On one occasion Linji said:

“For the Chan school, understanding is instantaneous, not a matter of time!

“All that I teach is just provisional medicine, treatment for a disease. In fact, no real dharma exists. Those who understand this are true renunciates and rich beyond measure.

“Followers of the Way, don’t have a seal stamped haphazardly on your face by any old teacher, then go around saying, ‘I understand Chan, I understand the Way.’ Though your eloquence is like a rushing torrent, it is nothing but hell-creating karma.

“The true student of the Way does not search out the faults of the world, but eagerly seeks true insight. If you can attain true insight, clear and complete, then, indeed, that is all.”