景德傳燈錄 14.38

14.38

Master Chuanzi of Huating was named Decheng. He was a Dharma heir of Yaoshan. He used to drift in a small boat on the Wu River in Huating, so people at that time called him Master Chuanzi (the Boatman). The Master once said to his fellow practitioner Daowu, “In the future, if you find an intelligent lecturer, direct one to come here.” Daowu later encouraged Master Shanhui of Jingkou to go pay respects to the Master. The Master asked him, “In what temple does the lecturer reside?” Hui said, “As for a temple, I do not reside in one; to reside would not resemble it.” The Master said, “Not resembling—what does it resemble?” Hui said, “Before my eyes there is nothing similar.” The Master said, “Where did you learn to come out with that?” [Hui] said, “It is not reached by ears or eyes.” The Master laughed and said, “A single phrase that hits the mark ties a donkey to a post for ten thousand kalpas. Casting a thousand-foot line, the intention lies in the deep pool. Three inches off the hook—speak quickly! Speak quickly!” Just as Hui was about to open his mouth, the Master knocked him into the water with his pole. Thereupon [Hui] had a great awakening. The Master immediately abandoned the boat and vanished; no one knew his end.