佛祖歷代通載 7.12

7.12

During the Song dynasty, Master Mingjiao Qisong visited Master Yuan's memorial hall and composed an inscription enumerating six matters. His words stated: 'Lu Xiujing was a scholar of heterodox teachings, yet [Yuan] saw him off beyond Tiger Creek—this shows that he did not reject words on account of the person. Tao Yuanming was excessively addicted to wine, yet [Yuan] associated with him—this was because he overlooked minor details and appreciated his magnanimity. The eminent monk [Guṇa]bhadra was expelled for manifesting anomalies, yet [Yuan] welcomed and praised him—this was because he esteemed discerning insight and corrected the jealousy toward the worthy. Xie Lingyun was not accepted because of his cluttered mind, and in the end he perished by execution—this was because [Yuan] recognized his capacity and was cautious regarding his end. Lu Xun was on the verge of rebellion, yet [Yuan] clasped his hand and sought their old bond—this was because [Yuan] possessed confident trust in the Dao. Huan Xuan displayed formidable awe, yet [Yuan] resisted and confronted him without bending—this was because he possessed great moral integrity. In general, across past and present, human nature always fears awe and seeks makeshift escape; forgets righteousness to avoid suspicion; delights in fame while being blind to reality; sides with power while neglecting the solitary; and trims conduct while fearing entanglements, deeming oneself right and others wrong. Who else, having attained a Dao esteemed for a generation as teacher to the worthy, would be willing to heed another person on the strength of a single phrase? Who, endowed from of old with superior virtue and spotless conduct, would be willing to associate with the realm of intoxication and esteem its unrestrained openness? Who would yield the dignity of a teacher of humanity to pay homage to a banished guest and proclaim his worthiness? Who would reject a man of eminent renown, excluding him from the community, and thereby preserve his own integrity to the end? Who, adhering to righteousness without fleeing calamity, would cherish old acquaintances and place trust in the Dao? Who, confronting the awe of a commanding general amid slaughter, punishment, and cruel tyranny, would uphold the Dao without flinching and keep his moral integrity intact? Truly, Master Yuan's insight and tolerance surpassed ordinary mortals, uniquely standing out through ancient and modern times. As for his supporting and carrying the supreme teachings, and his expanding the vast, sacred Dao to bestow abundance upon devas and humans, it is not for an ignorant one like me to recount exhaustively. Was he a sage, or was he a worthy? How magnificent! The great earth exhales its breath, and a pure breeze sweeps through the six directions—such is the renown of Master Yuan! Autumn tints across the four seas, a divine mountain soaring aloft in their midst—such is the pure loftiness of Master Yuan! A dragon among men, a phoenix among monks, offering long bows to Chaofu and Xu You—such was Master Yuan's noble demeanor and precedent! White clouds, cinnabar ravines, jade trees, and shimmering herbs—such was Master Yuan's dwelling place!'