國清百錄 3.41

3.41

天台沙門智越一眾啟。司馬王弘至，僧使灌頂、普明還奉正月二十九日教賜垂慰問并宣口教。優訪殷勤謹對龕門，焚香跪讀言理哀切，痛絕魂心，遺囑累從亡存載荷。師在之日常有誨云：今得寺基為王創造。非爾小僧所辦。別有大力勢人後當成就，恨吾不見寺成。爾時莫測所由，今蒙繕造方醒前記，冥相符合不可思議。經藏法寶出世舟航，諸佛所師眾生津導，永鎮佛隴依止受持，鍾幡香等施安供養，法鼓警悟利益人神。千僧法會功德圓滿，伏想幽靈慈悲遠鑑，謹於齋日披讀願文，法席悚心求入願海。蒙賚齋糧恩給田地，基業無盡施命無窮，有待多煩隆恩，難答教旨。維是現前僧不令張散，伏惟弘護事重精舍將圓，同學門人方憑依止，龕室儼然何心違離，況垂嚴教益懼丹誠，謹當克厲倍加心力。但一眾失廕永遠慈願，追慶夙緣還蒙覆護，欣悲交至臨啟涕零謹啟。開皇十八年二月十五日。

Memorial of thanks from the Śramaṇa Zhiyue and the entire community of Mount Tiantai: Sima Wang Hong arrived, and the monastic envoys Guanding and Puming returned, reverently bearing your instructions of the twenty-ninth day of the first month, which deigned to offer condolences and deliver your verbal instruction. You inquired with thoughtful solicitude. Reverently facing the doors of the niche, we burned incense and knelt to read [your letter]. Its words and sentiments were poignant and deeply grieved, piercing our souls and hearts. We shall bear your lingering charge whether in death or in life. When our master was in the world, he frequently instructed us, saying: 'I now obtain the temple foundation to construct it for the Prince. It is not something you junior monks can manage. There will be another person of great strength and authority who shall later bring it to completion; my only regret is that I will not see the monastery completed.' At that time, we could not fathom the reason, but now that we have received your renovation and construction, we at last awaken to his prior prediction; its silent correspondence is inconceivable. The Dharma treasure of the scriptural canon is a ferry to transcend the world, the teacher of all Buddhas, and a guide for sentient beings. It shall forever safeguard Mount Folong, relied upon, upheld, and recited. The bells, banners, incense, and other offerings you bestowed have been installed for worship; the Dharma drum awakens and benefits humans and spirits. The Dharma gathering of one thousand monks has brought its merit to full perfection. We humbly imagine his hidden spirit, in its compassion, beholds this from afar. Reverently, on the day of the feast, we unfolded and read your vow text; the Dharma assembly trembled in heart, seeking to enter the ocean of your vows. Having been granted provisions for the feast and graciously bestowed agricultural lands, the foundation and estate are inexhaustible, and this gift of sustenance is boundless. As dependent beings, we cause much trouble, and it is difficult to repay your towering grace and the intentions of your instructions. You specifically ordered that the current resident monks must not disperse. We humbly reflect that your grand protection is of grave importance and the monastery is soon to be completed; fellow students and disciples are just now relying upon it. With the niche chamber standing solemnly, what heart could bear to depart? Moreover, having received your strict instructions, we are all the more fearful in our sincere devotion, and shall reverently exert ourselves, redoubling our mental and physical efforts. But having lost our shade and shelter, the community has forever parted from his compassionate vows; yet recalling and rejoicing in our past affinities, we again receive your shielding protection. Joy and sorrow intermingling, we weep as we approach this memorial. Reverently submitted. Fifteenth day of the second month of the eighteenth year of Kaihuang.