Recorded Sayings of Master Yushan, Volume 2

Residing at Yanling Qingyun Chan Monastery

On the day of entering the temple, the great patron Zhu Fayuan led his sons and nephews to request the master to ascend the seat. Zhi Xin, the master of ceremonies, struck the wooden block and said: "The assembly of dragons and elephants in the Dharma hall, behold the supreme truth." The master then shouted: "On this clean ground, why has a ladleful been splashed for no reason? If there is one who is not stained, step forward and show yourself." (Questions and answers are not recorded.) He then took up his staff, struck it once, and said: "This vast field of awakening, since its opening by the primordial sound, though provisionally divided into various paths, ultimately honors and reveals the One. Taking a step, a thousand blossoms scatter; sitting upright, treasures shine brilliantly. The gate is wide open, majestic and awe-inspiring in its dignity. Without seizing drums or banners, the universe beyond is uniquely revealed; without awaiting encircling spears and armored guards, the sun and moon within the realm are freshly severed. Here, luminous stars and auspicious clouds intertwine like the net of Indra; jade stamens and precious flowers dazzle like golden cords. To speak here of the adornments of the Flower Store, instantly realizing the realm of Vairocana, perfecting in a snap of the fingers—this is still accommodating the times and adapting to capacities. Moreover, the sharp words displayed at Heron Pond and Vulture Peak, the tangled vines and proclamations at Haidian Anyuan—hoping for illustrious family reputation and glorious achievements—how is this different from carving sand as jade or engraving dung as incense? Have you not heard: 'Exhausting all subtle arguments is like placing a single hair in vast space; using up the world's pivotal mechanisms is like dropping a single drop into a great abyss.' If one truly has the skill to weave heaven and earth, what difficulty is there in employing the means to move mountains and fill seas? Directly, without extending effort, one ascends to the treasure land. Would this not glorify the past and enrich the future, shining through antiquity and leaping into the present? Now, as the principle is revealed, how shall we speak the phrase that truly transmits it?" He struck his staff again and said: "The crane has nine marshes, yet its wings are hard to soar; the horse lacks a thousand leagues, vainly chasing the wind." He then cited an old case: "Previously, Baoshou entrusted Sansheng to invite the second generation Baoshou to open the hall. As soon as Baoshou ascended the seat, Sansheng pushed forward a monk. Baoshou immediately struck him. Sansheng said: 'If you guide people like this, not only will you blind this monk's eyes, you will blind the eyes of everyone in Zhenzhou.' Baoshou then threw down his staff and returned to his abbot's quarters." The master said: "Sansheng wielded the secret command within the realm; Baoshou exercised his authority beyond the borders. Suddenly meeting, thrust and parry, they turned heaven and earth, shifted stars and constellations. Though their giving and taking were remarkable, their words inevitably startled the ears of the time. How does this compare to the ordinary decorum under Jingshan's gate? My esteemed uncle above neither pushed a monk, nor did my nephew Qingyun wield the staff, thereby allowing each person in the present assembly to increase their majestic light tenfold. Guiding people in this way, is it the ancient standard or the pivotal essence of today?" After a long pause, he said: "He who ruled the world with robes hanging down was Yao." Concluding with the strike of the block, he said: "Behold the Dharma King's Dharma; the Dharma King's Dharma is thus." He then descended from the seat.

The venerable elders of various mountains requested the Master to ascend the Dharma seat. A question was posed: "The true essence of Shaoshi, in former times, was like the wind bending the grass; the profound meaning of the Spiritual Mountain is now like water flowing to form a channel. We wonder how the Master will expound it?"

The Master said: "A good sound in the ear makes all people attentive."

The questioner continued: "If so, then the skillful means of Qingyun are distinctly different from other schools."

The Master said: "It leaves my mouth and enters your ears."

The questioner continued: "Those who understand the tune need not raise it repeatedly; only the awakened will know the hidden surprise."

The Master said: "What is this awakened matter?"

The questioner replied: "A spark from a stone bursts into the blue sky."

The Master said: "Vaguely resembling the Buddha, yet recklessly named."

A monk asked: "On the mountain of the five aggregates, there is a stretch of emptiness; though we enter and exit through the same gate, we do not meet. Since we enter and exit together, why do we not meet?"

The Master said: "I consider you occupied with the duties of a guest-prefect."

The monk continued: "What if we suddenly meet?"

The Master struck him and said: "You deserve a beating."

The monk said: "Old and venerable as you are, do not act rashly."

The Master said: "This mountain monk is at fault."

As the monk hesitated, the Master struck him again.

