虛堂和尚語錄 9.115

9.115

At the evening gathering for the Imperial Retreat, a monk asked: "When patch-robed monks dwell in peace for three months and restrict their steps for ninety days, what side of the matter do they illuminate?" The master said: "In the ancient shrine there is no clay idol; in a foreign land there is a secluded person." The monk said: "If so, then a summer's effort will not be in vain." The master said: "Hiding the body while exposing the shadow." The monk said: "From the attendant's place, the National Teacher asked for the rhinoceros-horn fan. What was the intention?" The master said: "Blowing on the fire by means of the wind." The monk said: "The attendant said: 'The fan is already broken.' The National Teacher said: 'Since the fan is broken, return the rhinoceros to me.' What about this?" The master said: "Old and decrepit, needlessly entering the wild grass." The monk said: "Touzi said: 'I do not decline to bring it out, but I only fear its head and horns are incomplete.' What is the meaning of this?" The master said: "After Ziqi departed, there has been no news." The monk said: "Xuedou said: 'I want the incomplete head and horns.'" The master said: "In the end, you cannot escape his shadow." The monk said: "Thank you, master, for answering the question." The master said: "In a place where there is no one, I shade my brow and look out for you."