密行禪師語錄序
Preface to the Recorded Sayings of Chan Master Mijing
向上一事，不受功勳；一棒當頭，直指心源。拈布衫之七斤，道離鉤之三寸，橫施逆用，一切臨時，皆不在語言文字者也。故有以見聞覺知之性塞滿虛空，黃卷赤軸之言承當教意，其不契天下老和尚棒頭者幾幾矣。今秋密行禪師從滇南過邵陵，予緣晤於耑山，坐間示以隨錄，吟誦再四，知其遠傳臨濟正宗，近為破山嫡子，予更服禪師根性鄭重，手眼圓明。至若文字音律，不縱不拘，且於出詞吐氣間大用全提，鉗錘惡辣，不捨身命，人難以進步，與乎俯就行施，趨崇高重，倒語顛言，胡猜亂喝者，相去霄壤矣。若夫一喜一怒，有斬釘拔楔之作用；一定一動，有殺人活人之妙訣，而世之語言文字實無以過之。予試問諸：且美文字而為禪宗乎？美禪宗而在文字乎？讀斯錄者請參之。
The ultimate matter of Zen is not about accumulating merits; a single blow on the head points directly to the source of the mind. Picking up a seven-pound robe, speaking of three inches beyond the hook—whether applied directly or inversely, all these moments transcend words and letters. Thus, there are those who fill the void with the nature of seeing, hearing, feeling, and knowing, and those who rely on the words of yellow scrolls and red sutras to uphold the teachings. How few are those who truly meet the blows of the old masters!
This autumn, Master Mīxíng traveled from southern Yunnan to Shaoling. I had the fortune to meet him at Zhuān Mountain, where he shared his collected sayings. After reciting them repeatedly, I recognized that he carries the authentic lineage of Linji and is a true heir of Pòshān. I further admire the master’s profound roots, earnest nature, and complete clarity of insight. As for his use of words and rhythm, he is neither indulgent nor constrained. In his speech and expression, he fully manifests the great function—wielding the hammer and tongs with fierce precision, never sparing himself, making it difficult for others to advance. Compared to those who compromise with expedient means, chase after fame and grandeur, or indulge in twisted words and wild shouts, he stands worlds apart.
In his every joy and anger, there is the function of cutting nails and pulling out pegs; in his every stillness and movement, there is the wondrous secret of killing and giving life—yet worldly words and letters truly cannot capture it. Let me ask you: Is it the beauty of words that makes Zen? Or is it Zen that resides in words? Those who read this record, please reflect on this.
己亥中秋前七日，邵陵耑山弟子車以遵釋名音遙拜書。