Then the Master said: "The mind-seal of the Patriarchs is not carved or engraved, nor does it rely on names or forms. All phenomena in the universe are sealed by the one Dharma; mountains, rivers, and the great earth are entirely contained within a single phrase. Where it is entirely contained, not a trace is revealed; when it is sealed, there is not the slightest leakage. Thus, the entire universe is the true body of a person, and all worlds throughout the cosmos are the true function of a person. Each root and each dust do not reach one another; each head and each Dharma do not know one another. Not knowing one another is intimately without remainder; not reaching one another is seamlessly without boundary. If one understands this, then all virtues can be gathered into one virtue, all minds can be united into one mind. With this, illuminate the Buddha-sun; with this, greatly support the ancestral teaching. What task will not be accomplished? What merit will not be achieved? Have you not heard? Linji said to the two elders, Puhua and Kefu: 'I wish to establish the principle of Huangbo here. Can you assist me?' The two paid their respects and withdrew. Three days later, Puhua came forward and asked: 'What did the Master say three days ago?' Linji immediately struck him. Three days later, Kefu came forward and asked: 'Why did the Master strike Puhua three days ago?' Linji also struck him."

Then the Master said: "To fish out a fierce dragon from a ten-thousand-fathom cliff—the winds and waves are perilous indeed; to depict a majestic phoenix in the vast emptiness—its patterns and colors are utterly genuine. If not for mind knowing mind and eye beholding eye, how could the principle of Huangbo be established throughout the four continents? Today, Qingyun, honored by the presence of the venerable elders from various mountains, will not do this or that, but only expound the ancestral style and uphold the ancestral virtue. If people entrust themselves to it, the principle of Tianning will also be established here. Now, tell me, is there any share of assistance in this or not?"

Waving the whisk, he said: "A wondrous dance should not boast of beating every rhythm; the three platforms must be urged by all together."

The seventh day of the meditation retreat begins, with individual guidance. "All of you here are earnest seekers striving for the fruit of enlightenment. Yet, do you realize that concepts like 'true suchness,' 'liberation,' 'bodhi,' and 'nirvana' are nothing but stubborn, clinging sores on the skin of your own being? If you are someone who does not rely on external interpretations..." He raises the whisk and says, "If you truly return to the source right here, right now, then throughout the entire universe—whether sage or ordinary being, grass or tree—all will naturally return to the four great elements, like a child reuniting with its mother. Why then would you still chase after the shifting circumstances, rising and falling with every condition, allowing the ancestral land to be shattered and divided like broken tiles and split melons?" Suddenly pointing to his face, he says, "These bright, clear eyes—I possess them, and so do each of you. Look closely: from ancient times to the present, have heaven and earth, the sun and moon, mountains and rivers, or human relationships changed even the slightest? Since there is no change, then the nostrils of the golden-faced sage are your nostrils, and the eyes of the blue-eyed foreign master are your eyes. Where are you lacking? Where are you diminished? Must you still impose long or short deadlines, toiling and polishing, only then to arrive at the land of effortless peace and joy? Today, as I walk along, I have cast it all before you. If you still hesitate, do not blame this mountain monk."

Evening gathering. "A single leaf falls, and autumn descends upon the world; a single speck of dust rises, and the great earth gathers it in. Setting aside the matter of gathering the four great continents into the eye of a needle, you all, from morning till night, pass through the monks' hall, enter the Buddha hall—have you ever touched the nostrils of the golden-faced old master?"

After a long pause, he struck his staff and said, "I wonder, I wonder."

Evening meditation. "On the butcher's table, every piece of pork is essence; within the funeral carriage's curtain, every sound is wondrous. Good assembly! The prophecy bestowed at Vulture Peak is no greater than this. If you seek the Buddha, you are bound by the Buddha; if you seek the Dharma, you are bound by the Dharma; if you seek the Sangha, you are bound by the Sangha; if you do not seek, you are bound by not seeking. How can you avoid this fault?" Then, with both hands, he made the shape of a turtledove and called out: "Coo-coo, coo-coo."

Evening assembly. "The foundation of all sentient beings is rooted in the ocean of wisdom; the stream of conscious life is unified by the Dharmakaya as its essence. Do you wish to recognize this essence? In Jiazhou, the ox eats the grain; in Yizhou, the horse's belly swells. Do you wish to trace this source? Across the land, people seek a healer, only to cauterize the left shoulder of a pig. Yet, this is still just the level of principle, laid out plainly. When it comes to the actual matter, according to the command, all you blind ones standing before me must taste the rod before you understand."

Mid-Autumn Festival, evening assembly. "Last year at this time, I gazed my fill at the Mount Lu moon; This year at this time, I gaze my fill at the Yanling moon. The people of Yanling are the people of Mount Lu, The moon of Mount Lu is the moon of Yanling. Between there and here, there is no separation— Where there is no separation, how can there be fullness or waning? Where there is no fullness or waning, the source is seen— In the eye, it has long been doubly wedged."

