廣弘明集 18.12

18.12

Duke Dai An pays reverent homage. Your disciple has frequently read the classical texts, which all state that the arrival of misfortune and fortune is due to the accumulation of deeds. For this reason, from youth I disciplined myself, until my hair turned white; in action I did not betray those who knew me, and in speech I did not harm living creatures. Yet throughout my life I have experienced distress, suffering, and bitterness to the utmost. Looking at my solitary shadow, desolately I find myself alone. Profound principles are difficult to fathom, while immediate feelings are easily entangled. Whenever deep thoughts arise in the middle of the night, grief and lamentation fill my breast. Only now do I realize that long life or early death, adversity or success, naturally have their fixed allotments; the talk of accumulating goodness and accumulating evil is merely words of moral exhortation and instruction. Recently I composed this Treatise on Resolving Doubts, and now present it to you. I hope that in your moments of leisure you might perhaps examine it. Duke Dai An pays reverent homage.