ungrateful person does not lend on credit."

6.80

He cited: "Chan Master Shishuang Zhu, when a monk was taking leave, Shuang asked, 'Are you going by boat or by land?' The monk said, 'Meeting a boat, I take a boat; meeting land, I take land.' Shuang said, 'I say midway will be rather difficult.' The monk was speechless."

6.81

On his behalf he said, "In haste and upheaval, do not forget the entrustment."

6.82

He cited: "Mingzhao went to the place of Senior Monk Tan of Quanzhou. Tan said, 'Now in practicing and studying, where there is one person, one must go; where there is half a person, one must also go.' Mingzhao then asked, 'Leaving aside where there is one person, what is it where there is half a person?' Tan was speechless. Later he had his junior disciple ask Mingzhao. Mingzhao said, 'Do you want to know the half a person? He is just a fellow playing with clumps of mud.'"

6.83

On Senior Monk Tan's behalf he said, "Then I must bow and give thanks."

6.84

He cited: "Chan Master Su of Helin, because a monk knocked on the gate, Lin asked, 'Who is it?' He said, 'It is a monk.' Lin said, 'Not only a monk—even if the Buddha came, he would not be admitted.' The monk said, 'Why would the Buddha not be admitted if he came?' Lin said, 'There is no place for you to lodge.'"

6.85

On his behalf he said, "Not in vain did I sell my cloth sheet."

6.86

He cited: "Upādhyāya Xinjian of Wuzhou never kept a śrāmaṇera all his life. A lecturer monk said, 'The upādhyāya is advanced in years; why not seek out a junior disciple to attend upon you?' He said, 'If there is someone blind in eye, deaf in ear, and mute of mouth, seek one out for me.' The lecturer had no reply."

6.87

On his behalf he said, "I can attend to sweeping and sprinkling."

6.88

He cited: "In the past, an elder master asked a lecturer monk, 'How do commentaries and subcommentaries explain the meaning in broad and concise terms?' The lecturer said, 'Subcommentaries explain commentaries; commentaries explain sūtras.' The elder said, 'What do sūtras explain?' The lecturer had no reply."

6.89

On his behalf he said, "Look at the bare head."

6.90

He cited: "Upādhyāya Youqi of Tiantai one day struck the bell and ascended the hall. As soon as the assembly gathered, he asked, 'Who struck the bell?' A monk said, 'The karmadāna.' He said, 'Come forward.' The monk came forward, and Youqi gave him a slap, then returned to the abbot's quarters."

6.91

On his behalf he said, "I only fear the upādhyāya has some other excellence."

6.92

He cited: "In the past, a practitioner followed a Dharma master into the Buddha hall. The practitioner spat toward the Buddha. [The Dharma master] said, 'Practitioner, you lack manners; why do you spit at the Buddha?' The practitioner said, 'Bring me a place where there is no Buddha so that I may spit.' The master had no reply."

6.93

On his behalf he said, "The snake shape, the soft-shelled turtle's snout."

6.94

He cited: "In the past, a monk went to Cuiyan to pay his respects. It happened that [Cuiyan] was not there, so he went to see the administrator. The administrator said, 'Have you had an audience with the upādhyāya yet?' He said, 'Not yet.' The administrator then pointed to a dog and said, 'If the Venerable One wants to see the upādhyāya, simply bow to this dog.' The monk was speechless."

6.95

On his behalf [Xutang] said: "It is fine to make a fool of Cuiyan."

6.96

He cited: "In the past, [people from] the kingdom of Goryeo came to Qiantang and carved a sacred image of Avalokiteśvara. When it was carried onto the boat, it could not be moved at all. Consequently, they invited it into Kaiyuan Monastery in Mingzhou to make offerings to it. Later, someone posed a question: 'There is no land in which [Avalokiteśvara] does not manifest a body—why did the sacred image not go to the kingdom of Goryeo?'"

6.97

On their behalf [Xutang] said: "A familiar place is hard to forget."

