龍虎寺禪院中的學僧模擬一幅龍爭虎鬥的畫像，雖修改多次，仍覺動態不足，適巧無德禪師從外面回來，學僧就請禪師評鑑。無德禪師看後說：「龍和虎的外形畫得不壞，但龍在攻擊之前，頭必向後退縮；虎要上撲時，頭必然向下壓低。龍頸後屈得愈大、虎頭愈貼近地面，就能衝得更快、跳得更高。」
學僧們非常歡喜地受教：「老師真是一語道破！我們不僅將龍頭畫得太向前，虎頭也太高了，怪不得總覺得動態不足。」無德禪師藉機又說：「為人處事，參禪修道的道理也一樣，退一步的準備之後，才能衝得更遠；謙卑地反省後，才能爬得更高。」
學僧不解，無德禪師於是說了一偈：「手把青秧插滿田，低頭便見水中天；身心清淨方為道，退步原來是向前。」

The student monks of Longhu Temple were struggling to replicate the painting of a fight between a dragon and a tiger. After many attempts, their version still lacked energy. So when Chan Master Wude was returning, they asked him for advice.
Master Wude examined their work and remarked, “The dragon and tiger are well drawn. But a dragon can charge faster when it draws its head back further, and a tiger can leap higher when it drops its head lower.”
The monks were delighted, and replied, “Teacher, your words get to the heart of the matter! We must change the positions of the heads.”
Wude added, “This lesson applies as well to conduct, handling affairs, Chan practice, and cultivating the Way. Only by stepping back can you charge harder. Only after humble self-reflection can you rise higher.”
Seeing that this went over their heads, Master Wude solemnly recited a Chan poem, “Planting the seedlings from my hand, I gaze in the water and see the sky. Stepping back, I leap forward. Purifying in body and mind, I walk the Path.”

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