弘明集 10.45

10.45

Mao pays homage. Graced by your notice, I have prostratively seen the imperial decree answering the Treatise on the Extinction of the Spirit; carrying it upon my head with leaping joy, I cannot keep from dancing. Although the spiritual principle is vast and boundless, beyond the reach of established speech, the bequeathed texts of the ranks of sages are brilliantly manifest. None fail to clap their hands and clasp their robes in reverence, standardly complying with the constant canons. How could one falsely advance hollow fabrications, grievously slandering the ancient edicts, claiming that future karmic conditions cannot be expected, and abandoning the supreme rites of offerings and sacrifices? The path of delusion is vast; the road back has nowhere to anchor. Once suffering and emptiness arrive, there is regret but no remedy. The Lord above embraces brilliance and embodies sagacity, wondrously probing truth and falsehood. Putting forth righteous arguments to illuminate his words, he serves as a boat and ferry for the drowning. How could it merely be that devas and humans praise and admire it? Surely the Buddhas also reflect their light upon it. Your disciple has long rested his mind on relying upon the Pure Land; repeatedly meeting with auspicious fortune, I happen to encounter a flourishing age. I shall now accumulate future causes and forever be molded by compassionate guidance. The sincerity of my delighted joy does not stop at today; not yet having attained an audience, I have always deeply yearned for you. Having recently paid a visit, I had no means to convey this in person. Wang Mao pays homage.