6.98

He cited: "In the past, a monk came to Caoxi. As he was guarding the robe and bowl, the monk lifted up the robe and said, 'This is what could not be lifted up at the top of Dayuling.' A monk said, 'Why is it in the elder's hands?' The monk was speechless."

6.99

On his behalf [Xutang] said: "The benevolent see it and call it benevolence."

6.100

He cited: "In the past, a monk carrying his bowl went to an elder's house and happened to be bitten by a dog. The elder said, 'When a dragon wears a single thread, the golden-winged bird does not swallow it; you, Great Worthy, fully wear the Dharma robes—why were you bitten by a dog instead?' The monk was speechless."

6.101

On his behalf [Xutang] said: "A sweet melon is sweet right down to the stem."

6.102

He cited: "In the past, a donor entered a monastery and distributed [the gifts of] 'age-matching donations' to the monks. The administrator said, 'Set one portion before the Holy Monk.' The donor said, 'How old is the Holy Monk?' The administrator had no reply."

6.103

On his behalf [Xutang] pointed upside down to show him.

6.104

He cited: "Because a patron invited the head monk to inaugurate a hall, the administrator came to report to Upādhyāya Zhe of Xiangzhou. Zhe said, 'It is right as far as it goes, but enlightenment is still lacking.' When the head monk heard this, he packed his baggage and went elsewhere. Zhe drove him out with his staff."

6.105

On his behalf [Xutang] said: "I would not dare disappoint the upādhyāya."

6.106

He cited: "In the past, a Daoist sat in front of the hall with his back to the Buddha. A monk said, 'Daoist, do not turn your back on the Buddha.' The Daoist said, 'Great Worthy! The Buddha's body fills the Dharma realm; toward where would you have me sit?'"

6.107

On his behalf [Xutang] said: "I forgot that you are a man of a different teaching."

6.108

He cited: "Chan Master Wuxue of Cuiwei asked Danxia, 'What is the teacher of all Buddhas?' Danxia scolded him, saying, 'You are fortunate enough to be well cared for—why must you hold a towel and broom?' Cuiwei stepped back three paces. Danxia said, 'Wrong.' Cuiwei then stepped forward. Danxia also said, 'Wrong.' Cuiwei raised one foot, spun around once, and left. Danxia said, 'You have it, you have it, yet you let down the teacher of all Buddhas.'"

6.109

In alternative words [Xutang] said: "Wrong, wrong!"

6.110

He cited: "Because Xitang Zang came bearing a letter from Mazu, National Teacher Zhong asked, 'What Dharma does your teacher preach?' Zang crossed from west to east and stood there. The National Teacher said, 'Is there only this, or is there anything else?' Zang crossed from east to west and stood there. The National Teacher said, 'This is Mazu's; what is the benevolent one's?' Zang said, 'I have already presented it to the upādhyāya.'"

6.111

In alternative words for Xitang's final remark, [Xutang] said: "When I set out, I was instructed to ask for a reply letter."

6.112

He cited: "Because a monk drew four strokes in front of Mazu—the top one long and the bottom three short—and then said, 'You must not say that one stroke is long and three strokes are short; separated from the four propositions and free from the hundred negations, please, Master, answer.' Mazu then drew one stroke and said, 'You must not say that one stroke is long and three strokes are short. I have answered you.'"

6.113

In alternative words for the place where [the monk] asked for an answer, [Xutang] said: "This old monk's birth year is in the Kan trigram."

6.114

He cited: "Nanquan instructed the assembly: 'Mazu of Jiangxi said, "Mind itself is Buddha." Old Teacher Wang does not say so: it is not mind, it is not Buddha, it is not a thing. Speaking this way, is there still any fault?' At that time Zhaozhou came forward, bowed, and withdrew. Then a monk asked Zhaozhou, 'What was the meaning of the elder's bowing?' Zhaozhou said, 'You go ask the upādhyāya instead.' The monk also asked Nanquan, 'What was the meaning of Elder Shen just now?' Nanquan said, 'He understood this old monk's meaning.'"

