佛果圜悟禪師碧巖錄 7.40

7.40

[Case 69] Case: Nanquan, Guizong, and Magu went together to pay respects to National Teacher Zhong. On the road halfway there, (When three walk together, there must be a teacher among them. What is remarkable about this? One must also discern the real thing.) / Nanquan drew a circle on the ground and said: "If you can speak, we will go." (Raising waves where there is no wind. Wanting people to know as well. Casting away a sunken boat. If not tested, how could one discern the real thing?) / Guizong sat down inside the circle. (One strikes the gong. Only fellow travelers of the Way know.) / Magu then made a woman's curtsey. (One beats the drum. Three people are also fine.) / Nanquan said: "In that case, we will not go." (Withdrawing halfway along the road is a good man. A fine melody! An adept, an adept!) / Guizong said: "What state of mind is this?" (Fortunately he saw through it. Right then, he deserved a slap. That fellow Meng the Eighth!)