78

The various 
phenomena in this world and other worlds are in all cases 
devoid of intrinsic nature. They are also devoid of any nature 
that manifests itself.1 They are empty names, and the words 
used to describe them are likewise empty. But you insist on 
mistaking these idle names for reality. This is a great error. 
Even if something did exist, it would in all cases be no more 
than an environment that changes with what it depends on.

p 47

78

“And things like the Three Vehicles’ and the twelve divisions of the scriptural teachings —they’re all so much old toilet paper to wipe away filth. The Buddha is a phantom body, 
the patriarchs are nothing but old monks.

80

“Followers of the Way, the true Buddha is without form, 
the true Dharma is without characteristics. You are striking 
poses and dunning attitudes all because of a mere phantom. 
Even if in your seeking you got something, it would all be 
the work of wild fox spirits, certainly not the true Buddha. 
It would be the understanding of the non-Buddhists.

p 49

83

Followers of the Way, those who have left household life 
need to study the Way. I myself in past years turned my attention to the vinaya, w and I also delved into the sutras and 
treatises. But later I realized that these are just medicines to 
cure the sickness of the world, expositions of surface matters. 
So finally I tossed them aside and sought the Way through 
Ch’an practice.

p 52

83

“Followers of the Way, if you want to get the kind of understanding that accords with the Dharma, never be misled 
bv others. W hether vou re facing inward or facing outward, 
whatever you meet up with, just kill it! If you meet a buddha, 
kill the buddha. If you meet a patriarch, kill the patriarch. II 
you meet an arhat, kill the arhat. If you meet your parents, 
kill your parents. If you meet your kinfolk, kill your kinfolk. 
Then for the first time you will gain emancipation, will not 
be entangled with things, will pass freely anywhere you wish 
to go.20