宏智禪師廣錄 3.71

3.71

[Hongzhi] cited: One day Nanyuan was stoking the bath fire himself. A monk asked, "Why does the Master not employ a śrāmaṇera or a novice?" Nanyuan clapped his hands three times. The monk reported this to Caoshan. Caoshan said, "Though clapping hands is the same in both cases, Nanyuan's was especially strange. Juzhi's one-finger Chan was simply because his undertaking was not precise." The monk then asked, "Nanyuan's clapping of hands—was that not an affair concerning servant boys and maidservants?" Caoshan said, "It was." The monk said, "Is there an affair that goes beyond?" Caoshan said, "There is." The monk said, "What is the affair that goes beyond?" Caoshan scolded, "You servant boy and maidservant!" The Master [Hongzhi] said, "Distinguishing the noble from the lowly, knowing the precious from the base—Nanyuan is an adept. Separating jade from stone, discerning gold from brass—Caoshan does not appear in the world. Although this monk knew how to cut, file, chisel, and polish, he still only attached himself to the side of servant boys and maidservants. Do you know? Leaving things broad and flowing without harming either side, / he is still a guest outside the night-shining screen."