弘明集 10.124

10.124

璉白。逮告垂示勅答臣下審神滅論。伏讀天旨昭鏡塵蒙。弟子門宗三寶。少奉道訓。雖誠歸至教。識暗玄津。謹尋內外群聖開引殊文。如來說三乘以標一致。言二諦以悟滯方。先王詮五禮以通愛敬。宣六樂以導性靈。或顯三世以徵因果。或明誠感以驗應實。豈可頓排神源永絕緣識者哉。若然則善惡之報虛陳。祭敬之設為妄。求之情理其可安乎。而昧惑之徒尚多偏執。是以聖明玄覽遊神妙門。動言出理皎若朝暉。發文顯證朗如宵燭。頓足開建愚惛愜信凡鄙者也。伏習詔旨綜檢心源。謹裁還白不宣抃舞。弟子陸璉呈。

Lian states: I received your letter and the showing of the imperial decree replying to the ministers' inquiry on the treatise on the extinction of the spirit. Reverently reading the heavenly intention, it clearly illuminates my worldly ignorance. My family has taken refuge in the Three Jewels, and I have reverently observed the teachings of the Dao since youth. Although my sincerity turns toward the supreme teaching, my understanding has been dim regarding the profound ford. Carefully examining the varied writings by which the internal and external sages opened the way and guided [beings]: the Tathāgata spoke of the three vehicles to mark the single destination, and explained the two truths to awaken those clinging to bias; the former kings explained the five rites to facilitate love and respect, and proclaimed the six musics to guide the nature and spirit. Some revealed the three times to verify cause and effect, while others clarified sincere resonance to test actual response. How could one abruptly dismiss the source of the spirit and forever sever conditioned consciousness? If that were so, the retributions of good and evil would be stated in vain, and the establishment of sacrifices and respect would be false. Seeking this in reason and feeling, how could it be acceptable? Yet the deluded still harbor many biased attachments. For this reason, the August Sage broadly observed and roamed his spirit in the sublime gate; every word uttered set forth principle, bright as the morning sun, and his issued text displayed proof, luminous as a night torch. It fully suffices to guide the ignorant and dull, and satisfy the faith of the ordinary and base. Reverently practicing the imperial decree, I thoroughly examine the source of my mind. Respectfully drafting this reply, I cannot fully express my joy. Disciple Lu Lian presents this.