The Boat Monk Of Hua Ting.

[Shi Da Dao]

The following extract is translated from the Imperial Selection of Ch'an Sayings (Yu Hsuan Yu Lu). This is a collection of fourteen volumes compiled by emperor Yung Cheng, the third emperor of the the Qing Dynasty who ruled from 1723-1735AD. Before becoming emperor, he took the name Upasaka Yuan Ming and practiced the Mind Dharma extensively. And when emperor, he used to hold imperial Ch'an weeks which produced both enlightened lay people and monks alike. Of the fourteen volumes, twelve are dedicated to the sayings of Ch'an masters, one volume to the sayings of the emperor himself, and one for the sayings of his brothers and sons.

'Master Teh Ch'eng arrived at Hua Ting in the Hsiu Chou district. He sailed a small boat, adjusted himself to circumstances and passed his days receiving visitors from the four quarters. At the time, as no one knew of his erudition, he was called the Boat Monk.

One day, (Ch'an master Teh Ch'eng), stopped by the river bank and sat idle in his boat. An official (who was passing) asked him: 'What does the Venerable Sir do?' The master held up the paddle, saying: 'Do you understand this?' The official replied: 'I do not.' The master said: 'I have been rowing and stirring the clear water, but a golden fish is rarely found.

(Ch'an And Zen Teachings First Series-By Charles Luk, Page 123).

[Shi Da Dao]

When Chia Shan had dismissed his followers, he packed and went straight to Hua Ting. Master Teh Ch'eng saw him and asked: 'Virtuous One! At what temple do you stay?' Chia Shan replied: 'That which is like it does not stay (and) that which stays is not like it.' Master Teh Ch'eng asked: 'If there is no likeness, what is it like?' Chia Shan replied: 'It is not the dharma (thing) before the eyes.' Master Teh Ching asked: 'Where have you learned all this? Chia Shan replied: 'Neither the ear or the eye can reach it.' Master Teh Cheng said: 'A good sentence is a stake to which a donkey can be tethered for ten thousand aeons.' He again asked: 'When a thousand feet of fishing line is let down, the quarry is deep in the pond. Three inches beyond the hook, why don't you speak? Chia Shan (guessed and) was on the point of opening his mouth, when the master gave him, with a paddle, a blow that knocked him into the water. When Chia Shan was about to scramble back onto the boat, the said again: 'Speak! Speak!' Before Chia Shan could open his mouth, the master hit him again. Thereupon, Chia Shan was instantaneously enlightened and nodded thrice (in approval and gratitude).

(Ch'an And Zen Teachings First Series-By Charles Luk, Page 123).

[Shi Da Dao]

The master said: 'You can play with the silken line at the end of the rod, but as long as you do not disturb the clear water, the meaning will be different.'
Chia Shan then asked: 'What is your idea about letting down the line and throwing the hook?'
Master Teh Ch'eng said: 'The line dangling in the green water allows all ideas of existence and non-existence to float up to the surface until both become still.'
Chia Shan said: 'Your words lead to abstruseness but follow no paths; the tip of your tongue talks but is speechless.'
The master said: 'I have been letting my line down in every part of this river and only now have I found a golden fish.'

(Ch'an And Zen Teachings First Series-By Charles Luk, Page 123-124).

[Shi Da Dao]

(Upon hearing this), Chia Shan closed his ears (with his hands).
Master Teh Ch'eng said: 'It is so! It is so!' and then gave him the following instruction:
'In the future, your hiding place should have no traces and where there are no traces, you should not hide. I spent thirty years at master Yo Shan's monastery and understood nothing but this. You have got it now. From now on do not stay in towns and villages, but search deep in the mountains for one or two men with mattocks at their sides to continue (the transmission) and not allow it to be broken off.'
Chia Shan took leave of the master but turned back repeatedly to see (him). Master Teh Ch'eng called out: 'Venerable Sir!' When Chia Shan turned his head the master held up his paddle and said: 'Do you think I still have something to offer you?' Then he upset the boat and disappeared in the water.'

(Ch'an And Zen Teachings First Series-By Charles Luk, Page 124).