6.115

In alternative action, [Xutang] sat facing the wall.

6.116

He cited: "While Guizong was weeding grass, a lecture master came for an interview. It happened that a snake passed by, and Guizong chopped it in two with his hoe. The lecture master said, 'Long have I looked up to Guizong, but it turns out you are a coarse-acting śramaṇa.' Guizong said, 'Are you coarse, or am I coarse?'"

6.117

In alternative words [Xutang] said: "A good intention meets with no good reward."

6.118

He cited: "Magu asked Linji, 'Among the thousand hands and eyes of the Great Compassionate One, which is the true eye?' Linji said, 'Among the thousand hands and eyes of the Great Compassionate One, what is the true eye? Speak quickly! Speak quickly!' Magu pulled Linji down from the meditation seat and sat in it himself. Linji then arose and said, 'Greetings.' Magu hesitated; Linji then shouted, pulled Magu down from the meditation seat, and sat down himself. Magu then walked out."

6.119

In alternative words for Linji's greeting, [Xutang] said: "Wild fox spirit!" and then arose and left.

6.120

He cited: "Upādhyāya Xitang Zang one day during general labor said, 'Cause and effect are clearly evident; what can be done about it?' At that time a monk came forward and pressed his hands against the ground. Xitang said, 'What are you doing?' The monk said, 'Save me, save me!' Xitang said, 'Great assembly, this monk still amounts to a little bit.' The monk flicked his sleeves and ran away. Xitang said, 'Worms within the lion's body eat the lion's own flesh.'"

6.121

In alternative words for where the monk flicked his sleeves and ran away, [Xutang] said: "Do not trample people's crops."

6.122

He cited: "Yunyan asked Baizhang, 'Whom are you toiling for day after day?' Baizhang said, 'There is one person who needs it.' Yunyan said, 'Why not have him do it himself?' Baizhang said, 'He has no household goods.'"

6.123

In alternative words for Baizhang, [Xutang] said: "From the beginning, he has been honored and noble."

6.124

He cited: "Upādhyāya Sanjiao Yin instructed the assembly: 'If we discuss this matter, with the twitch of an eyebrow it has already been missed.' At that time Magu stepped forward and asked, 'Not asking about twitching an eyebrow, what is this matter?' Sanjiao said, 'It has been missed.' Magu then overturned the meditation seat. Sanjiao struck him."

6.125

In alternative words for Magu's initial question, [Xutang] said: "Chomp the bit and bear the saddle, and be off."

6.126

He cited: "Because Dongshan came to call on him, Luzu [received him]. After bowing, Dongshan stood in attendance for a short while and went out, but then came in again. Luzu said, 'Just so, just so—that is why it is like this.' Dongshan said, 'There are plenty of people who would not agree.' Luzu said, 'Why should I take heed of your verbal eloquence?' Dongshan then served as his attendant for several months."

6.127

In alternative words for Dongshan's earlier remark, [Xutang] said: "I did not shrink from the perilous road to come see the upādhyāya."

6.128

He cited: "Upādhyāya Zang of Matou Peak in Cizhou instructed the assembly: 'Knowing yet without knowing is not speaking of unknowing out of unknowing.' Nanquan said, 'If it is like this, relying on the master's words, one has only attained half.'"

6.129

In alternative words for Nanquan, [Xutang] said: "Six ears do not plot together."

6.130

He cited: "Because Layman Pang asked Upādhyāya Qifeng, 'How many miles from here to the peak?' Qifeng said, 'Where have you come from?' The layman said, 'Extremely steep and unyielding—it cannot be inquired into.' Qifeng said, 'How much is it?' The layman said, 'One, two, three.' Qifeng said, 'Four, five, six.' The layman said, 'Why not say seven?' Qifeng said, 'As soon as one says seven, there is eight.' The layman said, 'That's it, that's it!' Qifeng said, 'Add to it as you please.' The layman gave a shout, and Qifeng also gave a shout."

