By: Ta-hui Tsung-kao (Dahui Zonggao)
From a letter to Layman K’ung Hui:
Once you have achieved perfect stillness of body and mind, you must make earnest effort. Do not immediately settle down in peaceful stillness—in the Teachings this is called “The Deep Pit of Liberation,” much to be feared. You must make yourself turn freely, like a gourd floating on the water, independent and free, not subject to restraints, entering purity and impurity without being obstructed or sinking down. Only then do you have a little familiarity with the school of the patchrobed monks. If you just manage to cradle the uncrying child in your arms, what’s the use?
From: Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui, translated by J.C. Cleary. Ta Hui (1089-1163) is a central figure in the Rinzai (Chinese, Linji) school of Chan. He stressed koan practice and was a critic of Silent Illumination practice (or at least certain ways in which that practice was manifested). Despite his criticism of Silent Illumination, he had a close relationship with Hongzhi, the most prominent exponent of Silent Illumination.