弘明集 10.51

10.51

Graced by your notice, I have prostratively seen the Lord above's response answering the ministers' examination of the Treatise on the Extinction of the Spirit; my dark ignorance was awakened, shining brightly with illumination. Indeed, supreme principle is empty and quiescent; the destination of the Dao is void and subtle. Only the ultimate wisdom of the highest sage could exhaust its wondrous reality; ordinary mortals of floating lives naturally cannot discern its mysterious depths. As I have heard, the treatise's author claimed that the teachings handed down in the classics are merely traces of instruction, whereas the ancient books of the Buddha are deceptive and strange, difficult to comprehend through reason. Here words and speech are cut off. We have looked up to the holy thoughts toiling to analyze and explain the feelings of the multitudes for the ministers; how could one not rejoice and praise it? Inscribing and imbibing the bright decree, I shall embrace it from beginning to end. The Dharma Master's canonical instructions make me all the more ashamed and grateful. Your disciple Yu Tanlong pays homage.