弘明集 6.34

6.34

少子致書。諸遊生者曰張融白。鳥哀鳴於將死。人善言於就暮。頃既病盛生衰。此亦魂留幾氣。況驚舟失柁於空壑。山足無絆於澤中。故視陰之間雖寸每遽。不縫其徙也。欲使魄後餘意繩墨。弟姪故為門律。數風其一章通源二道。今奏諸賢以為何若。

Shaoxi sends this letter to the various wandering scholars, saying: Zhang Rong speaks. A bird sings mournfully when about to die; a person speaks good words when approaching his end. Recently, as illness has grown severe and life has declined, this is also a case of the soul lingering for only a few breaths. Moreover, it is like a frightened boat losing its rudder in an empty gorge, or the foot of a mountain without bonds in the middle of a marsh. Therefore, in the brief time of looking at shadows, though only an inch, there is always urgency, unable to mend its passing. Wishing that the remaining intentions after my spirit's departure serve as a guide for my younger brothers and nephews, I have composed these Family Regulations. I frequently chant its one chapter on 'Penetrating the Source of the Two Paths'. I now present it to you worthy gentlemen to see what you think of it.