佛果圜悟禪師碧巖錄 1.21

1.21

During Emperor Shenzong's reign, it was claimed that this verse satirized the state; for this reason it was not permitted to enter the Tripiṭaka. Xuedou first brings it up, saying: “Sun Face Buddha, Moon Face Buddha.” Having brought it up once, he then says: “What things are the Five Emperors and Three Sovereigns?” Now tell me, what was his intention? It was already explained just now: he glosses it directly. Therefore it is said: “Lowering the hook in the four seas, only fishing for ferocious dragons.” With just this one phrase, it is already done. Afterwards, Xuedou himself eulogizes the effort and search of his lifelong practice: “For twenty years I experienced bitterness and hardship; / For your sake, how many times did I go down into the blue dragon’s cave?” What is this like? It is just like someone entering the blue dragon’s cave to retrieve a jewel. Later, when the lacquer tub is smashed open, one might imagine how extraordinary it is—yet it turns out to merely amount to: “What things are the Five Emperors and Three Sovereigns?” Now tell me, where do Xuedou’s words land? You must step back yourself and see; only then will you perceive where they land. Have you not seen? Attendant Pou of Xingyang answered the question of Recorder Yuan: “When Sāgara emerges from the ocean, heaven and earth tremble; when they meet face to face, what is it like?” Pou said: “When the Garuḍa king presides over the universe, who inside can stick their head out?” Yuan said: “If one suddenly meets one who sticks their head out, then what?” Pou said: “Like a falcon seizing a pigeon. If you don't believe, verify it before the skull to know the truth.” Yuan said: “If so, then I bend my knee to my chest and retreat three steps.” Pou said: “Little tortoise beneath Mount Meru’s seat, do not wait to suffer another marked forehead before turning back.” Therefore, what things are the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, too? Many people fail to see Xuedou’s meaning, insisting that it satirizes the state. If you understand it in that way, it is merely emotional view. This comes from Chanyue’s poem, “Noble Youths’ Outing,” which says: “In brocade robes of brilliant hue, a falcon perched on hand; / Roaming at leisure, demeanors mostly haughty and light. / The hardships of sowing and reaping are completely unknown to them; / What things are the Five Emperors and Three Sovereigns?” Xuedou said: “An injustice! Fitting to relate! / Clear-eyed patch-robed monks, do not treat it lightly!” How many people make a living inside the blue dragon’s cave? Even if one has an eye on the crown of the head and a talisman behind the elbow, a clear-eyed patch-robed monk who shines through the four continents—when coming to this, must not treat it lightly either; one must be meticulous to get it.