國清百錄 4.3

4.3

Imperial Edict. The Emperor respectfully inquires after Dharma Master Zhiyue and the other monks of Guoqing Monastery in Kuazhou. The monastic envoy Zhizao arrived, and from his letter We fully received your sentiments. The blessed land of Tiantai is truly a superior realm, which is why We respectfully established a monastery for Zhizhe. Since the bond of Dharma is deep and the duty to honor the teacher is profound, We wish to preserve the master's bequeathed model without decline, and to keep the bodhisattva's pure deeds ever renewed with time. However, now long departed from the sages, students have grown lax; they seek gain and support without severing mundane ties, and indulge in rich delicacies, transgressing the monastic discipline. This only increases sinful defilements; how could it be called a field of merit? You masters have renounced conditioned dharmas to seek the unexcelled path, and cast off mundane outflows as reflected in your noble aspirations; you must guide and instruct those who have yet to learn to practice pure conduct, so that companions within the Dharma gate may all dwell in harmony, and the prohibitive precepts of all Buddhas may ultimately be observed. Furthermore, the auspicious signs at this monastery manifest previous spiritual realization, and since its principle is grounded in unseen resonance, it is designated Guoqing Monastery, with offerings presented to express Our rejoicing. In the severe cold of winter, may your religious bodies be well and at ease. In inspecting local customs, We have arrived at Jiangdu; gazing toward the mountains and rivers, We think of you with deep concern, and have specially sent Lu Zhengli, Concurrent Gentleman of the Court for Receiving Strangers, to visit you. That is all for now. The envoy Lu Zhengli arrived at the monastery to proclaim the imperial edict and bestow the monastery's items. First year of Daye, eleventh month, twenty-ninth day. An imperial decree ordained forty-nine persons into the monastic order. Bestowed were two hu of frankincense, the construction of earthen walls surrounding the perimeter, the building of five bays of gateway structures, a feast for one thousand monks, two thousand bolts of material, and one thousand hu of rice. Submitted before the Pillar of State and Director of the Chancellery, Duke of the State of Ju, the subject [name unrecorded]; Area Commander-in-chief and Concurrent Vice Director of the Chancellery, the subject Yu Shiji; and Area Commander-in-chief, Court Gentleman for Free Time, and Concurrent Gentleman of the Chancellery, the subject Zhang Qianwei. When the imperial decree ordaining the forty-nine persons into the monastic life and their shaving was completed, the envoy ordered the sangha to assign their Dharma names. Guanding, receiving the sangha's order, established the names based on six events, and the envoy recorded and memorialized them: Responding thoroughly to auspicious signs, their verification gloriously ascended. The above eight names, based on the auspicious omens of Guoqing, all have the character 'Ling' (Spirit) at their head. Tranquil, authentic, empty, as the trace of the vehicle. The above eight names, based on the affair of renouncing household life, all have the character 'Dao' (Path) at their head. Arising from precepts, concentration, and wisdom, the eye of wisdom opens in awakening. The above eight names, based on the affair of hosting the monastic feast, all have the character 'Jing' (Pure) at their head. Life, strength, eloquence, and joy, peacefully abiding in capable delight. The above eight names, based on the affair of bestowing rice, all have the character 'Hui' (Favor/Wisdom) at their head. The fundamental foundation of the lineage, cause and effect dignified and pure. The above eight names, based on the affair of repair and maintenance, all have the character 'Zheng' (Correct) at their head. Modeling upon Mañjuśrī's vows, honoring Samantabhadra's practices. The above eight names, based on the affair of the imperial admonition, all have the character 'Si' (Private/Reflective) at their head. The very last person was named Jixiang (Auspiciousness).