國清百錄 3.17

3.17

Liu Guyan, Grand Master of the Opening of the Office, proclaimed your decree inquiring after my welfare on the occasion of the completion of the Dharma year. Furthermore, you bestowed a newly made gold-colored incense burner and box, a set of Dharma robes, one hundred bolts of floss-silk, thirty candles, two thousand sheets of paper, and superior kitchen fruits and food. Instant by instant does not abide, and seasonal changes hurry each other along; when old age arrives it is easy to grieve, and contemplating the mind it is difficult to perceive truth. Fortunately relying on the propagation and establishment of the correct Dharma, when I examine myself I lack precepts and wisdom, truly fearing it will be hard to digest [these gifts]. The incense burner raises peaks, the lotus flowers steal the show in elegance, one patiently endures insult and leaves defilement behind, safely walking and treading, as the sūtra calls use without exertion ever-abiding. The candles await burning at night, the paper is intended for the Vimalakīrti[-nirdeśa Sūtra]; bestowed as an essential requirement answering the need, this Dharma affair forgets all thanks. The fruits, food, and fine silks will be shared by the bodhimaṇḍa, and the dedication of merit has its focus, so my words are brief beyond words. The monk so-and-so respectfully states. Fifteenth day of the seventh month.