A wake-up call originally referred to the practice of Buddhist Zen masters receiving beginners, often hitting them on the head with a stick or shouting at them to make them understand. When a person is confused or misled, they use very direct and rapid warning methods to prompt them to quickly realize their mistakes or shortcomings, and then take positive actions to correct them. This idiom originated from the Tang Dynasty Zen master Huiran's collection of "Quotations from Zen Master Huizhao in Linji, Zhenzhou". The text states: "From the beginning, one person walks with a stick, and the other drinks. Which way is closer or more effective in Zen practice? Although the original text did not directly mention the idiom 'sharp warning', its core meaning stems from this, describing the teaching method of Zen masters using direct and intense means to prompt disciples to instantly awaken. The "drinking method" and "stick method" are both unique ways of inspiration in Zen Buddhism. Zen Buddhism believes that "truth" is incredible, that speaking is wrong, and thinking is obedient. According to the theory of "enlightenment", in order to break the obsession of learners, Zen masters often shout loudly or hit beginners or seekers with a blow, forcing them to cut off endless delusions, stop all kinds of thinking, and respond with the most authentic face, prompting them to realize their true nature and see their true nature in the present moment. In the history of Zen Buddhism, the representative figure who first used the teaching method of "drinking" was the Tang Dynasty monk Mazu Daoyi. According to the "Jingde Chuandeng Lu", when Master Huaihai first met Mazu Daoyi, he once let out a drink with a majestic aura. Years later, Master Huaihai recalled to his disciples, "Buddhism is not insignificant. In the past, when I visited Mazu and tried to drink it, I couldn't hear or see it for three days." However, it was Master Yixuan of Linji who popularized the "drinking method". Master Yixuan delved deeply into the Buddhist scriptures and had a profound foundation in his teachings. He practiced various methods and extensively participated in knowledge. Therefore, after entering Zen and achieving enlightenment, he was able to draw on the strengths of others, analyze and apply them effectively, and created a unique style of Linji Buddhism. Tang Yizong admired the Zen style of Yixuan and bestowed the posthumous title of "Master Huizhao". Master Yixuan has four "drinking methods" that can be flexibly applied according to different time, space, background, and objects. Sometimes his voice is as sharp as the King Kong's sword, sometimes as powerful as a lion perched on the ground, sometimes as delicate as a bamboo pole and grass, and sometimes he sits silently without "drinking" instead of "drinking". In the Buddhist community, it is generally believed that the "stick technique" originated slightly later than the Deshan Xuanjian of Mazu Daoyi. Master Deshan often uses sticks to relentlessly pursue learners as a means of guiding enlightenment. The "Quotations of Master Huizhao from Linji, Zhenzhou" records that Master Deshan solemnly stated, "Even if you have attained enlightenment, you have thirty sticks; if you have not attained enlightenment, you have thirty sticks." This means that regardless of whether your words are cleverly or clumsily expressed, you must bear punishment. Once, Master Deshan said to his disciples, "Asking is wrong, not asking is still good." This means that asking is wrong, but not asking is even more inappropriate. Upon hearing these words, a disciple remained silent and went forward to worship. Master Kedeshan still wielded his stick to punish him. The disciple asked in confusion, "I just started paying respects, why should I be punished?" Master Deshan replied, "It will be too late to punish me once you speak." Because Master Deshan once said, "Our sect has no words, and there is no way to interact with others." The "Dao" of Zen cannot be spoken, and most people are often stubborn in their words and are subject to personal learning, making it difficult to perceive. Therefore, Master Deshan adopted this unique method with the aim of enabling his disciples to break free from the confines of conventional thinking and achieve spiritual rebirth. Master Xuefeng once said, "I am under the baton of Deshan, as if I have taken off a thousand and ten thousand layers of meat covered sweatshirts." Later, under the Zen sect, the practice of "exchanging sticks and drinks" became popular. The historical book of Zen Buddhism, "Wu Deng Hui Yuan," states that "De Shan stick, Lin Ji drink, and keep as a model for Zen people. In later generations, the phrase 'hit the nail on the head' and 'drink the nail on the head' were widely circulated, referring to the confusion of vigilance. As written in Chapter 84 of "Jing Hua Yuan": "Although this joke is humorous, if it is taught to fools who are good at using it for their own purposes, it is a sharp blow that can truly awaken them." In the first four chapters of "Qi Lu Deng" by Li Lvyuan in the Qing Dynasty, it is said: "If the schedule is bright, it will be a sharp blow, which may touch the heavens." Contemporary writer Bao Chang's "Geng Zi Feng Yun": "Finally, everyone has been awakened by Li Laizhong's sharp blow." In modern society, people are often troubled by the trivialities of life and the pressure of work, and sometimes easily lose their direction and fall into a state of stagnation and anxiety. At this moment, if there is a 'wake-up call' that makes people aware of their own state and re-examine the meaning and direction of life, it will be a very important spiritual awakening. At the same time, being a sharp warning also reminds us to have the courage to accept criticism and correct mistakes. When facing criticism from others, one should remain calm and rational, reflect seriously, and turn to oneself. (New Society)