6.131

In alternative words for the initial shout, [Xutang] said: "Layman Pang has always been an adept."

6.132

He cited: "Guishan saw Liu Tiemo coming. Guishan said, 'Old cow, you have come!' Liu Tiemo said, 'Tomorrow there is a great vegetarian feast at Mount Wutai; will you still go, Upādhyāya?' Guishan relaxed his body and made as if to lie down. Liu Tiemo then left."

6.133

In alternative words for Liu Tiemo, [Xutang] said: "The blessed rewards of humans and devas are not as good as the old teacher's."

6.134

He cited: "Zihu asked Liu Tiemo, 'Long have I heard of Liu Tiemo; might that be you?' Liu Tiemo said, 'I would not presume.' Zihu said, 'Do you turn to the left or turn to the right?' Liu Tiemo said, 'Do not be upside-down, Upādhyāya.' Zihu struck her."

6.135

In alternative words for Liu Tiemo, [Xutang] said: "Fortunately, outsiders do not know."

6.136

He cited: "At the foot of Mount Gui, a monk lived in a hermitage. Yangshan went there and cited Guishan's instruction to the assembly: 'So many people have only obtained the great capacity, but have not obtained the great functioning; what is the meaning of the upādhyāya in the mountains speaking like this?' The monk said, 'Please cite it again.' When Yangshan cited it again, he was kicked in the chest by the monk. Yangshan returned and cited this to Guishan; Guishan laughed heartily, ha-ha!"

6.137

In alternative words for where he was kicked, [Xutang] said: "I had thought you had never met the upādhyāya in the mountains."

6.138

He cited: "Upādhyāya Miling of Hongzhou instructed the assembly, saying, 'Nothing surpasses this.' At that time a monk asked, 'I do not know: what is it that nothing surpasses?' Miling said, 'It does not go beyond this.' Later, that monk asked Changqing, 'Why does it not go beyond this?' Changqing said, 'What do you intend to call it?'"

6.139

In alternative words for Changqing, [Xutang] said: "Those who merely listen to echoes."

6.140

He cited: "Because Fengxue asked Upādhyāya Zhen of Guanghui, 'During the Huichang suppression, where did the good spirits who protect the Dharma go?' Zhen said, 'They were constantly in the busy marketplaces, but in the end no one saw them.' Fengxue said, 'You have penetrated it.'"

6.141

In alternative words for Fengxue, [Xutang] said: "I know your strength is weak."

6.142

He cited: "In winter, Upādhyāya Ciming posted a placard in front of the Monks' Hall, making this mark:"

6.143

"□□ If someone recognizes it, it is not apart from the four deportments." As soon as the head monk saw it, he said to the assembly, "The upādhyāya has excused us from practice today."

6.144

In alternative words for the head monk, [Xutang] said: "I will go down to the infirmary on the upādhyāya's behalf."

6.145

He cited: "Because a monk asked Daowu, 'Why are the traces of a bodhisattva without supernatural powers difficult to seek?' Daowu said, 'Only those of the same path know.' The monk said, 'Do you know, Upādhyāya?' Daowu said, 'I do not know.' The monk said, 'Why do you not know?' Daowu said, 'Be off! You do not understand my words.'"

6.146

In alternative words [Xutang] said: "Simply because they are similar."

6.147

He cited: "Jinfeng held up a pillow and said, 'Everyone calls this a pillow, but Jinfeng says it is not.' A monk said, 'I do not know: what does the upādhyāya call it?' Jinfeng held up the pillow and said, 'If so, act in accord with it.' [Jinfeng] said, 'What do you call it?' [The monk] said, 'A pillow.' Jinfeng said, 'You have fallen into Jinfeng's nest.'"

6.148

In alternative action for the monk saying 'a pillow', [Xutang] threw it right at his face.

