弘明集 10.37

10.37

Gun pays homage. Graced by your notice and receiving your demonstration of the imperial decree answering the Treatise on the Extinction of the Spirit, prostratively perusing its profound intent purges my heart and clears away burdens. I reflect that the root of the imperceptible and inaudible is difficult to seek, and the source of the wondrous and arcane cannot be seen. Were it not for a supreme sage, there would be none to speak of its principle; were it not for the utmost sagacity, how could one express its ultimate? The August Emperor thoroughly probes the spirit, embodies tranquility, and reflects on the Dao. Dwelling in the subtle, when he gives voice to virtuous sounds, the three times become manifest of themselves; spreading good words, their echo is received across a thousand li. Truly it harmonizes with ritual respect, its righteousness moving humans and deities alike. The principle fans the mysterious breeze, and virtue covers the unseen and the manifest. The vast long night of enduring darkness suddenly turns to dawn; the squirming foolish beings are singly awakened in a single morning. It stimulates the hidden merits of the Deer Park and pours down the stream of the Dharma into daily practice. The grand name spreads forever, and flourishing fruits race forth. Those who are lost and stagnant know to turn back, and sinking doubts naturally subside. Your disciple's devotion has long been deep, and my joy is doubled and redoubled. I shall carry it with me continually, not daring to let it fall; yet my ladle-measuring and tube-gazing leaves me feeling as if I have missed the whole. Xu Gun pays homage.