Ascending the Dharma Hall

On New Year's Eve, a small gathering. Three strikes of the board—excellent! All wise ones have come to inquire. Since the timing is well understood, I shall not repeat myself.

Friends, One raising of the matter—no need for another raising. Yet now it has been raised again. One hearing—no need for another hearing. Yet now it has been heard again.

In each and every thing, clarity shines; In each and every object, understanding arises. As principle, as phenomenon— From ancient times until now.

This is not the mind of Nirvana, Nor is it the true Dharma-eye. Thus, thus— The Buddhas of the three times only know it themselves. Not thus, not thus— The six ancestral masters find no place to speak.

Even if you grasp it before words, You are still trapped in a shell, lost in confinement. Even if you master it within phrases, You still stumble in confusion, caught in wild views.

Now, picking up a speck of snow from a red-hot furnace, Sprinkling a few blossoms on a withered tree— I offer this to you all, in keeping with the season.

The last lamp fades as the year ends, Firecrackers welcome the spring's arrival.

Further, Pan Shan said: "The path beyond—a thousand sages do not transmit it." Ci Ming said: "The path beyond—a thousand sages do not affirm it." Miao Xi said: "The path beyond—a hot bowl rings out."

The master says: These three great elders exhaust their strength Only to illuminate the path below. As for the path beyond— Even in a donkey's year, they have not yet dreamed of it.