景德傳燈錄 5.11

5.11

Chan Master Zhicheng of Jizhou was a native of Taihe in Jizhou. In his youth, he served Chan Master Shenxiu at Yuquan Monastery on Mount Dangyang in Jingnan. Later, because both schools flourished in their teaching, Shenxiu's followers often mocked the Southern School, saying: "Master Neng does not know a single character; what strengths could he have?" Shenxiu said: "He has attained wisdom without a teacher and deeply awakened to the Supreme Vehicle; I am not his equal. Moreover, my teacher, the Fifth Patriarch, personally transmitted the robe and Dharma to him—could that have been in vain? My only regret is that I cannot go far to be near him, vainly receiving the state's bounty. You people must not linger here; you may go to Caoxi to resolve your doubts, and when you return another day, explain it to me." Hearing these words, the Master bowed, took his leave, and went to Shaoyang. Mingling with the assembly, he participated in inquiries without stating where he had come from. At that time, the Sixth Patriarch said to the assembly: "There is now someone stealing the Dharma hiding in this assembly." The Master stepped forward, prostrated, and recounted the matter in full. The Patriarch asked: "How does your master instruct the assembly?" He replied: "He always instructs the assembly to abide the mind and contemplate stillness, sitting constantly without lying down." The Patriarch said: "Abiding the mind and contemplating stillness is an illness, not Chan. Constant sitting restrains the body; what benefit does it have to the principle? Listen to my verse:"