禪林寶訓 4.9

4.9

The venerable master Touzi Qing painted a portrait of Shui'an and requested a verse of praise, saying: 'The Chan practitioner Siqing is uniquely unyielding and matchless. Morning and evening, a single meal; his ribs never touch the mat. Entering deeply into dhyāna, he is free from incoming and outgoing breaths. His name reached the ninefold imperial palace, where he discussed Chan and evaluated virtue. The imperial countenance was greatly pleased, bestowing gold and silk upon him; he firmly declined three times. His Majesty praised and sighed: "A true man of the Way!" Vegetation blazes with brilliance, transmitting my humble form. Lighting incense, he requests praise; this is truly what is called: emerging from the indigo and being bluer than indigo.' (Found on the Portrait)