虛堂和尚語錄 1.5

1.5

The above is humbly stated: This monastery is no ordinary place, being a site of the sacred traces of Emperor Xiaozong. The monasteries of the various mountains all rejoice. Having received the prime minister's honorable directive to invite someone to take up residence here as abbot, a consummate adept is required. We respectfully reflect that the newly appointed Chan master, the venerable Master Xutang [Zhi]yu, possesses a fame and standing of retiring modesty, with the cultivation and practice of Weishan and Yangshan. Dharma by Dharma he is without mind, clear as the disc of the moon over the Yin River; phrase by phrase he has eyes, loftier than the clouds halfway up North Mountain. It is most fitting that he take up the perfume of the precepts, the perfume of concentration, and the perfume of liberation, and forthwith come to cut off the realms of Buddhas, Māras, and sentient beings. Furthermore, considering that the imperial chapel is solemn and serene within this Buddhist precinct, unless relying on the august adornment of an imperial awakening, how could it match the veneration of our Pure Dynasty? The duty of subjects and sons is weighty; the vows of a bodhisattva are vast. We request the Master to take up the Nine-Belted Chan, to pray on our behalf for the longevity of the Two Palaces. Beside the Drooping Rainbow Bridge, people will vie to see the earth quake and light shine forth; beside the Cold Spring Pavilion, by no means halt your carriage or turn back your steps. Respectfully submitted.