Evening assembly. The case was raised: "Huichao asked Fayan, 'What is Buddha?' Fayan said, 'You are Huichao.' At these words, Huichao was greatly enlightened. Elder Baiyun composed a verse saying: 'Three big shiny coins, bought a fried dough cake, ate it down in the belly, instantly felt no hunger.'"

The master said: "Baiyun's fried dough cake is quite something, but how can it avoid being too salty or too seasoned? Nowadays there are those who crave its flavor. Though they may feel full for a while, in the end they cannot avoid harming their spirit. If you wish to pass your time in peace and ease, you must spit it out before you can attain it."

General assembly, small group discussion. "On the swift path, even if you pick up your bundle and set off before the signal gong is struck, you’re already falling behind. How much more so if you fuss over the length of the road or weigh the load on your shoulder—can that still be called the way of a sharp, swift Zen practitioner? Qingyun clearly says to you: The field’s grass is dry and crisp, the flat road is straight and smooth. If you have shoulders that can bear the load and feet that are good at running, then your home mountain is just a step away. Yet, what if a reckless fellow blocks your path and demands: ‘After all, is it the person carrying the firewood, or the firewood carrying the person?’ How would you respond?" After a long pause, he said: "Today’s official duties are many. Let’s discuss this slowly after the general assembly."

On the day of opening the furnace, the bath attendant Baolian and the senior monk Jianxu led the assembly of devotees in requesting the Master to ascend the seat. Someone asked: "The World-Honored One appeared in the world for the sake of one great matter of cause and condition. What is this one great matter of cause and condition?" The Master said: "Carrying the sun and moon on the tip of a staff." The questioner pressed: "For what reason does the Venerable ascend the Dharma seat?" The Master said: "To be the same as the past, the same as the present." The questioner pressed: "What about when Deshan would strike upon entering the gate, and Linji would shout upon entering the gate? How is that?" The Master said: "A noble person may enter." The questioner said: "You have been seen through." The Master said: "I grant you, senior monk, one eye." The monk bowed. The Master said: "You must be very careful."

Someone asked: "The furnace bellows have just opened, the tongs and hammer are first displayed. How will you work with the assembly presently before you?" The Master said: "Throw your whole body into the fiery mass." The questioner said: "Water flowing beside the rocks becomes cold; wind passing through the flowers carries their fragrance." The Master said: "That doesn't quite match." The questioner said: "All kinds of plants, when their roots and sprouts are vigorous, will bloom as soon as the spring breeze arrives." The Master said: "You haven't earned the right to be struck yet."

Someone asked: "What is a word that cuts through iron?" The Master said: "There's no place for you to open your mouth." The questioner said: "Why must it be like this?" The Master said: "Give me back my question." The monk gave a shout. The Master immediately struck him.

Then the Master said: "Today at Qingyun we open the furnace. Before our eyes, all forms are utterly absent. Since the bellows are not yet ready, how much more are the tongs and hammer still unfamiliar? What is pleasing is that the dragons and elephants presently here have their heroic reputations resounding throughout the world. Naturally, without needing carving or polishing, why rely on the models of Buddhas and Patriarchs? Stretching out an arm turns heaven and earth around; a cough or spit makes ghosts weep and gods cry out. If you call this the wondrous function of spiritual powers, how can it compare to the ultimate discourse that penetrates everywhere? If you call this the natural state of things, it's hard to be a good strategist for the doer. If you are a heroic, spirited fellow, a bold and fierce man, you will definitely not seek sheep by following the path or wait for rabbits by guarding the stump. Directly, you will tear open with fierce and ruthless hands and feet—why even speak of the Tang Emperor finding it coarse? With one kick, overturn the vast ocean; with one punch, knock down Mount Meru. Let go and return home to sit securely—how could you be willing to fall halfway there?" Suddenly looking left and right, he said: "Good Chan practitioners! Do you understand? You must know: beyond form and shadow, I bare my heart and liver to you."

Evening assembly. "Before our parents were born, it was like oil frying a stone millstone; after our parents gave birth to us, it was like snow dipping an iron scale weight. Even if Baoshou had realized it on the street, he would still be stuck in the present moment; if Panshan had taken responsibility at the butcher's stall, he would have strayed from the ancient path. How much more so for you all, who come from stamped prints and molded forms—can you avoid tarnishing the ancestral style? Today, this mountain monk does not spare effort, and for your sake, I will remove the greasy hat and strip off the stinking robe, so that each of you may become free and unburdened." Then, taking up his staff and striking it once, he said: "In the first and second nines of winter, when we meet, we do not extend our hands. Qingyun's staff, frozen to its nature, leaps into the Hall of the Empty King, knocks over the Unlocated True Person, shatters the Original Face, until the stone guardian at the crossroads is filled with joy throughout its body, attaining the Dharma Gate of Great Peace and Bliss. Then it recites a verse: 'Auspicious by day, auspicious by night, at all six times of day and night, constantly auspicious.' Have you, the assembly before me, awakened from your drowsiness?" The assembly had no reply. With his staff, he scattered them like a whirlwind.

