高僧傳 6.10

6.10

Vast indeed is the great image, / its principle profound and nameless. / Embodying the spirit, it enters transformation; / casting its shadow, it leaves form behind. / Turning its glow upon layered crags, / it congeals its radiance in the empty pavilion. / In shade it is not obscured; / dwelling in darkness, it is all the brighter. / Moving gracefully like a cicada sloughing its shell, / it receives the courtly homage of the hundred spirits. / Its responses differ across various regions; / its traces vanish into the distant void (part one).
Boundless is the desolate world, / with none to encourage or exhort. / Lightly in the void its appearance is rendered, / brushing the air to transmit the image. / Its marks are complete while its substance is minute; / its unassertive posture is naturally luminous. / The white ūrṇā emits radiance, / refreshing the midst of the dark night. / Only when resonance reaches deep is there a response; / striking sincere devotion brings forth a ringing sound. / Its voice lingers on the mountain crests, / guiding realization and unseen appreciation. / Reaching out to it brings an encounter; / its merit stems from no past cause (part two).
Turning on one's heel, reverence is forgotten; / without reflection and without awareness. / The three luminaries veil their radiance; / the ten thousand forms become of one hue. / The courtyards become dim and shadowy; / the path of return is unfathomable. / Awaken to it through stillness; / open to it through effort. / Though the breeze of wisdom is far away, / the dust is thereby brought to rest. / Were it not for the sage's profound vision, / who could stir its utmost height? (part three).
Its subtle sound flows afar, / turning its gracious gaze to the east. / Rejoicing in the breeze and admiring the Way, / we look up to follow the profound measure. / Exhausting marvels at the tip of the brush, / wielding subtlety upon light silk. / Lodged in color, it softly congeals, / nearly shining through the misty firmament. / Traces use the likeness to depict the real; / principle deepens its import. / A rare inspiration opens the heart; / an auspicious wind leads the way. / Clear air wheels about the eaves, / as the dark blend has yet to dawn. / Vaguely discerning the divine visage, / faintly and reverently we meet it (part four).
Inscribing it and picturing it, / what does one seek or strive for? / May the spirit hear it, / and behold that which you cultivate. / May these dusty tracks / reflect that profound current. / Rinsing our hearts in the wondrous pool, / drinking harmony to reach supreme gentleness. / Illuminating the void, responding with simplicity; / when wisdom subsides, it is truly complete. / Deeply cherishing unseen entrustment, / night thoughts make a spirit journey. / Meeting it once at life's end, / we bid lasting farewell to a hundred sorrows (part five).