萬松老人評唱天童覺和尚頌古從容庵錄 6.16

6.16

Case: Emperor Suzong asked National Teacher Zhong, "A hundred years from now, what will you need?" (Even right now, there is no lack.) The National Teacher said, "Build a seamless monument for this old monk." (Where can you set to work?) The Emperor said, "I request the Master's monument model." (It cannot be sketched, nor painted.) The National Teacher remained silent for a good while, then said, "Do you understand?" (Here, do not try to understand; neither understanding nor not understanding, seek nothing else.) The Emperor said, "I do not understand." (That is somewhat better.) The National Teacher said, "I have a disciple who received the Dharma, Danyuan, who is well-versed in this matter." (The grandfather fails to finish, and calamity reaches the children and grandchildren.) Later, the Emperor summoned Danyuan and asked, "What does this mean?" (An adept sovereign does not forget the last bequest.) Yuan said: "South of Xiang, north of Tan, (Heaven is high, earth is thick; the sun on the left, the moon on the right.) Within, gold fills an entire country. (Filling empty space.) Under the shadowless tree, the joint-sign boat; (Densely interwoven, a golden knife cannot sever it.) Upon the lapis lazuli palace, no knowledgeable friend." (Quietly the curtain hangs down, showing no face.)