6.149

He cited: "While Qinshan, Xuefeng, and Yantou were sitting together, Dongshan served tea. Qinshan closed his eyes. Dongshan said, 'Where have you been?' He said, 'I entered samādhi.' Dongshan said, 'Samādhi originally has no gate; from where did you enter?'"

6.150

In alternative words for Qinshan, [Xutang] said: "Today I am fatigued."

6.151

He cited: "Because a monk asked Xuansha, 'The entire universe in the ten directions is a single bright pearl; why does the student not understand?' Xuansha said, 'What use is understanding?'"

6.152

In alternative words for Xuansha, [Xutang] said: "Why must you harm your own life?"

6.153

He cited: "When Xuansha first arrived in Putian County, a hundred entertainers welcomed him. The next day, he asked Senior Xiaotang, 'Where did all yesterday's clamor and racket go?' Xiaotang lifted up the corner of his kāṣāya robe. Xuansha said, 'Utterly irrelevant.'"

6.154

An alternative [response] on Xiaotang's behalf says: "I deeply acknowledge your loving-kindness."

6.155

He cited: "Xuansha was in the abbot's quarters talking with Dizang. As it grew late into the night, he said: 'The attendant has locked the lattice door; how will you get out?' Dizang said: 'What do you call a door?'"

6.156

An alternative [response] on Dizang's behalf says: "Father and son of one family."

6.157

He cited: "Yangshan was attending Guishan when he suddenly heard a bird cry. Guishan said: 'That speaks of the matter directly.' [Yangshan] said: 'You must not say that to anyone else.' Guishan said: 'Why?' He said: 'Because it speaks too straightforwardly.' Guishan said: 'How many Dharma-gates have you overturned at once, Jizi?' He said: 'What is the overturned matter like?' Guishan struck the meditation bed three times."

6.158

An alternative [response] for Yangshan's latter remark says: "To deceive the upādhyāya would not do."

6.159

He cited: "Upādhyāya Changqing Leng asked a monk: 'Where do you come from?' The monk said: 'Gushan.' [Changqing] said: 'Gushan has the phrase: "Not striding across the stone gate." If someone were to ask you about it, what would you say?' [The monk] said: 'Last night I lodged at Baoci.' Changqing said: 'If I struck you across the back with a staff, what would you do then?' The monk said: 'If the upādhyāya exercises this staff, he does not in vain accept the offerings of gods and humans.' Changqing said: 'I almost let you off.'"

6.160

An alternative [response] says: "Carrying a torch on a night stroll."

6.161

He cited: "Yunmen asked Baling: 'Xuefeng said: "Opening the door, Bodhidharma has arrived; what does this mean?"' [Ba]ling said: 'Bumping into the upādhyāya's nostrils.' [Yun]men said: 'When the asura becomes enraged, he strikes Mount Sumeru with a slap, leaps up to the Brahmā heaven to report to Śakra—why then does he go to hide away in Japan?' [Ba]ling said: 'It is best not to have such a mind.' [Yun]men said: 'What do you say to having bumped into them?'"

6.162

An alternative [response] for Baling's latter remark says: "Both of us are old."

6.163

He cited: "Whenever a newcomer arrived, Upādhyāya Dongshan Cong would ask: 'How do you understand Guishan's water buffalo?' None of them matched [his mind] from beginning to end. When Xuedou arrived, he also asked him. Xuedou said: 'It serves as a benchmark for later people.' As Dongshan was about to speak, Xuedou swept once with his sitting mat and left. Dongshan said: 'Come back for a moment, elder!' Xuedou said: 'I have not yet entered the hall.'"

6.164

An alternative [response] for the point where Dongshan was about to speak says: "Where is the buffalo?"

