廣弘明集 21.48

21.48

臣統啟。主書周昂。奉宣勅旨。垂參臣今解講。伏以至理希夷微言淵奧。非所能鑽仰。遂以無庸叨茲宣釋。將應讓齒。反降教胄之恩。允宜尚學。翻荷說經之詔。竊以挾八威之策。則神物莫干。服九丹之華。則仙徒可役。臣仰承皇威訓茲學侶。奉揚聖旨洞曉群儒。鼓冶異師陶鈞久滯。方使惠施恧其短長。公孫罷其堅白。王生挫辨既盡神氣。法開受屈永隱東峯。中使曲臨彌光函席。仰戴殊慈不知啟處。不任下情。謹奉啟事謝聞。謹啟。

Your servant Tong reports: The Palace Writer Zhou Ang has reverently proclaimed the imperial decree, graciously ordering participation in your servant's current elucidation of the lecture. Prostrate, I consider that the ultimate principle is silent and subtle, and the profound words are deep and mysterious; they are not what I can bore into or look up to. Yet, lacking capability, I have unworthily assumed this proclamation and exposition. When I should have deferred to seniority, the favor of educating the noble youth was instead conferred on me; when it was proper that I should apply myself to study, I received instead the imperial decree to expound the scripture. I humbly consider that he who holds the tally of the eight awe-inspiring powers finds that spiritual creatures dare not oppose him; he who ingests the blossom of the nine-fold elixir can command the host of immortals. Your servant, reverently upholding the imperial majesty, instructs these fellow learners, proclaims the sage's intent, and brings complete understanding to the multitude of scholars. Stirring the forge against divergent masters, I harmonize long-standing stagnations. I shall cause Hui Shi to be ashamed of his arguments on short and long, Gongsun to cease his discourse on hard and white, and Master Wang's defeated eloquence to exhaust his mental vigor, while Fakai, suffering defeat, will forever conceal himself on the Eastern Peak. The imperial messenger graciously arrived, bringing even greater luster to the lecturer's seat. Revering your extraordinary benevolence, I know not where to turn. Unable to bear my humble feelings, I respectfully submit this memorial of gratitude. Respectfully reported.