南宗頓教最上大乘摩訶般若波羅蜜經六祖惠能大師於韶州大梵寺施法壇經 1.9

1.9

When Senior Shenxiu finished writing this verse, he returned to his room to sleep, unseen by anyone. At dawn, the Fifth Patriarch summoned Court Painter Lu to the south corridor to paint the Laṅkāvatāra transformation tableau. Suddenly seeing this verse and having finished reading it, the Fifth Patriarch said to the Painter: "Hongren will give you thirty thousand cash, for you have toiled greatly to come from afar, but we shall not paint the transformation tableau. The Vajracchedikā states: 'All that has form is illusory.' It is better to leave this verse to let deluded people recite it. Practicing in accord with it, they will not fall into the three evil destinies; practicing in accord with this Dharma, people will derive great benefit." The Master then summoned all the disciples to come and burn incense before the verse. When they entered and saw it, all gave rise to reverence. Hongren said: "All of you who recite this verse will directly see the nature; practicing in accord with it, you will not fall." The disciples all recited it, all gave rise to reverence, and exclaimed, "Excellent!" The Fifth Patriarch then summoned Senior Xiu into the hall and asked: "Did you compose this verse? If you did, you should receive my Dharma." Senior Xiu said: "I have sinned! Indeed Shenxiu composed it. I dare not seek patriarchship; I only pray that the Venerable One will be compassionate and see whether your disciple has a little wisdom to recognize the great meaning." The Fifth Patriarch said: "In composing this verse, your understanding has reached only the front of the gate; you have not yet managed to enter. If ordinary beings practice in accord with this verse, they will not fall; but with such an understanding, if you seek unsurpassed bodhi, it cannot be attained. You must be able to enter the gate and see your own original nature. Go for now; reflect for one or two days and compose another verse to present to me. If you can enter the gate and see your own original nature, I shall transmit the robe and Dharma to you." Senior Xiu departed, but after several days, he was unable to compose one.