6.165

He cited: "Guishan saw Xiangyan and Yangshan making rice cakes. Guishan said: 'At that time, the late master Baizhang personally attained this principle.' Yangshan and Xiangyan looked at each other and said: 'What sort of person could answer this topic?' Guishan said: 'There is someone who can answer it.' Yang[shan] said: 'Who?' Guishan pointed to a water buffalo and said: 'Speak, speak!' Yang[shan] brought a bundle of grass; [Xiang]yan brought a bucket of water. Just as the buffalo lowered its head to eat, Guishan said: 'Thus, thus; not thus, not thus.' Both of them bowed. Guishan said: 'Sometimes bright, sometimes dark.'"

6.166

An alternative [response] for Guishan's latter remark says: "Labor without merit."

6.167

He cited: "Because Xuefeng came to visit, Yongquan escorted him to the gate. Once Xuefeng had entered the palanquin, Yongquan said: 'Four people carry this one; how many carry that one?' Xuefeng drew himself upright and said: 'What did you say?' Yongquan cited it again. Xuefeng said: 'Go on, go on; he does not understand.'"

6.168

An alternative [response] for the point where Yongquan cited it again says: "May the upādhyāya ride safely in the palanquin."

6.169

He cited: "A monk came to meet Deshan and stepped forward in a wrestling posture. Deshan said: 'Being so insolent, you deserve a strike from this mountain monk's staff.' The monk flicked his sleeves and left. Deshan said: 'Even granting you this, you only have half of it.' The monk turned around and gave a shout. Deshan struck him, saying: 'Only if I strike you can it be right.' The monk said: 'In all directions there are people with clear eyes.' Deshan said: 'Naturally there are eyes.' The monk pulled his eyes wide open and said: 'Meow!' and then walked out. Deshan said: 'The Yellow River clears once every three thousand years.'"

6.170

An alternative [response] says: "All my life I have liked to strike people; today it was unfitting to stay the prisoner and let his wit grow."

6.171

He cited: "Because a monk asked, 'How can one realize that the nature of hearing does not follow conditions?', Upādhyāya Daochang Ne said: 'Listen and see.' The monk bowed. [Dao]chang said: 'A deaf person also sings the songs of foreign lands, unaware of good or bad, high or low.' The monk said: 'The nature of hearing is completely clear.' [Dao]chang said: 'Rocks stand upright in empty space; fire burns inside water.'"

6.172

An alternative [response] for the point where the monk said 'The nature of hearing is completely clear': Call the monk to step forward and stand for a moment, and as he hesitates, spit at him.

6.173

He cited: "Nanquan asked a monk: 'A fine wind last night.' The monk said: 'A fine wind last night.' Nanquan said: 'It snapped a pine branch in front of the gate.' The monk said: 'It snapped a pine branch in front of the gate.' Next he asked another monk: 'A fine wind last night.' The monk said: 'What kind of wind?' Nanquan said: 'It snapped a pine branch in front of the gate.' The monk said: 'What kind of pine?' Nanquan said: 'One gain, one loss.'"

6.174

An alternative [response] for Nanquan's latter remark, sighing with regret, says: "Emperor Minghuang travels to Shu."

6.175

He cited: "Mañjuśrī ordered Sudhana to gather medicine, saying: 'Bring back whatever is medicine.' Sudhana gathered everywhere; there was nothing that was not medicine. He returned and reported: 'There is nothing that is not medicine.' Mañjuśrī said: 'Bring back what is medicine.' Sudhana then picked up a blade of grass and handed it to Mañjuśrī. Mañjuśrī held it up, showed it to the assembly, and said: 'This medicine can kill people, and it can also bring people to life.'"

6.176

An alternative [response] for the point where Mañjuśrī received the grass: Give it a sniff, and hand it back to Sudhana.

6.177

He cited: "When Elder Fu first visited Xuefeng, as soon as he stepped over the threshold and saw Xuefeng, he paid respects to the administrative monks. The next day he came back to bow and said: 'Yesterday I offended the upādhyāya.' Xuefeng said: 'Knowing it was such a matter, then let it rest.'"