Master Zhu, the Dharma Protector, requested the Master to ascend the seat. He asked, "In the past, the World-Honored One entrusted the Buddha-Dharma to kings and ministers. I wonder, to whom does the Master entrust the Dharma today?" The Master said, "It is evident right before your eyes." He pressed further, "If so, then it is the same wind through the ages, a single voice proclaiming the Dharma." The Master said, "Why worry that few understand?"

Another question: "Reestablishing the Dharma's order, dragons and elephants look up with reverence. What essential teaching does the Master impart?" The Master said, "The coming wind is deeply discerned." He continued, "A loyal heart stands alone in the autumn wind's antiquity, yet returns from the frosty forest bearing brocade." The Master said, "A noble one may enter." He pressed further, "This learner has his own hands to grasp the clouds—why rely on the Master's words to cease?" The Master said, "A truly fine Chan practitioner." He replied, "I rejoice that the Master has discerning eyes." The Master said, "Gaining a donkey brings such delight."

Another question: "I won't ask about the Patriarch coming from the West—what about Sudhana's journey to the south?" The Master said, "Beyond each layer of misty water lies another mountain." He asked, "He visited fifty-three wise teachers—by whose power did he attain?" The Master said, "The black bean has not yet sprouted." He said, "If so, then the iron-walled city once bore witness, and the ancestral lamp shines by the green cliff's edge." The Master said, "You certainly understand well."

The Master then said: "Originally a person from the green hills' market, By chance I came to the city walls, dwelling in idle ease. Following conditions, no need to distinguish superior or inferior— In the end, nothing surpasses simply being genuine.

Thus, when Qingyun first stepped upon this land, He immediately obtained four kinds of excellence: First, without wielding axe or adze, palaces follow the body. Second, without moving cloud-hoe, lean fields spread across the wilds. Third, cooking rice like jade grains, surpassing the golden ox in flavor. Fourth, brewing tea with golden sprouts, fragrance exceeding Elder Zhao.

You, this assembly of Chan practitioners, Each shoulder rubbing, heel following heel, Only care to fill empty bellies, moisten parched throats— Do you know, after all, who it is that shelters the Dharma community And stabilizes the Chan tripod?"

Suddenly he waved his whisk, gazed at the assembly, and said: "When we meet, naturally a knowing ear will understand— Gaining pure wind that stirs heaven and earth."

Because of certain matters, the evening assembly was held late. He raised his staff and said: "The profound meaning of all Buddhas, the subtle teachings of the ancestral masters—they are all right here. When discussing their branches and offshoots, they appear in countless variations; yet when tracing them back to their source, they are one and the same. If you can grasp this before any sign or trace has even appeared, then you can ride above sound and form, encompass past and present—and it will not be a difficult matter. Do you all wish to recognize what is true and what is false?" He threw down his staff and said: "The true face is right before you."

On the day commemorating the Buddha's enlightenment, the guardian of the Dharma, Zhang Yizhi, requested the master to ascend the seat. He asked, "I won't ask about the Buddha's descent into the royal palace, but what about his enlightenment in the snow mountains?" The master said, "At midnight, it is perfectly bright; at daybreak, it remains unseen." He pressed further, "But what about enacting the Dharma's teaching today? How should it be proclaimed?" The master struck him and said, "If I didn't strike you, the other masters would laugh at me." He continued, "Then, with one phrase, the ancestral lineage is revealed in broad daylight, and the three mysteries stand guard over the monastic community." The master said, "What does that have to do with anything?"

Another asked, "I won't ask about pointing to heaven and earth, but what about taking seven steps in all directions?" The master said, "An example for all ages." The questioner pressed, "If that's the case, why did he later see the morning star and awaken to the Way?" The master said, "A kindness too great to repay." The questioner said, "A true man has his own soaring ambition; he does not tread where others have walked." The master said, "A stubborn monk."

Then the master said, "In the gate of a monk, there is no habit of contrivance. The essence is in natural spontaneity; its function is simply what appears. Step out with trusting feet, and every doorway opens to liberation. Wave a hand with trusting ease, and everywhere the true reality is revealed. Why speak of seeing the morning star to call it awakening? Or hearing the drum and horn at dawn to speak of illuminating the mind? Thus, a person of natural capacity—how could they be guided by instruction? Those of middling or lesser ability grasp at rules and models. If you can shake off the bonds of the Buddhas and patriarchs, overturn the nests of the ordinary and the sage, then directly unfold your own spiritual power and exercise your own wondrous function. With this, to establish virtue—what virtue would not be complete? With this, to accomplish merit—what merit would not be achieved? And what about the phrase of solitary freedom, without self-interest? How would you express it?"

