續傳燈錄 14.37

14.37

明州瑞岩永覺禪師。僧問。久得韶陽旨門中試為通。師曰。聲前如迸鏃句後若流星。僧云。古殿豁開光燦爛。水精宮裏撒真珠。師曰點。乃曰。若據衲僧分上。四時不別八節安知。高棲巖上出沒卷舒。一任桑田海變。從他兔走烏飛。布衾煖處始知春。黃葉飄階委秋色。如斯境界方稱道懷。若據順俗之談。須是這箇消息。乃顧大眾曰。且道即今是什麼時節。還知麼。玉漏聲將促。金烏影漸長。須臾春色裏。又見百花香。久立。

Chan Master Yongjue of Ruiyan in Mingzhou. A monk asked, "Having long obtained the tenets of Shaoyang, in this school please express them for me." The Master said, "Before sound, like a flying arrowhead; after the phrase, like a shooting star." The monk said, "The ancient hall opens wide with brilliant light; inside the crystal palace, real pearls are scattered." The Master said, "A hit." He then said, "If one goes by the lot of a patch-robed monk, the four seasons are not distinguished; how could the eight solar terms be known? Perched high on the crag, appearing and vanishing, rolling up and unfurling. One leaves the mulberry fields to turn into seas; one lets the rabbit flee and the crow fly. Only where the quilted blanket is warm does one know spring; yellow leaves fluttering down the steps show the colours of autumn. Only such a realm corresponds to the mind of the Way. But if one goes by worldly talk, it requires this message." He then looked at the assembly and said, "Tell me, what season is it right now? Do you know? The water-clock's sound is about to hasten; the golden crow's shadow gradually lengthens. In a moment, amid the spring scenery, one again sees the fragrance of a hundred flowers. You have been standing long."