弘明集 10.85

10.85

You have condescended to inform me. Graciously showing me the imperial decree replying to a subject's examination of the treatise on the extinction of the spirit, I respectfully receive it with joy and admiration, so glad that I can scarcely contain myself. The ocean is abyssal and vast, not something reached by a frog in a well; tranquil absorption in samādhi is not something non-Buddhists can achieve. When not a single hair is stirred, the host of heterodoxies retreats and scatters; when the ferry has crossed over, the other shore is transcended and mounted. The sagacious sovereign's essence harbors the two forces of Heaven and Earth; his virtue unites the Three Dynasties. Holding the spiritual trigger, he unifies the ultimate; grasping supreme wisdom, he harmonizes the people. Issuing commands and decrees, the wind blows and the grass bends; facing the court in reverent silence, his transformation moves like a spirit. Exalting the Five Thearchs to match their footsteps, transcending myriad kalpas to endure forever, he nonetheless sounds the chime of metal in the palm of his hand, sending down wondrous thoughts to enlighten the ignorant. The principle, as one looks up to it, grows ever deeper; the purport, as one drills into it, grows ever farther. It equals the priceless jewel, and matches the lotus unstained by dust. Filial reverence covers the common people; instructional models glorify the former sages. Those that crawl and breathe alike recognize this joy; those that flutter and wriggle together partake in this celebration. That this announcement has condescended to reach the lowly leaves me with profound honor and gratitude. Reverently lifting it to my head and writing it on my sash, it will forever enlighten my mediocre confusion. Your disciple Sun Yi bows in reverence.