He waved his whisk and said, "A true man has his own soaring ambition; he does not tread where the Tathāgata has walked."

Evening assembly. A monk asked, "May I inquire, Venerable Master, how should one respond to Xuansha's three types of sick people?" The master said, "Let it cool down first, then we'll see." The monk pressed, "Tell me, is this the same as Xiangyan up in the tree, or different?" The master said, "Standing at the cliff's edge, watching the swirling foam." The monk continued, "If I hadn't come forward to ask this question, how could I have reached Qingyun's profound meaning?" The master said, "What is Qingyun's profound meaning?" The monk replied, "Please, Master, give your answer." The master struck him and said, "You missed it and don't even know." The monk said, "Casually casting a hook, and easily a fish takes the bait." The master said, "Thirty years of handling horses, yet today I'm tripped up by a donkey."

Then he said, "Old Xuansha, though he exhausted all his cleverness, still ended up making the straight path crooked. Qingyun is not like that. All the venerable elders everywhere teach to benefit living beings. You people are not blind, deaf, or mute. Raising the staff and lifting the whisk—clearly you see. Words and sounds—clearly you hear. Turning phrases and sharp exchanges—clearly you speak."

Suddenly, he struck the ground with his staff and said, "But do not touch this point. Why? Don't travel by night only to hold a torch—you must show it to people right on the road."

On New Year's Eve, during the evening meditation session:

"In the past, Beichan Monastery celebrated the year's end by specially preparing an outdoor white ox. That old monk took great care of everyone. Though he exhausted his heart and efforts, he was too rough and careless, causing the authorities to investigate, which led to quite a scene.

Tonight, Qingyun Monastery also has an outdoor white ox. Instead of meticulously carving it joint by joint, we simply toss it whole before everyone. Thus, the head is not lacking, the tail is not missing. Among you, is there one who can swallow the whole ox in one breath? If so, Qingyun's year-end celebration will not be in vain.

Do you all not mind this humble offering?"

After a long pause, he said: "If the heart is willing, even plain water tastes sweet."

On the first day of the new year, the assembly requested the master to ascend the Dharma seat.

"Before the primordial sound ever arose, our nostrils never changed; after the birth of the last Buddha, how could our eyebrows ever shift? Heaven and earth, past and present, remain as lofty and vast as ever; the sun and moon, ancient and modern, still shine with the same brilliance. Truly, Shakyamuni and Maitreya would set aside their merit and cease their striving; Manjushri and Samantabhadra would sit peacefully in harmony. If we simply abide like this, a gentle warmth fills the empty sky, and the vibrant light of springtime pervades the universe. To speak of the new year and the old, of the existence or nonexistence of Dharma—what is this but digging holes in empty space or adding a handle to a bowl?

Nevertheless, right now, spring returns to the great earth, withered trees burst into bloom. How then shall we speak of the phrase 'by the power of grace'?" He raised his whisk and said:

"One breath, unspoken, holds all forms; How can the myriad spirits repay the selfless?"

We paid homage to the Thousand Buddhas and the Great Compassion repentance, then attended evening meditation. "The lands of the three thousand Buddhas are not found atop the Yellow Crane Tower; the homeland of the Great Compassion Bodhisattva surely does not dwell beneath Mount Putuo. One recitation, one bow, one Tathagata; one flower, one incense, one Dharma realm—right here, perfect realization is attained. The ten directions and three times, from beginning to end, never depart from this very thought. At any moment, transcendence and realization are achieved—the boundless seas of worlds, self and others, are not separated by even a hair's breadth. Thus, walls and tiles become the forms of all Buddhas; the braying of donkeys and the barking of dogs are the radiant mind of Bodhisattvas. Why must one search south for the Three Temples of India or bow north at Mount Wutai?" Then, with a resounding shout, he said: "Laughing at the countless deluded men, with eyes wide open yet clearly deceived by the heat of confusion."

The period of retreat has ended, and the master ascends the seat. "Heaven and earth encompass all without revealing the slightest trace—from where do the Buddhas of the three times emerge? Cutting off all streams without leaving a single drop—where can the entire canon of teachings be applied? Since they cannot be applied, all holy names and titles are but empty sounds. Since they cannot emerge, all inferior forms and special shapes are but illusory appearances. Proceeding just like this, the old monk beyond the beginning of time gains his ground, while the disciples at today's gate achieve nothing. There is still one more phrase about following the waves and going with the flow—it might as well serve as a topic for everyone to ponder." Then, taking up the whisk, he said, "Look, look! Old Śākyamuni has come. On the tip of Qingyun's whisk, he raises his voice and shouts: 'The ten directions have no walls, the four sides have no gates—utterly naked, completely exposed, with nothing to grasp.' Thus, before the ninety days, wanting to bind—it cannot be bound; after the ninety days, wanting to release—it cannot be released. Since it cannot be released, nor can it be bound, then the entire realm of the ten directions is a great field of liberation. Let everyone roam Mount Dantuo in the morning and lodge at Mount Luofu in the evening, freely becoming carefree monks. But if not..." Suddenly waving the whisk, he looked at the assembly and said, "We only notice events passing before our eyes, unaware that old age creeps up from behind."

