續傳燈錄 4.34

4.34

Chan Master Chengshi of Qixian on Mount Lu was a native of Jianning. A monk asked, "The stone bridge of Zhaozhou carries donkeys and carries horses; whom should the stone bridge of the Three Gorges carry?" The Master said, "Frogs and earthworms." The monk said, "If so, then each and every thing receives the favor fully." The Master said, "They do not step upon it." He asked, "Yesterday at Xiandong the Master finished singing; today at Qixian we ask the Master to proclaim it." The Master said, "What will you do tomorrow?" The monk said, "I do not know how to understand this." The Master said, "The arrow has passed Silla." He asked, "What is the Buddha?" The Master said, "Zhang the Third and Li the Fourth." He asked, "What was the ancient's intention in slaying the snake?" The Master said, "He still did not know pain or itch." He asked, "This is the examination ground for choosing Buddhas, where those with empty minds pass and return home. How can this student pass and return home?" The Master said, "Lacking talent, I respectfully retire." At the evening gathering, when the assembly had assembled, the Master said, "This morning I did not meet with you all; tonight I cannot be without words." He then stepped down from the seat. A monk asked, "The ṛṣi Vimalanetra took Sudhana's hand and saw Buddhas numerous as fine dust. Just before he took his hand, what did he see?" The Master said, "What do you see now?" Having ascended the hall, after a long pause, the Master said, "Fortunately there is a good plate of rice; one must not sprinkle pepper and ginger over it. Even though it is like this, try to peck and eat it." He then stepped down from the seat.