宏智禪師廣錄 3.101

3.101

He cited: Zhaozhou said: “The ultimate way is without difficulty; it only avoids picking and choosing. As soon as there are words, they are picking and choosing, they are clarity. This old monk is not within clarity; do you still cherish it or not?” At that time a monk asked: “Since the Venerable is not within clarity, what do you cherish?” Zhou said: “I too do not know.” The monk said: “Since you do not know, why do you say you are not within clarity?” Zhou said: “Inquiring into the matter is enough. Make your prostrations and withdraw.” / The Master said: “This monk also cut and filed, yet could not discern the opportune moment and change; Zhaozhou also carved and polished, and nearly could not disengage from the affair. Those in the assembly just say that withdrawing was appropriate, completely failing to understand that he upheld it with all his might. Do you comprehend? A scorched brick strikes, and the frost freezes right to the bottom.”