Seigen Gyoshi

The thirty-fourth patriarch was Great Master Hung-chi. He practiced in the community of Ts'ao-ch'i. He asked [the Sixth Patriarch], "What should I do so as not to land in some class or stage?" The Patriarch asked, "What have you done so far?" The master replied, "I have not even tried the [four] holy truths." The Patriarch asked, "Into what stage will you end up?" The master said, "If I still have not tried the holy truths, what stage can there be?" The Patriarch was greatly impressed with his potential.