廣弘明集 18.44

18.44

有新論道士以為。寂鑒微妙不容階級。積學無限何為自絕。今去釋氏之漸悟而取其能至。去孔氏之殆庶而取其一極。一極異漸悟能至非殆庶。故理之所去雖合各取。然其離孔釋矣。余謂二談救物之言。道家之唱得意之說。敢以折中。自許竊謂新論為然。聊答下意。遲有所悟。

There is a scholar of the new treatise who holds that silent mirror-like insight is subtle and profound, not admitting of gradual stages; as accumulating learning is limitless, why cut oneself off? Now, I would discard the gradual awakening of the Śākya clan and adopt their 'can reach it'; I would discard the 'nearly there' of the Kong clan and adopt their 'single ultimate.' A single ultimate differs from gradual awakening; 'can reach it' is not 'nearly there.' Therefore, though what is rejected in principle is reconciled by adopting each, it nevertheless departs from both Confucius and Śākya. I consider the two discourses to be words to rescue beings, while the proclamation of the Daoist masters is an explanation that captures the inner meaning. Daring to strike a balance, I allow myself to privately deem the new treatise to be correct. I shall briefly respond with my humble ideas, awaiting some awakening.