四明尊者教行錄 5.40

5.40

億啟：夙陪清侶，因熟高名。聞傳教於赤城、久領徒於鄞水，達契經之旨、叶彼重宣，精修懺之規、臻乎本淨，機緣胥應、真俗焉依。頃更值於嚴凝，常奉陪於樞弼，輒求論薦，式冀褒揚。俄遇疾以歸田，殆解麾而趨闕，涉乎累歲，絕望報音。暖席未遑，飛郵遽至，前言克踐，私願允諧。事雖自於乞隣，道彌光於出世，所有大師賜衣，勅命已於本州遞角內附去，必垂領受。謹奉狀咨問兼伸陳賀，伏惟照察謹狀。

Yi states: Having long associated with pure companions, I thus became well acquainted with your lofty renown. I heard that you transmitted the teachings at Chicheng and have long led disciples along the Yin River, having penetrated the purport of the scriptures to harmonise with their renewed proclamation, and meticulously cultivated the rules of repentance to attain fundamental purity. Responsive to capacities and conditions, both the ultimate and conventional rely on you. Recently, enduring bitter cold, I often attended in the presence of the ministers of state; I ventured to seek recommendation on your behalf, hoping to secure praise and honour for you. Soon I fell ill and returned to the countryside, and then scarcely had I laid down my banner when I hurried to the imperial court. Several years passed, and I despaired of receiving any news. Before my seat had grown warm, a courier swiftly arrived: my earlier words were fulfilled, and my private wish was granted. Although the matter originated in my borrowing a neighbour's fire, the Way shines all the more brightly in transcendence. As for the bestowed monastic robe granted to the Great Master, the imperial decree has already been forwarded inside the official packet sent by this prefecture; you will surely deign to accept it. I respectfully submit this letter to inquire after you and to convey my congratulations. Humbly hoping you will look upon it with favour, I respectfully submit this letter.