虛堂和尚語錄 8.85

8.85

Giving thanks for the bestowed fields, he ascended the hall: "Eight households make a well; the character 'ten' adds a border. Everyone knows that spiritual sprouts and rare grasses grow forth from the earth; why, upon picking up a spoon and setting down chopsticks, do they miss it instead? The four commanderies and nine districts together contribute their merit in one place; boiling fragrance in a separate steamer is simply for making a universal offering. The Ninefold Sovereign sends down an imperial decree, known throughout the entire nation. How will genuine patch-robed monks repay it?" He struck with his staff: "'Walking to where the water ends, sitting to watch when clouds arise.'"