虛堂和尚語錄 9.24

9.24

Ascending the hall, he cited: "Because Attendant Kuo asked Deshan, 'Where have the sages from antiquity gone?' Deshan said, 'What, what?' Kuo said, 'The order was given for a flying-dragon steed, but a lame turtle poked its head out.' Deshan let it rest. The next day, when Deshan came out from bathing, Kuo served tea to Deshan. Deshan patted Kuo on the back once and said, 'What about yesterday's gong'an?' Kuo said, 'Today this old fellow only just got a glimpse.' Deshan let it rest again." The master brought it up and said: "Everyone says that Deshan's letting it rest in both places was the affinity of raising a child; little do they know that he struck the quiet mallet in a noisy market and set fetters in dead water."