弘明集 4.18

4.18

The sagely deliberations are hard to fathom, and spiritual responses cannot be measured. As the Master of Central Scattering [Xi Kang] said, 'Those of middling capacity exhaust themselves, yet none can find their beginning.' How could shallow shores probe and draw from them? It is merely that Emperor Wen of Wei's asbestos cloth was recorded as an anomaly in another age, and Teng Xun's shrimp whiskers brought shame upon his contemporaries; hence with matters beyond regular measures, one is timorous about judging them arbitrarily. You have already examined their reality and falsehood, and are now recording them for immortality, uniquely discerning their firmness and refinement. It is hard to raise further doubts. I merely write down my remaining thoughts, resolving them point by point in accordance with your reply. The affairs intertwine misfortune and blessing; the concepts mingle the barbarian and the Huaxia. Although aiming for concise statements, it spontaneously amounts to a wordy text. Beyond this, I wish to say no more.