高僧傳 6.22

6.22

Huiyuan again wrote a letter to Kumārajīva, saying: "The weather is turning cool; how have you been lately? Last month the man of the Way Fashi arrived, and I was grieved to hear that you wish to return to your native country. Previously, I heard that you were just about to produce many sūtras on a grand scale, and so I had wished to come consult and inquire of you. If this report is not empty, how can everyone's regret be put into words? Now I make bold to ask briefly about several dozen matters, hoping that when you have leisure you might explain them one by one. Although these are not great difficulties in the sūtras, I simply wish to have them settled by you." He also sent a responding gāthā, which read:
"Whence, after all, does the fundamental origin arise?
Arising and ceasing are without boundary.
A single subtle [particle] enters the realm of movement,
To form this momentum of a collapsing mountain.
Deluded thoughts further mount upon one another;
Impelled against reality, they naturally give rise to stagnation.
Although causes and conditions lack a master,
The path they open is not of a single lifetime.
In an age without a master who realizes the ultimate principle,
Who will grasp the profound tally?
The questions sent forth are still lingering and long;
Let us set our hopes on our twilight years."