Praying for Clear Skies, a Small Gathering. "The long rain has not cleared, leaving the path to Caoxi soaked and slippery. You, who carry your staffs on your shoulders and tighten your straw sandals, traveling far and wide—can you avoid getting the corners of your robes wet? Now, within the jurisdiction of Yanling, we are fortunate that the river of meditation is calm and the waters of stillness are clear. Even if the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea were to stir the rivers and seas with his hands and feet, or unleash his power to overturn mountains and valleys, it would take nothing more than a gentle touch from the auspicious clouds to see the skies clear and the sun shine brightly upon the earth. O monks of Zen, tell me: to whom does the merit ultimately belong?" He waved his whisk and said, "May this year bring a bountiful harvest of silkworms and wheat, and may Rahula receive a single coin."

On the Master's birthday, Masters Jianren and Jianxu led the venerable elders from various mountains to request him to ascend the Dharma seat. They asked, "All Buddhas appear in the world for the sake of one great matter. What auspicious signs accompany the Master's appearance today?"

The Master said, "With eyes, we see the rain clearing; together, we behold the beautiful scenery."

They pressed further, "Today, this humble learner has encountered something small yet profound."

The Master asked, "What is this encounter like?"

They replied, "To stand out from the crowd, one must be a hero; to triumph over adversaries, one must be a lion's cub."

The Master said, "Do not boast of skill."

Another asked, "Green paulownias and emerald bamboos flourish in the cold; ancient cypresses and aged pines grow even more remarkable with time. May I ask the Master's venerable age?"

The Master replied, "I still remember it from earlier."

The questioner said, "This humble learner sees it differently."

The Master said, "Try to express it."

The questioner replied, "Heaven and earth share eternal endurance; the sun and moon together shine forever."

The Master said, "Do not belittle Elder Qingyun."

Then, raising his whisk, he said, "Do you wish to know whether this fellow inherently possesses spiritual powers? From the moment he emerged from his mother's womb, he knew how to roar like a lion, so that all sentient and insentient beings in the entire world, upon hearing it, would gain courage and strength. All of you present here are seasoned veterans, accustomed to the battles of practice. Try to step forward and engage with him in a contest. You must understand that from the very beginning, each of the three hundred and sixty joints in one's body manifests an infinite wondrous form, and each of the eighty-four thousand pores possesses immeasurable wondrous power. Why wait to don the armor of the three mysteries or unfurl the banners of the five ranks before calling it the display of great capacity and the activation of great function? Today, Qingyun, in response to the esteemed presence of the venerable elders from various mountains, does not hesitate to reveal his clumsiness, turning everything inside out. If you can grasp it before it is even raised—"

Suddenly, he threw down the whisk and said, "I permit you to walk shoulder to shoulder with this master."

He ascended the seat. "If you always go on like that, the ancient hall grows moss; if you always come like this, cold ashes burst into flame. Although that side does not dwell in empty realms, this side does not fall into the present moment, to attain great function swift as lightning and thunder, great opportunity bold as dragons and tigers—unless the subtlety at the tip of the staff is exhausted and the straw sandals beneath the feet are worn through, how can one enter the wild fields without discrimination, forever ending confusion, and casually pluck grass to compete in wealth with the eight great dragon kings? Nowadays, those who suddenly rise from humble origins merely treasure Linji's three mysteries and cherish Dongshan's five ranks as their lifelong possessions. From the perspective of true insight, how is this different from mistaking fish eyes for bright pearls or valuing common stones as fine jade? You, the Chan monks before me, if indeed you are without desire and without dependence, let every word flow from your own heart." Suddenly, he raised the whisk and said, "This auspicious cloud whisk truly helps you rejoice."

On a certain occasion, the master addressed the assembly and asked, "An ancient worthy said, 'If you speak of this matter, even the blink of an eyelash is already a mistake.' So, what is this matter?"

The master said, "The nest knows the wind; the burrow knows the rain."

A monk asked, "If so, then under the bright sky and shining sun, one can take the road and go."

The master said, "Tell me, where is your dwelling place?"

The monk replied, "Battle clouds spread across the sea; drawing the sword, I stir the Dragon Gate."

The master said, "Everyone, look at this warrior."

