弘明集 12.84

12.84

I am deeply favored by your fine instruction, which states: “The Buddhist teaching prizes the spirit; the brightness and darkness of the spirit each has its original allotment; the principle of the master lies in evoking awakening; as for the way of the ruler, it can develop this life and allow the realization of its Dao. Thus the master lacks the excellence of all-embracing pervasiveness, while the ruler possesses the virtue of encompassing the master.” To magnify and exalt the sovereign's great ritual and distinguish the relative depths of the 'Three to be Served'—it is truly as your lofty argument has said, truly as your lofty argument has said! The reason I rashly spoke my vulgar views recently, leading to this back-and-forth, was because your inquiries were so focused that I could not conceal anything, and so I ended up arguing a different line of reasoning, which was not merely the confusion of habitual convention. Having repeatedly examined your subtle purport, its principle is truly vast and profound; it is like removing a blindfold. Here it is. I have learned that you have already ordered Yu and Huan to implement the affair of supreme respect; when this is settled in time, both public and private will be exceedingly fortunate. Looking up in admiration, what I have realized makes me beat the rhythm in approval. As for your instruction regarding the river Hao, I dare not presume to accept it.