Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

When Shenhui came to study with Qingyuan, the master asked where he was coming from, and Shenhui said from Cao Xi.
“What’s new in Cao Xi?” asked Qingyuan.
Shenhui remained silent.
Qingyuan said, “Tiles and pebbles are still in your way”.
Shenhui asked, “Do you have true gold to give to others?”
Qingyuan said, “Even if I had some, how would you hold on to it?” (The Jingde Record of the Transmission of the Lamp)

It’s all about the quality of the silence: it was heavy like tiles and pebbles, not shining like gold. And then expecting to be given the gold by someone else!