虛堂和尚語錄 6.187

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.'"