黃檗山斷際禪師傳心法要 1.14

1.14

A question was asked: "Just like the empty space right before our eyes, is it not an object? Can one not point to the object to see the mind?" The Master said: "What mind tells you to see it upon an object? Even if you can see it, it is merely a mind that reflects objects. Just as when a person looks at their face in a mirror: even though they can see eyebrows and eyes clearly, originally they are merely reflections. What do they have to do with you?" It was asked: "If not by means of reflecting, when could one see?" The Master said: "If you involve causes, you must always rely on objects; when would there ever be an end? Have you not seen what was said to you: 'Letting go [of everything], like you, not a single thing exists; in vain do people babble in thousands of ways'?" It was asked: "If one has recognized it, is there no object in the reflection either?" The Master said: "If there is no object, what further need is there to reflect? Do not open your eyes and talk in your sleep."