Then he said, "In the southern continent of Jambudvīpa, there are three things that are not easy: first, the sky is infinitely high, and hands and feet cannot reach it; second, the earth is infinitely thick, and fingernails cannot pierce it; third, the human heart is infinitely deep, and cleverness cannot fathom it."

Just as he was speaking these words, unexpectedly, the stone guardian at the crossroads, hearing this in the silence, stepped forward and said, "No, great one, do not speak like this. Have you not seen that when the mind chases after things, it becomes deluded, but when things follow the mind, it is correct? If you simply let go of all such discriminating views, then throughout all heaven and earth, across all time, all things are seen in a single instant."

Qingyun, delighted that his words hit the mark, specially brought them up for everyone: "Do you want to see what is seen in that instant?"

He gave a shout.

On the Buddha's Birthday, Dharma Protector Zhang of the Dusi Office invited the Master to ascend the seat. He asked, "I won't ask about the story of Kṣitigarbha, but what about the birth of Śākyamuni?" The Master said, "It happens to be the eighth day of the fourth month today." The questioner continued, "A heart of pure sincerity is now revealed—how many in this world truly understand it?" The Master replied, "If you understand, try to convey a message." The questioner said, "After receiving your strike, I knew where to return, and I have not stopped laughing since." The Master said, "Do not belittle Śākyamuni." Then he cited: "When the World-Honored One was born, he pointed one hand to the sky and the other to the earth, took seven steps in all directions, looked around, and said, 'In heaven and on earth, I alone am honored.' Later, Master Yunmen said, 'If I had been there at the time, I would have struck him dead with a single blow and fed him to the dogs, just to bring peace to the world.'" The Master said, "This old man, as soon as he was born, claimed supremacy. If not for possessing the skill to wield great banners and drums, how could one avoid bowing in defeat? Although Master Yunmen's insight was sharp and his methods effective, his strategy for quelling disorder was not lacking—yet to resort to force is hardly the way of enduring principle. Today, Qingyun does not raise a single spear or banner, but simply celebrates with offerings. Not only do the families before us sing in joy and live in peace, but also the ninety-six kinds of beings in the Western Heaven rest easy, and the eighty-four thousand raise their cups in celebration. Tell me, what samādhi must one possess to achieve this?" After a long pause, he said, "The Yellow River clears once every three thousand years."

On the day of the summer retreat, the bath attendant, layman Jiang Jinghua, requested the Master to ascend the Dharma seat. The head seat, Junci, struck the wooden block and said, "The assembly of dragons and elephants in the Dharma hall, observe the first principle."

The head monk, Zuwei, stepped forward and asked, "The assembly of dragons and elephants in the Dharma hall, observe the first principle. May I ask, what is the first principle?"

The Master said, "Only see the gentle breeze arriving on the mat."

The monk pressed, "This student is dedicated to spreading the Dharma."

The Master replied, "No idle words fall into the human realm."

The monk said, "If so, then the hall is filled with a cool breeze, and the meaning of a thousand ages is clear."

The Master said, "I am glad you understand."

Another asked, "Before Shakyamuni appeared in the world, and before the Patriarch came from the West, what was called the true Dharma eye?"

The Master said, "You are a newly ordained monk from Huashan."

The monk pressed, "Then what about the great meaning from the West?"

The Master said, "Hold this black lacquer bowl with care."

Then, raising his staff and striking it once, he said, "Today, this wooden staff will stabilize heaven and earth. Even if you have three heads and six arms, dare you come here to challenge and show off your supernatural powers? It is laughable how the old man Huangbo used a reed to strike Linji three times, causing those who echo empty words to stir up chaos in the land with poisonous blows and heated shouts. If we do not strictly guard the gates and enforce the rules, then the gates of thorns and earthen walls would be mere child's play. How could we purify the ancestral realm and secure the Zen tradition?

"Recently, new elders in the south love to flaunt their eloquence and pride themselves on debate, thinking it is teaching others. Little do they know that speaking of mysteries and subtleties is as poisonous as a venomous bird, and raising the staff or whisk is more dangerous than an iron wall. Nevertheless, if there is one who can turn the three lifetimes of the old barbarian to stand behind oneself, then like a seasoned general ascending the platform, with a single gesture, authority extends for ten thousand miles. Wouldn't that demonstrate the extraordinary skill of a true hero? But if one's mind is hesitant, listen carefully and wait—within ninety days, a sudden transformation will come."

The wooden block was struck, and the Master descended from the seat.

On the occasion of the Shami Precepts, the senior monk Riyuelun invited the Master to ascend the seat. A monk asked: “When the sun shines brightly, it is only for those who understand; within this moment of opportunity, it is hard to deceive the true practitioner. What is the matter when true practitioners meet?” The Master said: “Battle clouds spread across the sea; drawing the sword to stir the Dragon Gate.” The monk pressed: “What if someone comes who throws thorns horizontally and scatters golden rings vertically?” The Master said: “I’ll watch you act.” The monk said: “Watch the arrow!” The Master immediately struck him. The monk bowed and said: “Without entering the startling waves, one cannot find the desired fish.” The Master said: “Raising troops after the battle.”

