宋高僧傳 1.5

1.5

Decree to Grand Master Tonghui Zanning: We have examined the matter of the presentation of the thirty scrolls of the compiled You Song gaoseng zhuan by the monk Xianzhong of Tianshou Temple on the Left Street, recipient of the purple robe, whom you sent, and fully comprehend it. In the wondrous path of the ekayāna and the profound gate of the six pāramitās, rare persons have emerged in every generation to successively broaden the holy teaching. Without compilations and records, how could it be made manifest? Truly, you are of the authentic stream, dwelling with your mind in the grove of Dharma; in bringing this compilation to completion, you have rendered considerable toil. Seeing fully your encompassing ability, Our feelings of deep admiration and praise are profound. The Gaoseng zhuan that has been submitted has already been ordered to be incorporated into the Tripiṭaka by the Saṅgha Registry Office. We now bestow three thousand bolts of silk, which may be received upon arrival. Hence this commendation and instruction, which We expect you to understand fully. In the winter cold, We wonder if you have been well and at leisure lately? We shall not dwell at length on the purport of this letter. Decree of the eighteenth day.