萬松老人評唱天童覺和尚頌古從容庵錄 2.39

2.39

The Master said: In this verse, all three men check the incoming dynamic, each commanding full authority. Only Yantou and Deshan have the authority that must be enforced and the orders that must not be violated. Guest honoring while host is arrogant applies to Dongshan and Yantou. Lord dreading remonstrance while minister flatters applies to Yantou and Deshan. The final two lines apply to Dongshan and Yantou. This pattern is called by all quarters 'selecting the gloss.' To separate milk from water requires the king of geese; here one sees Tiantong's needle-and-thread work. Yantou knew Deshan had authority that must be enforced and orders that must not be violated; therefore, not seizing the dynamic, he complied with the sentiment and bowed. Dongshan knew Yantou could not be probed or plucked, could not be checked or penalized—the son inheriting the father's estate also had authority that must be enforced and orders that must not be violated; therefore he baited the hook, saying, 'Had it not been Master Huo, it would have been hard to take on.' Is this not 'guest honoring while host is arrogant,' 'lord dreading remonstrance while minister flatters'? In the Linji lineage style, this is called the red-cord snare, the green-jade pitfall, the mechanism for trapping tigers, ambushing troops to provoke battle. All quarters say that Yantou raised up with one hand and pressed down with the other, and that Dongshan gave a mistaken appraisal. Little do they know that Dongshan's one raising and one pressing down was even more distinct! Unless one is an adept of long practice, this is definitely difficult to grasp. Nowadays, a sort of novice who has just taken off the white robe, seeing Tiantong's verse say 'In one raising and one pressing down, observe the mental activity,' says: 'No wonder the Chan school refuses to explain it clearly for people! Turns out it is all just mental activity, intentionally fabricating tricks to deceive and mislead students!' Wansong says: One part mental activity is one part compassion. If you do not suffer a tumble, you will not gain an advantage. It can be called: fruit is gained from the flower; sweetness comes from bitterness. Yantou raised and pressed down; Dongshan drew it out. Dongshan raised and pressed down; Wansong explained it clearly. If suddenly someone comes forth and bows, Wansong will let him pass and not strike. Why? Because there is no blood under his skin.