廣弘明集 28.74

28.74

旦來雨氣殊有初寒。攝衛已久轉得其力。雖他方法界略息化緣。祇洹之裏恒有語對。眷佇之深無時不積。久因倩師頻述方寸。不知巧笑之僧。頗為津及不耳。前昨已來徵事義聚。龍象畢同應供皆集。慧炬開心甘露入頂。聞之善謔特盡歡怡。想味之懷轉復無極。昔幼年經聞制旨。受道日淺北面未深。雖異禪那事同花水。今段西下特蓄本心。訪理質疑屬在明德。不謂般若留難。現疾未瘳問津無地。歎恨何已。伏承輿駕尋幸伽藍。冀於此時得一覯。止辯論青豆之房。遣惑赤花之舍。追往年之宿眷。述即日之寸心。此事此期必冀非爽。指遣承問佇有還書。綱白和南。

Since morning, the chill of rain has brought an unusual early cold. Having long maintained health regimens, I am gradually recovering my strength. Although in other worlds the conditions for conversion have briefly paused, inside the Jetavana grove there are always dialogues. My deep yearning accumulates at all times. Long through Master Qian have I repeatedly conveyed my heart's feelings, not knowing whether that monk of artful smile has mediated them at all or not. For the past couple of days, the doctrinal assembly has convened: dragons and elephants all united, and those worthy of offerings gathered completely. The torch of wisdom opens the mind; the amṛta enters the crown of the head. Hearing their excellent witticisms brought me extraordinary delight. The sentiment of savouring this is boundlessly renewed. Formerly in my youth, when hearing the imperial decree on scriptures, having received the Way for only a short time, I had not bowed deeply facing north; though differing from dhyāna, it was like flowers on the water. This time going west, I particularly cherished my original intention; inquiring into principle and interrogating doubts depended upon your eminent virtue. Who would have thought that obstacles to wisdom would arise: my current illness has not yet healed, and I have nowhere to seek the crossing. How can my regret and sighing ever end? Respectfully I have learned that the imperial carriage will soon proceed to the saṅghārāma. I hope that at this time we may meet once, resting and debating in the room of green beans, and banishing confusion in the cottage of red flowers. Reviving our old affections from years past, I express my innermost feelings of today. In this matter and at this appointed time, I certainly hope there will be no failure. Dispatching this to inquire after your health, I await your reply. Gang speaks, bowing in reverence.