肇論新疏 2.246

2.246

"Maintained appropriate bodily conditions" means that his bodily health in practicing the Way is suitable and smooth. "Contemplative practice" refers to dhyāna contemplation and conduct in the practice. "Qian" (乾) means strong; the first hexagram of the Yijing says "diligent all day long," which is why he establishes virtue without flagging, industrious morning and night. I recently received instruction from the Abhiṣeka Guru Choeskyi Gyalpo, whose original language meant "Dharmatrāta"; his practice of the Way was refined and vigorous, careful day and night, of extensive learning and high virtue—the singular man of this degenerate age. "Were it not" is direct praise, meaning that Master Yuan is so diligent day and night because spiritual wisdom realizes principle, which is the function of the Way flowing secretly and smoothly; hence he can be like this. "Past the age of compliance" refers to Confucius saying of himself that at sixty his ear was attuned to compliance; here it means Master Yuan is a man over sixty years old. From "Therefore" onward, Liu again relates his own feelings. The meaning is: because Master Yuan's virtue is lofty and broad, Liu's reliant comfort of mind in entrusting himself to him is also deep; the kindness is vast and difficult to repay, which renders any path of looking up to his virtue to express gratitude all the more cut off.