續傳燈錄 6.26

6.26

Chan Master Changlu Zuyin Zhifu of Zhenzhou was a native of Jiangzhou. He was of the lineage clan of Xia Wenzhuang. He left home and underwent full ordination. Then he called upon Xuedou and instantly understood the Patriarch's meaning. His practice and talent were unconstrained and extraordinary. He came forth into the world at Changlu. A monk asked, "What is the phrase of the separate transmission outside the teachings?" The Master said, "The question does not hit the mark." The monk said, "Why does the question not hit the mark?" The Master said, "White clouds for tens of thousands of miles." The monk said, "Your student takes three steps back." The Master said, "For what other time would you wait?" He asked, "What is it like when the precious sword has not yet been drawn from its scabbard?" The Master said, "Rough." The monk said, "What is it like after it has been drawn?" The Master said, "Sharp." He asked, "What is the primary dynamic?" The Master said, "It is not unleashed for a tiny mouse." The monk said, "Could there be no skillful means?" The Master said, "In a quiet place, svāhā." The Master then said, "The question is where the answer is; the answer is in the core of the question. You may nod as you please. But if suddenly the question is not where the answer is, and the answer is not in the core of the question, how will you grope for it?" Thereupon he opened his hands and said, "Without leaving behind a single hair, all is entrusted at once. I ask everyone to observe and scrutinize carefully. If in a single thought you turn the light around, you share the track of the thousand sages. Without traversing countless kalpas, why labor at cultivation and realization? Cut off the ocean of birth and death, occupy the seat of the patriarchs and buddhas, and you will soar high above the three realms, forever leaving behind the four floods. With myriad virtues round and bright, walking alone in the ten directions, can you not together repay the Buddha's kindness and jointly manifest the royal transformation?"