四明尊者教行錄 5.91

5.91

四明法門比丘（知禮），上手聖果闍梨（侍者）。光塵倐變，忻界尤賒，傾慕笑譚，何啻飢渴。諒惟榮履無替考詳，必誨物以忘疲，幸吾宗之不墜。（知禮）昨以居多暇日，因究教門，庶熟性靈，輒思訓解。念朱陵之四擇，已抱忸怩；繹荊溪之妙言，更增嗤鄙。無何，諸子咸議刊行，遏之不休，故從所欲。敢期英眷，亦賜揄揚？實謂虎威俯從狐假。洎迴人之遽至、辱榮翰以荐臨，益見久要之心，足認淡成之契，瞻望載惕，睓懵交顏。方今參宿移沈，聖制非遠，必希道養以慰翹思，便价告行。謹此致訊，兼代陳謝，伏惟鑒察。不宣。四明法門比丘（知禮）載白聖果闍梨（天竺懺主時住聖果寺也）。

Zhili, bhikṣu of the Dharma gate in Siming, presents this with upraised hands to Ācārya [Zunshi] of Shengguo (the Attendant). The light and dust have suddenly shifted, and the boundary of our joy is ever so distant; my yearning for our smiling discourse is no different from hunger and thirst. I trust that your honored footsteps have unceasingly investigated and scrutinized, surely instructing beings without weariness; fortunate are we that our school does not fall into decline. Yesterday, because I had much leisure in my dwelling, I investigated the doctrinal gate, hoping to ripen my natural disposition, and straightaway contemplated writing an explanatory commentary. Thinking of the four selections at Zhuling, I already felt chagrined; unraveling the subtle words of Jingxi, my self-derision was only redoubled. Soon after, the disciples all discussed printing and circulating it; restraining them without halt, I therefore yielded to their wish. How could I dare expect that your eminent regard would also bestow praise and promotion? Truly, I would say it was the fox borrowing the tiger's majesty. When your messenger arrived in haste and honored me with your repeated esteemed writings, I saw even more your enduring fidelity and sufficiently recognized the agreement formed in simplicity. Looking up to you, I am filled with trepidation, shame and bewilderment crossing my countenance. Just now the constellation Shen has shifted and set; the imperial decree is not far off. I must hope you nurture the Way to comfort my earnest thoughts, and will dispatch a messenger to announce my journey. Respectfully I send this inquiry and also express my gratitude in its stead, humbly hoping you will examine it. Not fully expressed. Zhili, bhikṣu of the Dharma gate in Siming, speaks again to Ācārya of Shengguo (at that time the Repentance Master of Tianzhu was residing at Shengguo Monastery).