〖Original Text of the Koan〗

Xu Shichuan went with Foguo to the secretary’s quarters and saw Foguo’s portrait. Shichuan pointed to it and said, “This old fellow’s heels have not yet touched the ground.” Foguo said, “When has a turtle ever escaped from a jar?” Shichuan said, “I am glad that this old fellow’s heels have touched the ground.” Foguo said, “Do not slander him.”

〖Sawing Open a Scale Weight〗

Xu Fu, who held office as a Privy Councilor, had the style name Shichuan and the sobriquet Layman Donghu. At the beginning of the Jingkang era, he and several court colleagues interested in the Chan school lived at Foguo’s practice center and studied Chan with him. In fact, they also intended to assess Foguo’s realization. Xu Shichuan’s understanding was lofty and exceptional, and Foguo greatly appreciated him.

A portrait of Foguo hung in the secretary’s quarters. One day, Xu Shichuan and Foguo came there and saw Foguo’s portrait. Pointing to it, Xu Shichuan said, “This old fellow’s heels have still not touched the ground.” Foguo said, “When has a turtle ever escaped from a jar?” Xu Shichuan said, “I am glad that this old fellow’s heels have touched the ground.” Foguo said, “Do not slander him!” Xu Shichuan then let the matter rest.

“This old fellow’s heels have still not touched the ground.”—A negating remark. This is probing with a pole and stirring the grass: testing him to see how he would respond.

“When has a turtle ever escaped from a jar?”—It is originally complete and present just as it is. Why are you fussing about it here?

“I am glad that this old fellow’s heels have touched the ground.”—An affirming remark. This too is probing with a pole and stirring the grass. When the adverse wind did not ensnare you, he changed to a favorable wind to see whether you would take the bait. In fact, it was another ladleful of foul water!

“Do not slander him!”—Do not malign me for no reason!

How could Chan Master Foguo Yuanwu possibly fall for such a trap? Never mind your favorable and adverse winds: even if all eight worldly winds blew at once, I would remain unmoved.

Xu Shichuan could not shake Foguo, so he could only let the matter rest.

I am ashamed; I do not understand. 99477 08:59:44 8/01/02 (no content)