觀彌勒上生兜率天經贊 1.3

1.3

原夫性質杳冥、超蹄象而含總，覺體玄眇、絕視聽而融貫，方智雲法縠月、察神理而猶迷，假慧仞於叢筠、揆靈機而不測。至道圓而粹容顯、實際彰而真識淨，然後俯提十地、疎海目於寶方，下控三乘、挺仙儀於垢城，若鴻鍾之虛受、應物扣以騰聲，譬晈魄以澂暉、循器清而肆影，故有紹隆報佛即灌頂於甄臺、纂業化身先貽神於紺殿，撫根熟而趨座、待生機而降跡。斯乃三際受職之宏儀、一生補處之靈範者也。今此經者，灑群萌之一雨、濟眾獸之通津，運弱喪之大舟、引炎童之妙輪。雖復探幽曉祕、歸乎異線之華，然而拯溺符機、寔在此筌之葉，所以金光夕燭、旗有景於昏徒，芳蘤前霧、表無虧於後實，妙祥之儔波萎、鶖子之輩雲趨，雖則稟訓一時，實乃津梁千祀。若夫天宮聖境資莫限之因嚴、覺苑神幾叶無彊之德履，匪心樞而攬觀，豈語極之揚光？教府自陳，題衡息讚。

Now, the real nature is profound and indistinct, transcending traps and snares yet encompassing all; the essence of enlightenment is dark and subtle, cutting off sight and hearing yet penetrating and unifying. Even when comparing wisdom to clouds and the Dharma to the moon behind gauze, inspecting its divine principle leaves one still perplexed; even when borrowing fathomless discernment amid dense bamboo groves, estimating its marvelous workings leaves one unable to measure them. Only when the ultimate Way is perfected does the pure countenance manifest; only when the limit of reality is displayed is true consciousness purified. Thereafter, stooping to guide the ten grounds, it disperses oceanic insight across precious realms; reaching down to encompass the three vehicles, it displays a transcendent presence within defiled cities. It is like a great bell, hollow to receive, sending forth sound in response to whatever strikes it; it is like the bright moon, clarifying its radiance, casting its reflection according to the purity of the vessel. Therefore, to carry on and exalt the saṃbhogakāya Buddha, he receives consecration on the lotus terrace; to inherit the task of the nirmāṇakāya, he first sends his spirit to the purple-blue palace. Nurturing the maturation of capacities, he approaches the throne; awaiting the conditions for living beings, he descends with manifested traces. This is indeed the grand ritual of receiving appointment throughout the three periods of time, the marvelous model for being bound to one last birth! Now, as for this sūtra: it is the single rain that showers upon all sprouts, the open ford that ferries across the many beasts, the great vessel that carries those who have wandered and lost their way, the marvelous chariot that leads the children from the flames. Although plumbing the profound and understanding the hidden ultimately belongs to the flowers on different threads, nonetheless, rescuing the drowning in tally with their capacities truly lies in the leaves of this fishing trap. For this reason, the golden light shines in the twilight, a banner showing its reflection to those in darkness; the fragrant blossoms spread mist in front, proving that the fruit behind is without deficiency. The likes of Mañjuśrī gather like folding waves; the company of Śāriputra hastens like assembling clouds. Although receiving instruction for a single occasion, it is truly a ford and a bridge for a thousand ages. As for the sacred realm of the heavenly palace, it is adorned by relying on boundless causes; the marvelous functioning of the grove of enlightenment accords with inexhaustible virtuous practices. Were it not for the pivot of the mind embracing and contemplating it, how could the utmost reach of words proclaim its brilliance? The repository of the teaching reveals itself; the scales of the title cease their praise.