景德傳燈錄 9.9

9.9

Chan Master Pu'an of Pingtian in Tiantai was a native of Hongzhou. He attained the principle under Baizhang. Later, hearing of the sublime scenery of Tiantai where sages and worthies appeared from time to time, he wished to withdraw far beyond the world and follow their distant footprints. Thereupon he thatched a hut, weeded the grass, and rested in quietude beneath the trees. As the days and months passed, he became known to the fourfold assembly, and they established a monastery called the Pingtian Chan Cloister. Sometimes he addressed the assembly, saying, "The spiritual radiance is never dimmed; an admirable model for ten thousand ages. Having entered this gate, harbor no intellectual understanding." A monk came to consult him. The Master struck him with a staff. The monk stepped forward and grabbed the staff. The Master said, "This old monk was rash just now." The monk then struck the Master with the staff. The Master said, "An adept! An adept!" The monk bowed. The Master seized him and said, "It is the ācārya who was rash." The monk laughed loudly. The Master said, "This monk suffered a great defeat today!" He gave a verse to instruct the assembly, saying: