四明尊者教行錄 5.44

5.44

Yi states: Recently I learned that the Great Master has made a covenant to form an association with ten monks, pledging to enter a three-year repentance, and then enter the samādhi of fiery radiance, being resolved to attain rebirth in the Pure Land. Self-view will be instantly emptied, and vow-power will be ever more robust, ascending to the supreme grade of the lotus flower and hearing the ultimate sound from the Dharma trees. This matter is not in vain, but is verified by past Buddhas. Yet in my worldly thoughts, I earnestly cherish a prayerful wish. Truly, Great Master, you have thoroughly penetrated the ultimate destination of the three contemplations and are revered by the four assemblies; you perpetuate the wisdom-life of the Tiantai peaks and open the gateway of deliverance in Yuejue. The ten virtues guide people, competing to devote themselves to white karma; a single voice sustains the teaching, broadly expounding the golden words. Your compassionate shade is universally impartial, and the wind of your Way is truly harmonious. The realm of Utmost Bliss was indeed a provisional expedient shown by the Sovereign of Awakening; while this body of great affliction is not what a wise person delights in, yet if there remain delight and aversion, love and hatred will arise; once the mind of grasping and rejecting sprouts, views of subject and object ensue. I trust you are thoroughly awakened and have long investigated the true and eternal; this must merely be condescending to lower capacities, hoping to spur them on to pure practice. I humbly hope that, in receiving this gracious imperial decree, you will further broaden the field of merit, extend the span of your life in this world, and widely display the abundance of your converting conditions. I further hope that, when the period of repentance comes to an end, you will slightly turn your Dharma-steps to come along with us. I would emulate Cunda in reverently presenting the final offering; and I wish, like Ānanda, to instantly lay down the thought of departing from this dust. Fortunately, taking pity on my blindness, do not yet hasten toward tranquil extinction. I earnestly hope you will deign to listen, and I look forward with crane-like vigilance to your reply. I respectfully submit these inquiries.