勅修百丈清規 1.63

1.63

Words of the Memorial (for Inauguration): We respectfully submit that heaven and earth shelter and support without partiality—who can measure their height and depth? The sun and moon shine forth with majestic brilliance—what can illustrate their radiant splendor? We know that praise and veneration are in vain, and our desire to repay is limitless. Yet dwelling within the sovereign's moulding and transformation, the duty toward the four kindnesses weighs heavy; hence, exhausting our heart of loyalty and love, we devoutly offer the three wishes for longevity. The constellation of the Northern Dipper circles with lightning as the seats of dragons and elephants open; the hundreds of millions of mountains and rivers in Indra's net all submit to the imperial discernment; the three thousand worlds of the Lotus Treasury ever expand the imperial realm. Humbly offering our minute speck of dust, untiring day and night, we reverently pray: May the worthy ministers Kui and Long be employed; may the auspicious star shine and the steps of the imperial platform be level; may the qilin and phoenix display their omens; may the sage arise and all beings behold him. Respectfully memorialized. (For Conclusion:) The utpala flower graces the world with auspiciousness, coinciding with the Buddha's descent into birth; the jambu tree spreads its continuous shade, rivaling heaven in longevity. Thus was endowed the sage quality perfected from early years, able to inherit the illustrious imperial designs. Great indeed is Qian! Supreme indeed is Qian! Embodying Qian and abiding in rectitude, converging all extremes and returning to the utmost, establishing the standard and founding the center. Thereupon, through the great unity of our Way, we contribute to the supreme governance of this sage era. The bells and drums of the mountain forests rejoice in the genial expanse of the transforming sun; the grasses, trees, insects, and creatures receive the soaking nourishment of rich dew. Good omens dawn from the east; congratulations and prayers are offered at Huafeng. We reverently pray: May the Emperor rule through non-action with robe hanging loose and hands folded, so that heaven and earth hold their places and all things flourish; may the Great Potter's craft have form, so that yin and yang are ordered and the four seasons balanced; may his longevity endure for ten thousand years, and his imperial lineage flourish for a hundred generations.