Insects in the rice

At a Chan monastery, the monastic chef was a highly respected role. Master Shishuang, who had trained in several temples before, served as grain keeper under Master Weishan.

One day, while sifting rice, Weishan admonished:
“Do not waste a single grain — these are alms from donors.”
Shishuang vowed: “I never waste grain.”

Weishan picked up a grain from the floor:
“If none is wasted, where did this come from?”
Shishuang stood silent.

Weishan continued:
“Do not dismiss this single grain — a hundred million grains arise from one.”

Seizing the moment, Shishuang asked:
“Then where does this single grain come from?”
Instead of answering, Weishan laughed heartily and left.

At dusk, Weishan entered the meditation hall and announced:
“Hear this, all: There are insects in the rice!”