Another question: “Standing out among ten thousand people—whether one can grasp it or not, let’s set that aside. But what is the form and appearance of the light of the precepts right now?” The Master said: “The bright sun shines in the midst of the sky.” The monk pressed: “Dragons and snakes are easy to distinguish, but monks are hard to deceive.” The Master said: “I’ll deceive you, the senior monk, for one.” The monk gave a shout. The Master immediately struck him.

Then the Master said: “The diamond-like precept body does not arise from holding or violating, nor does it belong to opening or closing. To speak of it as utterly pure and naked, beyond undertaking, or as completely free and unobstructed, is already to touch its name and offend its taboo. If one further adorns it with patterns and adds explanations, how could it not be defiled? Yet even to leave it at that is still like holding the rope while releasing the boat, or bathing while clinging to the bridge pillar—such limited skill. How could such a one know that for those of penetrating understanding, even the bustling market is a place for meditation, and wine shops and tea houses are no different from seated practice? How could purity or impurity be admired, or the ordinary and sacred be explained? Still, if someone truly in the midst of it comes, after all, how should one communicate?”

Then, raising his whisk, he addressed the assembly: “I have one mechanism—a glance reveals it to you. If you still don’t understand, call another novice.”

On the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, the Bodhisattva Precepts were completed. The Protector Zhang of the Capital Office requested the Master to ascend the seat.

Someone asked: "An ancient master said: 'Exhausting all profound arguments is like placing a single hair in the vast void; using up the world's pivotal mechanisms is like a single drop falling into a great ravine.' But what about the direct, transmitted phrase—how does one communicate it?"

The Master said: "With this name, you should uphold it."

The questioner pressed: "The assembly clearly remembers it."

The Master said: "And what exactly do they remember?"

The questioner replied: "A sharp sword sweeps open—heaven and earth grow still; a frosty blade moves—the stars turn cold."

The Master said: "The assembly, remember this monk's name."

Then he said: "Before the Mountain of True Awakening, Shakyamuni realized the essence—yet another layer of flowers appeared before his eyes. On the throne of precious blossoms, Vairocana expounded the sutras—three pounds of iron were placed behind his head. If you are a true person of great capacity, naturally your methods transcend emotion—how could you allow yourself to be tainted by others? Directly open your own treasure store, bring forth your own family jewels. When used, they rival the wealth of the eight great dragon kings; when unused, they aren't worth half a penny. What more need be said of the source of all buddhas, where a thousand flowers dazzle with color? What of the foundation of practicing the bodhisattva path, where all virtues are perfectly fulfilled? Haven't you heard: Born in an emperor's house—what further nobility is there? Naturally adorned with precious robes—what surprise is there to see? Just go like this. When the dragon bowl is displayed, the eyes of humans and gods are opened; when the tiger staff is raised, the command is given to buddhas and patriarchs. Tell me, after all—is this Chan? Or is it precepts?"

Suddenly he shouted once and said: "With one arrow, two eagles fall—don't say Li Guang never became a marquis."

Evening assembly. A monk asked, "What is it that cannot be touched, cannot be turned away from—what, after all, is it called?" The master said, "Last night, a tiger in the southern mountains bit a great beast." The monk pressed, "Venerable, you must still take care." The master struck him and said, "This creature, how can it be so wicked?" The monk was silent. The master struck again and said, "What a fine striped one, teeth and claws not yet fully grown."

Another asked, "Where does Huangbo's staff fall?" The master said, "A sword reaching the sky chills all who approach." The monk said, "That is the ancients'." The master said, "You tell me, where does it fall?" The monk said, "It falls at Linji." The master struck him across the back and said, "Why do you forget yourself?"

Another asked, "At the winter solstice, yang begins to grow—why does the weather grow colder?" The master said, "How can you be so unaware of the season?" Then he addressed the assembly: "The Chan master's decisive move in the arena is like a fierce general in battle. Even if one can interpret signs in flashes of lightning, if not a single speck arrives, one still hasn't left the realm of shadows. Haven't you heard? At the winter solstice, yang begins to grow; the way of the noble expands, the way of the petty fades. Yunmen's fan leaps up to the thirty-third heaven, pierces Indra's nostrils, then comes to Qingyun Temple to surrender. Do any of you bear witness for him?" The assembly was at a loss. The master said, "If you don't grasp it when you see it, thinking of it will take you a thousand miles away." Then, like a whirlwind, he struck and dispersed them.

Recorded Sayings of Master Yushan, Volume 2