四明尊者教行錄 5.72

5.72

（知禮）伏念：雲在帝鄉、豹棲山霧，雖體疎影吊、語默相懸，而道接魂交、朝夕自邇。豈謂蕙心見齒，琬檢繼臻，危坐整容，發函伸紙。粲星雲之古字，儔彼偃波；鋪綃縠之高文，篾夫雕玉。尤味雅旨，尚慮渝盟。切緣（知禮）學昧通情、辯疎精難，廓無極之野，貴乃游觀；坦空洞之鄉，聊茲偃仰。指華池而欲騖，誓薪榻以云終，免留曾布於篤誠。循省己移於壯志。既承愛物之道，奚爽可復之言。良由祕監侍郎，藻繪教門、丹青慈室，唯恐休明之代，篾聞圓頓之宗，示軒冕之身，上毘仁主；以寂照之道，克輔空王。欲進後賢，特垂洪範。但認流思斯博，豈同書帶而休。顧泉客之泣珠，未足為贈；想衛人之報玉，止解典言。承緝傳通，庶酬㢡勸。（知禮）上戴尊慈，山情不任。

[Zhi]li prostratingly reflects: The cloud resides in the imperial capital, while the leopard perches in the mountain mist; though bodies are sparse and shadows solitary, words and silence mutually suspended, yet in the Dao we meet and in spirit we converse, naturally drawing close morning and night. How could I have expected that your fragrant heart would deign to notice me, and fine jade-inscribed letters would arrive in succession? Sitting upright and adjusting my demeanor, I opened the packet and unfolded the paper. Ancient characters gleaming like stars and clouds, rivaling the sweeping waves of calligraphy; elevated prose spreading like gossamer and silk, putting carved jade to shame. Particularly savoring your refined intent, I still fear that the pact might be breached. Because Zhili's learning is ignorant of universal sentiments and my eloquence lacks refined argument, in the vast wilderness of the boundless, wandering to observe is valued; in the flat country of emptiness, I merely recline and repose. Pointing to the Flower Pool and wishing to gallop thither, I vowed to end upon the bed of firewood, sparing Zeng Bu's stay through steadfast sincerity. Reflecting upon myself, my ambitious resolve has already shifted. Having received your way of cherishing living beings, how could I violate words that can be fulfilled? This is truly because you, Director of the Palace Library and Vice Minister, embellish the gate of the teachings and paint the chambers of compassion; fearing only that in this luminous age the Perfect and Sudden school will go unheard, you display a body of cap and carriage to assist the benevolent sovereign above, and through the way of stillness and illumination successfully aid the King of Emptiness. Wishing to advance later worthies, you specially bestow the great standard. I merely recognize that your flowing thoughts are extensive—how could they cease like the book-strap grass? Looking upon the tears of pearls of the spring dweller, they are insufficient as a gift; thinking of the person of Wei returning jade, I only know how to pawn words. Inheriting the transmission, I hope to repay your encouragement. Zhili reverently upholds your venerable compassion; my mountain sentiments cannot bear it.