廣弘明集 16.6

16.6

Your subject [Xiao Gang], speaking his tabooed name, states: Your subject has heard that the joint prayers of the eight kingdoms were an affair that elevated the origin of the Dharma; that the seven regions were all endowed with it was a principle fully manifested in the gushing springs. Thus the ivory couch and the white parasol could never be seen without a cause; the golden vase and the jeweled reliquary-casket emerged solely through conditions. We humbly reflect that Your Majesty suspends the heavenly mirror within the realm and exercises great expedients across the universe. As the three realms of existence share in a single dream, You shine upon them with the sun of wisdom; as the hundred herbs wither alike, You moisten them with the rain of compassion. Your movement and stillness do not stem from Yourself; Your walking and abiding accord with external things. None is able to give it a name; how could your subject praise it? Therefore, beside the illustrious light of the red book, former histories appear insignificant in their portents; compared to the magic herbs and radiant jades, past generations seem trivial in their treasures. What is truly hard to encounter are the relics of the Tathāgata's true form: illuminating the precious vase, gleaming upon the virtuous water, like beholding chain-links of bone, like seeing a dragon's jewel. Were it not for sage virtue and awe-inspiring spiritual power, there would be no means to encounter such rarity! Devas and humans place them upon their heads; near and far turn their hearts in refuge. Your subject humbly hears that King Aśoka Monastery is just now to be adorned, with a bestowal of millions of gold pieces and generous gifts from the ten storehouses, treasures displayed from the River treasury and funds issued from the Bureau of the Water Clock. Monks bear earth as the great edifice is being constructed; arhats stretch the cords as the lofty stūpa is about to be raised. Filled with boundless joy, I respectfully present one million copper coins. Although my devotion matches the scattering of flowers and my mind accords with the inexhaustible, my modest gift is merely like trickling drops, utterly base and next to nothing. Presumptuously venturing to bring this to Your imperial attention, your subject humbly submits this memorial with trepidation and sweat. Respectfully submitted.