6.178

An alternative [response] says: "Thousands come and myriads go through this place of mine."

6.179

He cited: "One day Shiti saw his attendant carrying an alms bowl to ascend the hall. He called to the attendant, who answered 'Yes.' Shiti said: 'Where are you going?' He said: 'Ascending the hall for the meal.' Shiti said: 'How could I not know you are ascending the hall for the meal?' He said: 'Aside from this, what else should I say?' Shiti said: 'I am only asking you about the fundamental matter.' He said: 'If you ask about the fundamental matter, I am truly ascending the hall for the meal.' Shiti said: 'You are not mistakenly my attendant.'"

6.180

An alternative [response] says: "If he is not examined again, it is difficult to settle the confession."

6.181

He cited: "Because [Elder] Huo came up to the hall to pay respects, Upādhyāya Rirong Yuan clapped his hands three times and said: 'A fierce tiger is right in the porch; who can oppose it?' Huo said: 'A fine hawk strikes into the sky; who can catch it?' Yuan said: 'Both of us are difficult to withstand.' Huo said: 'Let it rest for a moment; this gong'an is not yet settled.' Yuan waved his staff and returned to the abbot's quarters. Huo had nothing to say. Yuan said: 'This fellow is dead.'"

6.182

An alternative [response] says: "He won one move over me."

6.183

He cited: "Elder Huo arrived at Baizhang's. Baizhang said: 'Ācārya! May I ask you about something?' Huo said: 'Fortunate indeed that it has nothing to do with words; why must you chatter?' Baizhang said: 'Having pacified Annan, one worries again about the northern frontier.' Huo tore open his chest and said: 'Thus or not thus?' Baizhang said: 'After all, it is difficult to grasp; after all, it is difficult to grasp.' Huo said: 'Knowing it will do; knowing it will do.'"

6.184

An alternative [response] says: "The mountains are long and the waters far; the face of a human, the heart of a beast."

6.185

He cited: "Before Upādhyāya Xiyuan Siming became an abbot, while in Xuzhou, he heard that Nanyuan in Ruzhou had appeared in the world. Since they were originally fellow practitioners, he went specially to pay his respects. After doing so, he said: 'I report to the upādhyāya, I have nothing with which to pay my respects; coming from Xuzhou, I obtained a Jiangxi razor, which I present to the upādhyāya.' [Nan]yuan said: 'Since you come from Xuzhou, why do you have a Jiangxi razor?' Siming then gave a pinch on Nanyuan's hand. Nanyuan said: 'Attendant, receive it.' Siming flicked his sleeves once and walked away. Nanyuan said: 'Alala, alala!'"

6.186

An alternative [response] says: "Allow us leisurely to recount old times."

6.187

He cited: "Because Attendant Kuo [was present], Huayan ascended the hall [and said]: 'Today I grant you fearlessness. If you are descendants of Linji, Deshan, Gaoting, Dayu, Niaoke, or Chuanzi, do not use "how" or "what"; just go straight in with a single blade, and Huayan will bear witness for you.' Kuo then stepped forward, made a bow, rose, and gave a shout. Huayan also shouted. Kuo shouted again, and Huayan shouted again. Kuo bowed, stood up, and said: 'Great assembly, look! This fellow suffered a total defeat!' He gave another shout, clapped his hands, and returned to the assembly. Huayan returned to the abbot's quarters. At that time Fengxue was serving as karmadāna. He went up to inquire after [Huayan], and Huayan said: 'That guest from Zhejiang is unbearable! That Shoukuo completely confounded this old monk today. Assemble the community at once, give him a beating, and drive him out!' Fengxue said: 'It is too late to drive him out. Moreover, your words went too far: you said, "Go straight in with a single blade." He is a descendant of Linji, and this is his fundamental nature.' Only then did Huayan's anger subside. Fengxue came down and told Kuo about this. Kuo said: 'What reason did you have to persuade that old fellow? Before I asked, I already wanted to take a beating to make my words circulate. Now, without beating me or knocking me down, these words will not circulate.' Fengxue said: 'These words have already circulated.'"

