廣弘明集 21.8

21.8

殿下以生知上識。精義入神。自然勝辯。妙談出俗。每一往復闔筵心醉。真令諸天讚善。實使釋梵雨華。貧道雖幼知向方。而長無成業。簉之濫吹聖明。而識慚無退者。豈不願餐幽致。敢祈仰者。誠在希聞妙說。今猥蒙答旨。未許群情。退思輕脫用深悚懼。渴仰有實飢虛非假。循思檢願重以祈聞。唯希甘露當開。用得永祛鄙悋。伏願四弘本誓。曲允三請。殷勤謹啟。

Your Highness, endowed with innate knowledge and superior intellect, penetrates the spirits with subtle meaning. Your natural, superior eloquence and wondrous discourses transcend the mundane. With every exchange, the entire assembly is enraptured; truly you cause the devas to praise your excellence and indeed make Śakra and Brahmā rain down flowers. Although in my youth I knew the right direction, in adulthood I have achieved no accomplishment. I join the ranks of those playing the reed-pipe unskillfully under this sage clarity, yet the reason my consciousness feels no shame in not withdrawing—how could it not be that I yearn to receive the profound purport? That I dare to make this request truly stems from the hope to hear the wondrous discourse! Now I have unworthily received your reply, which does not grant the assembly's request. Retreating to reflect on my rashness, I feel deep dread. My thirst and longing are real; my hunger and emptiness are no pretense. Examining my thoughts and checking my vows, I again pray to hear. I only hope the amṛta will be opened, thereby forever dispelling my base stinginess. I humbly pray that by your original fourfold great vow, you will graciously grant this triple request. With earnest devotion, I respectfully present this petition.