Master Youyuan of the Vinaya School consulted Zen Master Dazhu Huihai: “Is there any secret approach to Buddhist practice for monks?”
Zen Master Dazhu said: “Yes, of course.”
Master Youyuan asked: “What is it then?”
Zen Master Dazhu answered: “Eat when you are hungry and sleep when you are sleepy.”
Master Youyuan was confused and asked: “Ordinary people also do that. Is there any difference?”
Zen Master Dazhu said: “Yes.”
Master Youyuan asked: “What’s the difference then?”
Zen Master Dazhu answered: “Ordinary people are hypercritical. When they eat, they are picky about the food so that they would not eat well; when they sleep, they are lost in fancies and conjectures so they would not sleep well.”
View: 6108