6.188

An alternative [response] on Fengxue's behalf says: "Brother Kuo, what juice are you looking for in an iron weight?"

6.189

He cited: "Because a monk asked, 'On the flat field where grass is shallow and elk and deer form herds, how can one shoot the elk among elks?', Yaoshan said: 'Watch the arrow!' The monk threw his body down. Yaoshan said: 'Attendant, drag him out!' The monk then ran away. Yaoshan said: 'This mud-ball-playing fellow—what limit is there to him?'"

6.190

An alternative [response] says: "In an old house, it is hard to dwell alone."

6.191

He cited: "Upādhyāya Changzi Kuang asked a monk: 'Where do you come from?' The monk said: 'Kongshi Hermitage on Mount Jiuhua.' Changzi said: 'What kind of person is the hermitage master?' He said: 'A senior venerable under Mazu.' [Changzi] said: 'What is his name?' He said: 'I do not know his Dharma name.' Changzi said: 'Does he not know, or do you not know?' He said: 'Where are the senior venerable's eyes?' Changzi said: 'Even if the hermitage master came in person, today he would also have to take a beating with the staff.' The monk said: 'Fortunately, I met with the upādhyāya letting me off.' Changzi said: 'Even in a hundred years, finding such a master monk would be difficult.'"

6.192

An alternative [response] says: "A barbarian enters Han [territory]."

6.193

He cited: "Dongshan asked a monk: 'Where have you come from?' The monk said: 'I have returned from wandering the mountains.' Dongshan said: 'Did you reach the summit?' The monk said: 'I reached it.' Dongshan said: 'Was there anyone on the summit?' The monk said: 'There was no one.' Dongshan said: 'You did not reach the summit.' [The monk] said: 'If I did not reach it, how could I know there was no one?' Dongshan said: 'Ācārya, why do you not stay a while?' The monk said: 'As for me, I would not decline to stay, but someone in the Western Heaven would not permit it.'"

6.194

An alternative [response] says: "I would not decline to stay, but those who understand me are few."

6.195

He cited: "Because Minister Cheng brought an offering, Upādhyāya Yunju Ying asked, 'The Tathāgata has secret words, and Kāśyapa does not conceal them—what is the principle of this?' Yunju called, 'Minister!' The minister responded, 'Yes?' Yunju said, 'Do you understand?' The minister said, 'I do not understand.' Yunju said, 'If you do not understand, the Tathāgata has secret words; if you do understand, Kāśyapa does not conceal them.'"

6.196

An alternative phrase for the minister's not understanding: "I have no such mind; I must have no such retribution."

6.197

He cited: "Because National Preceptor Shao arrived, Upādhyāya Lumen Zhen asked, 'Where have you recently departed from?' Shao said, 'I lodged overnight at Guyin, at Layman Pang's cliff.' Lumen said, 'Among the five eyes, which is the correct eye?' Shao said, 'I have long looked up to Lumen.' Lumen said, 'What business of yours is this piece of ground?' The National Preceptor said, 'Where is the topic of talk?'"

6.198

An alternative phrase for the National Preceptor: "Being hungry, there is no leisure to choose one's food."

6.199

He cited: "Because a monk led a boy and arrived, saying, 'This boy is always fond of asking about the Buddhadharma; please examine him, Upādhyāya,' Longce Fu ordered tea to be brought and served. Having drunk it, he passed the cup to the boy. As the boy intended to take it, Longce withdrew his hand and said, 'Can you say something yet?' The boy said, 'Ask away.' Unhurriedly, the monk asked, 'What is this boy's understanding?' Longce said, 'He is merely a precept-holding monk of one or two lifetimes.'"

6.200

An alternative phrase says: "Beat him together with this monk!"

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Linked texts (1)

虛堂和尚語錄 — Classical Chinese