國清百錄 2.15

2.15

The bodhisattva-precepts disciple Chen Jingzhi kowtows and bows with folded hands. To the ever-abiding Three Jewels of the ten directions, the hidden and the manifest, the realms of darkness and empty space, the present ordinary beings and sages: I humbly consider that the Dharma King's Dharma-power pities the ignorant fools of the three realms, and with unconditioned and undefiled [nature] he opens the profound scriptures of the One Vehicle. Its deep tenet transcends all praises, so we look up to the lotus to establish its name; its real wisdom is unfathomable, so we borrow the precious jewel to illustrate the principle. Diligently he guides and embraces [sentient beings], beginning with the causes and conditions of the one great matter; pointing to the palm and giving verbal instruction, he ultimately brings those of the Small Vehicle to awakening and understanding. Catching Mount Sumeru and hurling worlds is not yet difficult; unlocking the secret and guiding the multitude of living beings—this is truly not easy. Master Zhiyi of Tiantai roams through the Dharma gates and is thoroughly versed in the groves of dhyāna; the knots of conditioned existence he has already severed, and the patience of the unproduced has become manifest before him. Humbly we have prevailed upon his august presence to come and propagate the ultimate teaching; high galleries and layered halls have broadly opened the Qi palace, holy assemblies gather like clouds, and crowds of immortals collect like mist, together revering the radiance of the transmission of the lamp, together gathering the flow of the suspended river. Dharma companions rejoice and celebrate; divine spirits leap with joy. This disciple drifts on the winds of karma and sinks in the waters of craving; though I have tasted the joy of the Dharma, the mind of delusion has not been dispelled; in vain do I revere the bliss of dhyāna, yet in the end I harbor the anxieties of distraction and agitation. But the solar orb races on, and the reins of Xihe cannot be halted; the moon mirror turns its carriage, and the shadow of Chang'e is hard to detain. No sooner had the golden casket been opened than the precious scrolls were rolled up. The Dharma wheel halts its chariot—when can the teaching of the Vulture Peak be expected again? The pure chanting ceases its sound, and the songs of Mount Yu have just fallen silent. There is parting and there is meeting; how can sighs express it? Cherishing the Dharma and revering the Dharma, [my tears] flow like water without end. Respectfully, on the thirteenth day of this month, for the merits of concluding the lecture, we reverently establish a Dharma assembly and ordain people to leave the household life. Furthermore, Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, the Great Being of the Dharma-body, rescues from peril, delivers from hardships, and benefits humans and devas; we reverently fashion his numinous image, which is cast this very day. May this blessed goodness serve above to assist the imperial shrine's holy spirit. Furthermore, reverently for the present Sovereign: may his imperial meals surpass the ordinary and he remain ever secure; may the Bodhisattva Empress Dowager of the Virtuous Palace find delight in waking and resting; may the Crown Prince enjoy ten thousand blessings in his daily life; and may all princes and princesses preserve auspicious celebrations. Lastly, extending to this disciple's own person and to sons such as Chen, all inner and outer relatives, and all causes and conditions: may life be long and body and mind joyful. We pray only to glorify the Three Jewels and thoroughly penetrate the five vehicles. May precepts be as bright as the autumn moon, and meditation as pure as the spring pond. Life after life, together with the master and all monastic and lay members of the audience, having seen, heard, felt, and known, may we always form good friendships, always convey and deliver beings just like Jñānākara, and serve the Tathāgata Mahābhijñājñānābhibhū just as Bhaiṣajyarāja attended the thunder-voiced completely awakened one. May we either behold rebirth in the Land of Utmost Bliss, or abide in the palace of Tuṣita Heaven. Together may we sweep away the practices of the three vehicles, and together advance toward the path of the One Vehicle. May bodhisattvas numerous as the sands of the Ganges be our companions, and realms numerous as the sands of the Ganges be where we perform Buddha-work. May we attain mastery over dharmas, attain mastery over the mind, cultivate together the seven factors of awakening, and together tend toward sambodhi. Space may have an end, but this vow is inexhaustible. Humbly we hope that the hidden and manifest will bear witness; may the enemies and intimates of the Dharma realm enter together into the ocean of vows, dedicating it toward Sarvajñā, for the sake of having nothing to attain.