續傳燈錄 12.76

12.76

Chan Master Shousui of Dahong in Suizhou was a native of the Zhang clan in Suining. Ascending the hall, he addressed the great assembly, saying: 'With one fist-blow, knocking down Yellow Crane Tower; with one kick, overturning Parrot Isle. Accustomed to galloping a jade horse toward high towers; having struck a golden ball amidst rushing waters. Even though it is like this, what can be done when five-colored silk cords bind hand and foot, and a three-tumbler golden lock locks the throat? Even if you shatter the golden lock with a hammer and sever the silk cords, you must know there is yet another obstacle holding you back. Tell me, what is that one obstacle? Do you understand? Shāniketa and Vimalakīrti cannot speak of it; Maudgalyāyana and Śāriputra look on as if blind.'
He ascended the hall and cited: 'Prefect Li asked Yaoshan: "What is your surname?" Yaoshan said: "It is just the right season." Li could not fathom it. He then asked the monastery director: "I just asked the Elder what his surname was, and he answered, 'It is just the right season.' What exactly is his surname?" The director said: "It is simply the surname Han (Cold)." When Yaoshan heard of this, he said: "If it were the sixth month, I would have answered him that my surname was Re (Hot)." Also, Yantou asked a lecturing monk: "I have heard that the venerable one understands the teachings; is this so?" [The monk] replied: "I would not dare." Yantou raised his fist and said: "What is this?" The lecturing monk said: "It is the provisional teaching." Yantou said: "Alas! If I were to stretch out my leg and ask you, could you say it was the leg teaching?"' The master said: 'How extraordinary are these two venerable masters! They have the sword that kills people and the blade that brings people to life. One turning word is like planting flowers upon a stone; one turning word is like hanging a sword in midair. At that time, had there not been the latter words, Bodhidharma's entire lineage would have been swept away to the ground. Do all of you wish to see these two venerable masters? Better to cut out one's tongue than violate the national taboo.'