景德傳燈錄 14.40

14.40

Novice Gao (who dwelt in a hermitage at Yaoshan) first studied under Yaoshan. Yaoshan asked the Master, “Where have you come from?” The Master said, “I come from Nanyue.” [Yao]shan said, “Where are you going?” The Master said, “I am going to Jiangling to receive the precepts.” Yaoshan said, “What do you seek by receiving the precepts?” The Master said, “I seek to escape birth and death.” Yaoshan said, “There is someone who does not receive the precepts and also escapes birth and death; do you know him?” The Master said, “If so, what use are the Buddha's precepts?” Yaoshan said, “You are still hung up on lips and teeth.” He then called the karmadāna and said, “This lame novice is not fit for monastic duties; arrange for him to stay in the hermitage at the back.” Yaoshan also said to Yunyan and Daowu, “The novice who came just now indeed has some foundation.” Daowu said, “He cannot be wholly trusted yet; he must be tested further before we can know.” Yaoshan then asked the Master again, “I have heard it said that Chang'an is very tumultuous.” The Master said, “My country is peaceful and calm.” (Fayan offered an alternate phrase: “Whom did you hear say that?”) Yaoshan said, “Did you obtain this from reading the scriptures, or did you obtain it from requesting instruction?” The Master said, “I did not obtain it from reading the scriptures, nor did I obtain it from requesting instruction.” [Yao]shan said, “Many people do not read scriptures and do not request instruction; why do they not obtain it?” The Master said, “I do not say they lack it; it is only that they are unwilling to take it upon themselves.” The Master then took leave of Yaoshan to dwell in a hermitage. Yaoshan said, “The matter of birth and death is great; why not go receive the precepts?” The Master said, “Knowing this matter, what would you call precepts?” Yaoshan scolded him, “This novice has too much tongue! Come dwell in a hermitage nearby; from time to time I want to see you.” After the Master dwelt in the hermitage, he came to visit in the rain. Yaoshan said, “You have come.” The Master said, “Yes.” Yaoshan said, “Exceedingly wet!” The Master said, “I do not play this tune.” Yunyan said, “There is not even a skin; what drum is there to play?” Daowu said, “There is not even a drum; what skin is there to play?” Yaoshan said, “Today it is a very fine melody!” A monk asked, “Is there any place that a single phrase does not encompass?” The Master said, “It does not accord with the world.” At mealtime, Yaoshan struck the drum himself. Novice Gao held his bowl, danced, and entered the hall. Yaoshan then threw down the drumstick and said, “Which round of harmony is this?” Gao said, “The second round.” [Yaoshan] said, “What is the first round?” Gao went to the bucket, scooped out a ladle of rice, and walked out.