禪林寶訓 1.48

1.48

Venerable Huitang Xin studied under Yue Gonghui at Baofeng. Gonghui had penetratingly clarified the profound intent of the Śūraṅgama-sūtra, walking alone beyond the seas. Every time Huitang heard a single phrase or word, he was overjoyed beyond measure, as though he had obtained an ultimate treasure. Among the patch-robed monks, there were some who secretly criticized this. When Huitang heard of it, he said, ‘I strike his strengths to sharpen my weaknesses. What dissatisfaction have I?’ Ying of Shaowu said, ‘Senior brother Huitang's knowledge of the Way was revered by Chan patch-robes, yet he still considered honouring virtue and overcoming oneself to be strength, and felt ashamed of what he had not yet seen and heard. For him to provide a model to those in the monastic groves who broaden themselves while narrowing others—was this a small remedy?’ (Gleanings of Lingyuan)