According to the records of Chan Buddhism, there was a great Chan Master named Huizhong. He was revered as the supreme grand preceptor of seven emperors in history.

 

Once, a renowned Master Danxia had come from far away to call upon Master Huizhong. While Master Huizhong was taking a nap, his disciple Danyuan guarded outside and received Master Danxia. Master Danxia asked Danyuan, “Is the grand preceptor home?”

 

The presumptuous disciple was eager to show off himself and used a refined tone of a Chan Master: "Yes. But it’s very hard to see him.”

 

Master Danxia asked in astonishment, “Can anybody see him?”

 

"You can’t see him even you have Buddha’s eyes.” Danyuan said deliberately.

 

Hearing these words, Master Danxia smiled, “Like master, like disciple.” So he left.

 

After Master Huizhong woke up, Danyuan told him everything about Master Danxia’s visit proudly. However, Master Huizhong scolded and punished Danxia with a rod.

 

Later Master Danxia heard of it and said with veneration, “That’s exactly who the supreme grand preceptor is.”

 

How presumptuous to boast of one’s slight Chan knowledge like Danyuan in front of the Senior Master! What Master Huizhong did was applauded and respected, as the most important character of a Chan Master is honesty, not boast.