虛堂和尚語錄 8.110

8.110

Ascending the hall, he cited: "Great Master Ma ascended the seat, and because Layman Pang asked, 'Who is the person who does not keep company with the ten thousand dharmas?' the Great Master said, 'Wait until you swallow the water of the West River in a single gulp, then I will speak to you.'" He brought this up and said, "Great Master Ma received eighty-four good spiritual friends; his gateway was somewhat steep, yet with a gentle pressing by Layman Pang, his liver and gall were directly laid bare. If someone should ask Jingci, 'Who is the person who does not keep company with the ten thousand dharmas?' I would take up the staff and strike at once. Why? 'Wine is drunk when meeting an intimate friend; poems are chanted to those who understand.'"