弘明集 10.77

10.77

Your disciple Xiaocai bows in reverence. The imperial decree replying to a subject's examination of the treatise on the extinction of the spirit has reached and been shown to me. I venture to think that Pengsheng standing like a boar manifested blame upon the Duke of Qi; Yuanbo's dangling hat-strings was an exalted deed in Han history. Furthermore, taking the severed tally as an analogy, the meaning lies in its necessary preservation. That the spirit is not extinguished is the consistent thread of both Dharma and the secular; to wish to extinguish the spirit loses both inner and outer teachings. This is what is called peering at the vault of heaven through a tube—how could one distinguish west from east? Or measuring the vast ocean with a ladle—how could one know even its outline? The imperial decree is vast and deep, attentive to wondrous forms; the sagacious feelings are full of commiseration, lingering over the sacrificial offerings. How could this merely cause the scriptural teachings to flourish? It truly causes the ignorant to awaken to the Dao. That your caring reach has extended so far, graciously distributing it to me, engraves this instruction and guidance so that it overflows my heart. Your disciple Fan Xiaocai bows in reverence.